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Who doesn't love some pretty flowers on a windowsill, table or desk? Somehow they just transform any space, making it more fresh and lively. But cut flowers are expensive. And between the giant carbon footprint, fair trade issues and the pesticides used, I have some reservations about purchasing cut flowers. Sure, I could buy organic flowers, but the bottom line goes up even more. So what's a flower-loving girl on a budget to do?
There are tons of inexpensive, eco-friendly ways to get your hands on flowers—you just need to be inventive and think outside the box. Here are my top tips for finding beautiful blooms.
Glorious Garden
This one may seem obvious, but why not clip a few stems from your garden? Sure you want to enjoy the blooms outdoors, but stealing a tulip here and a rose there probably won't make much of a difference to your outdoor space, but it can make all the difference indoors.
Wildflower Child
Are you ever driving along and notice pretty wildflowers (okay, some could probably be called weeds along public roads? Don't just gaze longingly, pull over and swipe a few for the kitchen or dining room. Just make sure they're on public land and that they're considered weeds before you pull out the garden shears—you don't want to get slapped with a fine (or worse, arrested) for stealing flowers the city has planted.
Neighborhood Swap
If you're coveting your neighbor's blooms, consider a swap of sorts. Offer some of your blooms or some fruits and vegetables from your garden in exchange for the pretty flowers. You'd be surprised how receptive your neighbors may be to the idea.
Potted Pleasure
If you're having guests over and want a few flowers around, head to the local nursery and ask if there are any locally-grown potted flowers or plants on sale. Garden centers usually reduce the price of plants that are in full bloom—particularly if they're annuals. Snap up those plants, take them home and snip off all of the best blooms to fill vases, bowls, pitchers or any other vessels.
Secondhand Funeral Flowers
This one doesn't strictly avoid cut flowers, but you won't be buying them and you'll be extending their use, so it's worth mentioning. It may sound morbid, but if you want free but beautiful flowers, hit up the local funeral home. Family members usually take a few arrangements, but many flowers get left behind. And don't overlook your local church or synagogue—all those weddings mean a lot of flowers. While guests usually snap up floral arrangements from the reception, the flowers decorating the church are usually forgotten.
Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of Naturally Savvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
Related Posts:
Skip the Cut Flowers; Choose Eco-Friendly Succulent Plants
Make Your Party Bloom with Eco-Friendly Centerpieces
Say It With Organic Flowers
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com
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