The Environment
Fiori Floral Design has a strong commitment to a healthy environment. Wherever possible we source our flowers locally and purchase from American growers. Miles Johnson, the owner of Fiori Floral Design, serves as an industry liaison on the board of directors for the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market a cooperative of Northwest flower farmers. He is an avid supporter of the co-op and purchases many of the flowers that we use from the market.
We also grow some of our own flowers. Our studio has its own grow garden with beautiful hydrangeas, hellebores, muscari, succulents, Lily of the Valley, pieris japonica, and the most beautiful lilac you have ever seen! How’s that for fresh flowers? When local sourcing is not an option, we look for Veriflora certified and Fair Trade cut flowers and greenery.
We also have a strong commitment to preserving our natural resources and keeping waste out of landfills. We are fanatical recyclers. All of our unused foliage is salvaged and converted to compost. Fiori Floral Design is the only florist in King County certified by EnviroStars for our efforts to prevent pollution and reduce hazardous waste.
Floral Foam
We use floral foam very sparingly -- you know that green foam that flowers are often stuck into. It was a boon to florists when it was first introduced in 1954 because it held flowers firmly allowing for more sculptural designs. Unfortunately it can only be used once and does not break down in landfills. All of the floral foam that has been made since its invention still exists today. When we do use floral foam it is out of necessity and we gather all trimmed pieces that were cut off for use in other applications so that very little goes to waste.
Flowers last longer in water with flower food than they will in floral foam. We prefer more sustainable methods to make sure that our floral arrangements hold together. Most of our arrangements have an armature built from variegated pittosporum to hold flowers in place. It costs several times more than using floral foam but it is the right thing to do for the environment, our customers and ourselves.
Vase Recyling
Do you have a collection of vases that you don’t want to throw away that are taking up space in a cabinet? Bring them to us and we will be happy to take care of them for you. We will repurpose what we can and take the rest to a recycling center for you so that they can have new life. All we ask is that you call us to schedule an appointment before dropping them off. We can be reached at (206) 329-3944. Let us know that you would like to take advantage of our Vase Recycling program when you call.
Other Ways That We Can Help
Do you have flowers left over after an event or wedding? We are happy to assist you with making sure that they can be enjoyed for their full lifespan. Here are some ideas:
- Give arrangements to guests to take home with them to enjoy. If you choose this option we are happy to provide boxes so you guests have a safe way to transport them home with them.
- Surprise someone who was incredibly helpful to you by filling their home with flowers after your event. We are happy to arrange transportation for you.
- Donate your flowers to a nursing home, hospice or women’s shelter. If the organization is a non-profit your donation may even be tax deductible.* We have donated flowers to a local women’s shelter several times and the recipients and their children were extremely grateful.
- Floranthropy is a local service that will pick up flowers and deliver the repurposed arrangements to Seattle area hospitals, senior homes, hospice centers, shelters and other facilities for a small fee. They will even gather and provide you with tax deductible receipts from the recipient/non-profit organization.
