Let's Talk Sustainable Floristry
Sustainable Floristry at the Heart of Farewell Flowers Directory’s Chelsea Gold
Farewell Flowers Directory's Gold Medal-winning exhibit at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show wasn’t just beautiful — it was a powerful showcase of sustainable floristry in the funeral industry, a sector often overlooked in the sustainability conversation.
Rethinking Traditional Funeral Flowers
Traditional funeral floristry often relies on floral foam (which contains microplastics), imported flowers, and single-use packaging. Funeral Flowers Directory took a bold stand against this with a display that demonstrated how eco-conscious choices can still offer deep meaning and artistry.
Their exhibit embraced environmentally friendly techniques and materials, such as:
- Foam-Free Arrangements: All designs were created without floral foam, using reusable and compostable mechanics such as moss, willow structures, and natural twine.
- Locally Grown Flowers: The majority of blooms used were sourced from British flower farms, reducing carbon footprint and supporting local growers.
- Seasonal and Native Plants: The team highlighted the natural beauty of seasonal, native species like cornflowers, foxgloves, and wild roses — plants that are both symbolically rich and wildlife-friendly.
- Biodegradable and Reusable Materials: Wrappings, ribbons, and containers used in the display were either biodegradable or repurposed, aligning with circular economy principles.
- Pollinator-Friendly Designs: The display was designed to attract bees and butterflies, echoing the idea that even in grief, we can contribute to life and renewal.
Education and Legacy
Beyond the show garden itself, Funeral Flowers Directory used their platform at Chelsea to educate the public and the industry. Informational panels and digital content explained the impact of conventional floristry and offered practical tips for choosing more sustainable options — like requesting British flowers, avoiding plastics, and supporting florists with eco-certifications.
They’ve also committed to a “Green Tribute” pledge, encouraging florists across the UK to adopt sustainable practices in funeral floristry. The goal is to create a movement where environmentally responsible choices become the norm in commemorating loved ones.
A Message of Hope
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Funeral Flowers Directory’s Chelsea exhibit sent a profound message: that the ways we say goodbye can be gentle on the planet while still being deeply personal, respectful, and beautiful. Their win is not just a medal — it’s a call to action for an entire industry to evolve with care and conscience.
You can see more on their blog post or website directory.
Flowers in the Fosse Group
Car Colston & Screveton Parish have their own sustainable floristry policy for both the church and the churchyard. This includes avoiding floral foam and using locally grown flowers wherever possible, often from local gardens.
Next time you're looking at flowers, in good times and sad, think about the future of those flowers!
(Thank you to Farewell Flowers Directory for allowing us to use their photos)