Beyond sustainability
Talks of sustainability are usually introduced with all the things going wrong in this world. But what if instead of focusing on all the wrong, we considered a different question. What if we get this right? We have the tools and knowledge to solve the climate crisis. We need action. Here’s what I’m up to, how ‘bout you?
Photo Credit Painted Leaf Photography
Environmental Impact
We’re not just growing a garden, we are creating a robust ecosystem.
If you visit the garden when flowers are in bloom, you’ll see pollinators galore. Several species of bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths make their home in the garden. Beneath the soil, are thousands of millipedes, worms, and other decomposers, helping to create rich, fertile soil.
We sold our lawnmower and haven’t looked back. Instead, we have created mulched pathways with blocks of native ground cover between expansive garden beds.
This is a pesticide-free garden. To keep unwanted pests in check, we use organic methods such as soap, diversification, interplanting, and manual pest management.
Synthetic fertilizers don’t cut it, especially in Florida. Fertilizer runoff is a big source of algae blooms which contribute to red tide in our area. Instead, we use a combination of best practices to create healthy soil including compost, cover crop, and fish waste.
Social impact
Flowers bring us together. Sharing local, organic, healthy flowers with our community is very important to me. Every year, at least 5% of profits are donated to local causes through special events, or heartfelt bouquets.
Some past organizations include: Metropolitan Ministries, Moms Demand Action, Sulphur Springs Battleground, Project No Labels, Creative Mornings St Pete, Palm Avenue Baptist Tower Assisted Living Facility, and more.
Zero Waste
Composting is one of the easiest ways to address climate change. It’s a magical, ancient technology that sucks up carbon from the atmosphere, and creates fertile soil. So far, I’ve composted about 60,000 lbs of organic matter, which is equivalent to the same amount of carbon sequestered by 31 acres of forest in one year.
Zero waste is more than a value and practice. It’s a fundamental influence in my design aesthetic. It means that I forgo the conventional florist mechanics such as floral foam, wires, and tape in favor of natural elements such as twigs and twine.
Transportation
Conventional cut flowers travel 2,300 miles on average. Besides the carbon dioxide emissions from airplanes and trucks, there’s also the energy costs of refrigeration. About 75% of the cut flowers in the US are imported from overseas, sometimes as far away as the Netherlands, or Africa.
Whenever possible, I deliver and harvest flowers by bike. This is great for my health, as well as the health of our environment. It’s been a joy to deliver thousands of stems from my garden in Tampa Heights to hundreds of homes and events throughout Tampa. Here’s to thousands more.