Westport is filled with flowers, all spring and summer long.
They’re everywhere: gardens, roadsides, farm stands and stores.
But 80% of flowers sold in the US are imported. That’s not good news, for florists and designers who want to support local growers.
Local flowers, after all — those sold within a few days of harvesting — are fresher and more fragrant than those flown in, then trucked around from overseas.
Local flowers last longer in vases, and are untreated by harsh preservatives. (They also usually cost less.)
From April through November, Westporters have access to a huge range of local flowers.
That means a lot to Michele Sinacore. The owner of Blossom + Stem Floral Design is dedicated to supporting local growers. (Many are female-owned businesses, which is also important to her.)
Michele works through the Connecticut Flower Collective. Based in Meriden, it enables florists and designers to order local flowers from over 100 growers each week, for delivery or in-person pickup.
Michele Sinacore, shopping at the Connecticut Flower Collective.
In addition, local growers like the Westport Flower Garden sell to both florists and customers. Marisa Zer’s “home micro flower farm” in Greens Farms grows sustainably, and sells flowers to local customers and florists for weddings, events and bouquets.
The Westport Flower Garden can tell a florist like Michele what they have ready to harvest each week, and how many bunches. Varieties change each week.
They include peony style double tulips, Italian ranunculus, anemones, Iceland poppies, garden roses, various hydrangeas, and (coming soon through the fall) dahlias.
Think globally. But grow — and buy flowers — locally.
(Blossom + Stem also offers a subscription program, and private workshops. Click here for details, or email hello@blossomstem.com, or call 203-293-4275. Follow Michele on social media: @blossomstem. Click here to learn more about Westport Flower Garden, or follow on social media: @westportflowergarden.
Westport Flower Garden.
