Why Locally Grown Flowers Are Different from Supermarket Flowers
Flowers are flowers, right?
Well, not quite.
While supermarket flowers certainly have their place, there are some key differences between locally grown flowers and the bunches you'll typically find on supermarket shelves.
At Cicely Flowers, all of my flowers are grown here in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. They're harvested by hand, conditioned carefully and sold just a few metres from where they were grown. That short journey makes a remarkable difference.
1. They're fresher
Most supermarket flowers have travelled a long way before they reach the shop floor. They may have been grown overseas, transported through wholesalers and distribution centres, and spent days in storage before being purchased.
Locally grown flowers follow a much shorter journey.
At Cicely Flowers, flowers are often harvested and on the flower stand within a day of being cut, helping them arrive in your home looking and feeling their best.
2. They reflect the season
Supermarkets tend to offer many of the same flowers throughout the year.
Locally grown flowers are different. They change with the seasons.
In spring, there might be tulips, narcissi and peonies. Summer brings campanula, cornflowers, cosmos and dahlias. Autumn offers rich colours, seed heads and textures that simply aren't available earlier in the year.
Part of the joy of locally grown flowers is that every season brings something new to enjoy.
3. They often have more scent and movement
Many flowers grown for the commercial flower trade are selected for their ability to travel long distances and withstand handling.
Locally grown flowers can be chosen for other qualities too, including fragrance, natural movement and character.
Curving stems, delicate tendrils and flowers that dance in the breeze all help create bouquets that feel natural and full of life.
4. You know who grew them
When you buy locally grown flowers, there's a real person behind every bunch.
At Cicely Flowers, every seed is sown, every stem harvested and every bouquet arranged by hand here in Bradford on Avon.
For many people, knowing where their flowers have come from and who has grown them is part of what makes them special.
5. You're supporting a local business
Choosing locally grown flowers helps support small businesses and local economies.
Every bouquet purchased from Cicely Flowers helps support a small flower-growing business in Wiltshire and allows me to continue growing seasonal flowers for the local community.
Which is better?
There isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer.
Supermarket flowers are convenient and widely available. But if you're looking for flowers that are fresh, seasonal, full of character and grown close to home, locally grown flowers offer something quite different.
They tell the story of the season, the weather and the place they were grown.
And for me, that's what makes them so special.
If you'd like to experience the difference for yourself, you can find fresh seasonal flowers on the Cicely Flowers flower stand in Bradford on Avon every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or reserve a bouquet in advance through the website.
Gift Bouquets – Locally Grown Seasonal Flowers for Any Occasion
Celebrate a special occasion or surprise a loved one with a beautifully crafted gift bouquet made from seasonal, locally grown flowers. Each bouquet is carefully arranged to showcase the best blooms available that week.
Bouquet Details:
Flower quality: Only fresh, seasonal flowers – hand-selected for beauty and impact
Wrapping: Eco-friendly craft paper and twine, perfect for gifting
Notice: Please order at least 24 hours in advance
Collection: Bouquets are collection only from BA15 1BE. Choose your preferred date and time slot at checkout
Make any moment special with a fresh, locally grown flower bouquet that’s thoughtfully arranged and ready to gift.
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE ORDERING FLOWERS FOR MARCH OR APRIL, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH BEFORE PLACING YOUR ORDER SO I CAN CONFIRM AVAILABILITY