Why Buying Locally Grown Flowers Matters (More Than You Think)
In a world where a bouquet can travel thousands of kilometres before landing in your arms, it’s easy to forget that flowers—those delicate, fragrant symbols of love and celebration—come with an environmental cost. While imported blooms may seem like the more convenient or exotic option, there's a strong case for choosing locally grown flowers that goes far beyond aesthetics. From reducing your carbon footprint to supporting your local economy, buying local blooms is a simple act with powerful impact.
The Journey of Imported Flowers
Most flowers sold in Australia (and globally) aren’t grown locally. In fact, up to 50% of cut flowers sold in Australia are imported, primarily from Kenya, Ecuador, and Colombia 1. These flowers are flown thousands of kilometres in refrigerated cargo holds, stored in cool rooms, and trucked to wholesalers and florists before reaching your vase. Each step in that process consumes fossil fuels and emits carbon dioxide.
A study by the University of Sussex found that imported flowers can have a carbon footprint 10 times higher than local flowers, largely due to air freight and cold storage 2. For example, a typical bunch of roses flown from Kenya to Europe can emit approximately 6.3 kg of CO₂ per 12 stems, compared to less than 0.5 kg if grown locally and seasonally.
The Rhoda Floral Design Difference
At Rhoda Floral Design, your trusted florist in Tecoma, we’re passionate about celebrating flowers the sustainable way. That’s why we source many of our blooms from local growers in and around the Dandenong Ranges—a region renowned for its rich soil, crisp air, and ideal flower-growing climate. Whenever possible, we also choose flowers grown in other suburbs of Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia, keeping our supply chains short and our flowers fresher.
Locally grown flowers aren’t just more sustainable—they’re often higher in quality, too. Because they haven’t endured long-haul travel or cold storage, their colours are more vibrant, their petals more intact, and their vase life often longer. You can literally see—and smell—the difference.
Environmental Impact: More Than Just Carbon
It's not just the CO₂ emissions that are cause for concern. Imported flowers often require:
Excessive pesticide use, sometimes with chemicals banned in Australia.
High water consumption in regions already facing water scarcity.
Packaging waste due to the need for protection during long-haul transport.
By contrast, local flower farms are subject to stricter environmental regulations, use fewer chemicals, and are often more transparent in their practices. Plus, local growers tend to favour seasonal blooms, which require less artificial lighting, heating, or refrigeration.
Supporting Local = Supporting Sustainability
When you buy from a local flower grower or a florist like Rhoda Floral Design—a proud part of the Dandenong Ranges florist community—you’re doing more than reducing emissions:
You’re boosting the local economy by supporting small-scale growers and florists.
You’re getting fresher, more robust flowers that last longer in your home or event space.
You’re connecting with the seasons, choosing flowers that are naturally thriving at that time of year.
You’re encouraging biodiversity by supporting farms that grow a variety of species rather than monocultures.
We also offer flower delivery in Tecoma, the Dandenong Ranges, and surrounding areas, making it easy for you to send sustainable beauty to someone special—or treat yourself.
In Bloom and In Balance
Buying flowers should bring joy—not just to the recipient, but to the world around us. Choosing locally grown blooms is a simple yet meaningful way to cut down on emissions, support Australian farmers, and celebrate nature the way it was meant to be—authentically and responsibly.
At Rhoda Floral Design, we’re proud to bring you the beauty of our region—straight from local farms to your hands. Whether you're looking for a florist in Tecoma or near Upwey, Belgrave and Ferny Creek, need a stunning bouquet for a celebration, or want flower delivery within the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding suburbs, we're here to help you share love, sustainably.
Sources:
Footnotes
Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Import Conditions for Cut Flowers ↩
Sim, S., Barry, M., Clift, R., & Cowell, S. (2007). The Relative Importance of Transport in Determining an Appropriate Sustainability Strategy for Food Sourcing. University of Sussex. ↩