Winter (Photography by Jay Murphy)
Summer (Photography by Jay Murphy)
By now the Holidays are a not too distant memory and Winter has settled in for the next few weeks. In the Northeast, in New England, this season marks a time of rest and ultimately regeneration, not just for the natural world around us but also for us, the human species. The sunlight has already begun to return and come March the thaw will follow. For now we crave fresh flowers and plants in our hands, and that connection to Nature seems hard to grasp. But is it?
Since Covid, there has been a huge surge in the cultivation of the indoor garden aka houseplants. Single cuttings of variegated Philodendron sold for hundreds of dollars during the Covid years, when initially devoid of the connection with nature (even State Parks were closed), many adapted by growing plants in their homes. We reconnected with Nature in our lifestyles as well, and many greenhouses were built and many farmer florists were born.
Yes, you can take advantage of deep Winter as the time to start growing materials that not only improve your physical and emotional well being but also help offset costs for materials come the Spring ahead, without the need for a greenhouse. Think plants with bold long lasting flowers and exciting foliage. Orchids, Calla lilies, Anthuriums, and Alocasias come to mind. Your studio or shop is your blank canvas to paint with plants that prosper in your lighting conditions. Grow lighting systems can help, too. And if you follow the Circular Economy System and have saved for reuse your mechanics like regenerative OSHUN Pouch and sustainable Sideau Agrawool, you have the materials you need to provide a healthy growing medium for your plants.
Combine together reused chunks of Agrawool and the OSHUN Pouch mix for the perfect growing medium..
Zero waste is always the goal when it comes to sustainable floristry practices and New Age Floral will make it easier to find the mediums you need for growing and designing. Check out our website for products for both Designers/Florists and Growers as we are adding to our inventory new formats not yet offered since our founding in 2020. Because when you grow we grow. The more you demand from us, the more we will respond and offer new products.
It really is amazing how much growth is happening in the Sustainable Floristry Industry. More people are thinking with a new mindset and adopting practices that align with a Circular Economy System. Sustainable floristry is purpose driven and is helping protect the Source of it all. There is much to be hopeful about! Look to the tree buds now for signs of warmer days as they are the future. Read the bark on the trees and the stories it tells. Look to the sky and see the Red-tailed Hawk catch the breeze and glide. And when you need a boost, get your hands in the dirt and nurture your indoor garden as it is a scientific fact that this will boost your mood. This is how to embrace Seasonality in the most challenging times. While the snow may fall you can get that dirt under your nails that brings you a dose of natural goodness.
