How the Festival of Flowers & Nature is going green
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, the upcoming festival will embrace a range of eco-conscious practices designed to reduce our environmental impact while still delivering breathtaking floral displays.
One of the most exciting changes is our commitment to using locally-grown, British flowers wherever possible. By choosing flowers grown here in the UK, we significantly cut down on the carbon emissions associated with importing blooms from overseas. This not only supports local flower farmers but also ensures that the displays truly reflect the beauty of our native and seasonal flora. Visitors can expect arrangements that are not only stunning but also rooted in the rhythms of the British countryside.
In addition, much of the foliage used in the displays will be sourced directly from the Cathedral gardens. This approach not only reduces the need for transportation but also highlights the rich natural heritage of our immediate surroundings. It’s a celebration of the land that sustains us, woven directly into the fabric of the festival.
When it comes to the infrastructure of the displays themselves, sustainability is again at the heart of our planning. Many of the structural supports and materials used will be recycled or repurposed, often from previous festivals or events. In particular, we will be using logs, branches, and timber harvested sustainably from the Cathedral estate. These natural materials not only provide a beautiful, organic aesthetic but also reduce the need for newly manufactured components, helping to minimize waste and conserve resources.
A major shift this year is our move away from traditional floral foam, which is widely used in floral arrangements but is non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment. Instead, the festival will feature planet-friendly alternatives, such as reusable mechanics and biodegradable support systems. These innovative solutions allow our florists and designers to create awe-inspiring displays without the environmental cost, aligning beauty with responsibility.
Together, these changes reflect our belief that creativity and care for the planet can go hand in hand. The Festival of Flowers & Nature is not only a celebration of the natural world but a conscious effort to protect it for generations to come.