Did you know that 95% of all cut flower sold in Ireland are imported? Thats seems like a unnecessary percentage considering we can grow flowers so well here ourselves. This week I am joined by Anna Browne from Big Sky Flowers and Maura Sheedy from Maura's Cottage flowers to talk about the flower farmers of Ireland and Irish Flower week.

Irish Flower week  runs from the 5th to the 11th of July and helps to showcase Irelands flower farmers and florists.
Its a great chat all about the flower farmers of Ireland, Irish flower week and Anna and Maura also give us their top flowers to grow in your own gardens.

You can find all the Flower Farmers of Ireland here
Website: https://flowerfarmersofireland.ie/about/
Todays Guests here:
Anna Browne Big Sky Flowers
https://bigskyflowers.ie
Maura Sheedy Maura's Cottage flowers
https://www.maurascottageflowers.ie
Press release for Irish Flower week.
Flower Farmers of Ireland report growing interest in Irishgrown flowers A growing number of “flower farmers” are cultivating their passion for beautiful fresh flowers and growing their own flowers and foliage on Irish soil. Over 95% of cut flowers sold in Ireland are imported from abroad, involving significant air miles. However, more and more consumers are now seeking out home-grown alternatives, according to Britta Baranowsky, Chairperson of the Flower Farmers of Ireland group.
The group currently has almost 60 members spread across Ireland. They share their knowledge and expertise with each other through online forums. From July 5-11, the organisation is running Irish Flower week, an annual celebration of the wealth and variety of Irish cut flowers, plants and foliage. “Our aim is to shine a spotlight on Irish flowers, to showcase the passion and skill of our members and the beauty of their produce. We hope to raise awareness of the increased availability of Irish home-grown flowers and educate consumers on when Irish flowers are in season. We want to encourage the public to support local by buying more Irish flowers”. She encouraged consumers to check the Flowers Farmers of Ireland website to see profiles of the members that are now growing and selling fresh flowers and foliage from Irish soil.
Britta Baranowsky said the Covid pandemic has encouraged many consumers to re-assess their buying habits, particularly when it comes to sustainability and environmental issues. “For example, our Members report a growing interest in buying from sources that are growing pollinator-friendly plants, given the need to support our vulnerable bee populations.” “We are also seeing increased online sales channels developing, with the courier network able to deliver fresh flowers nationwide”. Britta said that the group’s Members are creative individuals, with a keen eye for design and a passion for sustainability in everything they do.
Media enquiries: Britta Baranowsky +353 879493632

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John