Why Local Flowers?
80% of the flowers currently sold in the United States are imported from other countries. But the American-grown flower movement is on a mission to change that. Historically, florists in the US grew and sold their own home-grown flowers. The American flower industry is rich with history and there is a local flower movement happening across American soil once again. Kindness flowers intends to support the ones grown with love in our own country and local region.
With a decades long love for gardening and plants, I began the journey into growing cut flowers in 2018 on a small patch of land on a goat farm where my husband and I lived as part time care-takers. In the summer of 2022 we purchased our own plot of land in the Pumpkin Center area of Lincolnton, NC.
When my garden cannot provide everything I use for the design side of my business, I support other growers by sourcing locally grown flowers as much as possible. My definition of “local” expands to include American-grown in the winter season. Some may say this is restrictive to my creative business potential, and I think the opposite! To use only what grows in our local environment opens up the potential to explore new and often overlooked flowers and foliage creating more unique designs. What grows locally is extraordinary; and you may also find yourself asking why you would ever need to buy flowers that are grown over seas.
So why local?
Fostering support of community - Supporting those who devote their time, energy and love to growing cut flowers in our region. Flower lovers are able to connect with each other through local farms and markets, creating a sense of community. If you have a love for local agriculture, you will often want to support the people who are working in this field. (pun intended)
Freshest and longest lasting flowers you will ever experience. Because local flowers are cut only a day or two before they make it into your hands, they will last longer than you expect. Their colors are more vibrant and diverse!
Environmental Impact - The people in local agriculture are often sustainably-minded. They grow diversely and in a manner that supports a natural ecosystem in the field or garden. Instead of chemical insecticides and pesticides, they work on enhancing the health of the soil which helps the plants defend themselves against pests naturally. This is of course never perfect, but we are always learning with an earnest desire to do what’s right for the environment.
