There’s a certain magic in flowers that goes beyond their beauty. They remind us of seasons, places, and people we love. But in recent years, one question has started to bloom in the minds of flower lovers across the UK and here in Guernsey: Where do these flowers actually come from?
It’s a fair question. Many of the flowers on supermarket shelves have travelled thousands of miles, wrapped in layers of plastic and stored in cold rooms before reaching our homes. By the time they sit in a vase, much of their life has already been spent in transit. Compare that to a bouquet of locally grown freesias or dahlias, cut fresh in the morning and sold the very same day – the difference is striking, not just in longevity, but in meaning.
1. Fresher, Longer-Lasting Blooms
When you buy local, you’re not just buying flowers – you’re buying time. A freesia grown here in Guernsey, cut just hours before you take it home, will stay lively on your table far longer than one that’s flown in from overseas. Customers often tell us, “These last twice as long as the ones I bought at the supermarket.” That freshness is something you can’t replicate with imports.
2. Supporting Local Growers & Community
Every stem grown on the island is part of a bigger story. In Guernsey, flower growing has been woven into our heritage for generations. Many of our customers still remember the greenhouses dotting the landscape, filled with freesias destined for the mainland. Buying local flowers helps keep that legacy alive and supports growers who continue to work passionately despite the pressures of global trade. It’s more than a transaction – it’s a vote of confidence in your community.
3. A Smaller Carbon Footprint
The conversation around sustainability isn’t going away – and nor should it. When flowers don’t have to be shipped halfway across the globe, we cut down on emissions, refrigeration, and wasteful packaging. Each locally grown stem represents a quieter, greener choice, one that adds up when a whole community chooses to buy closer to home.
4. Flowers That Follow the Seasons
One of the joys of working with seasonal, local flowers is their honesty. Spring bouquets filled with freesias and narcissi smell of renewal. Summer arrangements burst with colour – hydrangeas, alstroemeria, and roses in full glory. Autumn brings deep, velvety dahlias and rustic foliage. Winter, meanwhile, surprises us with berries, evergreens, and crisp whites. Following the rhythm of the seasons makes every bouquet feel connected to a moment in time.
5. Our Promise at Classic Flowers
At Classic Flowers we’ve always believed flowers should feel personal. That’s why we work closely with local growers, choose seasonal blooms whenever possible, and avoid unnecessary plastics in our packaging. For us, it’s not just about arranging flowers – it’s about honouring a tradition that’s been part of Guernsey life for decades and making sure it continues for the next generation.
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Next time you’re choosing a bouquet, look beyond the petals. Is this arrangement supporting a local grower? Will it last longer because it hasn’t spent days in a lorry? Is it kinder to the environment? Flowers may be delicate, but the choices we make around them can be powerful.
Browse our Summer seasonal collection – grown at home, designed with care, and delivered with purpose.