The Beauty Of British-Grown, Organic Flowers: A Sustainable Choice For Florists & Designers

At Atlas Flowers, we’re passionate about sourcing and supplying the finest dried, preserved, and artificial flowers to florists and designers across the UK. But for us, beauty isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about sustainability too. That’s why we’re thrilled to see the growing demand for British-grown, organic flowers, as more florists and customers embrace eco-friendly blooms. According to The Guardian, a new wave of UK flower growers is flourishing, offering seasonal, locally grown alternatives to imported flowers. One such grower is our fantastic partner, Little Park Farm Everlastings. Nestled in the Devonshire countryside, these family run growers handpick and dry their own flowers, creating naturally beautiful, long-lasting arrangements and products that align perfectly with our own commitment to quality and sustainability.

In this article, we take a closer look at why British grown flowers are so loved, and how to use British grown dried flowers in your designs. We also shine a spotlight on Little Park Farm to gain their valuable insights.

What Are Organic Flowers?

If you’re wondering “What is an organic flower?” - you’re not alone! With sustainability at the heart of so many conversations, more florists and designers are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to conventionally grown blooms. Simply put, organic flowers are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. Instead, they’re cultivated using natural, earth-friendly methods that protect the environment while producing stunning, chemical-free blooms.

So, why does this matter? Organic growing methods do so much more than just avoid harmful chemicals - they actively support biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide a safe haven for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Healthier soil means stronger, more resilient plants, and a thriving ecosystem that benefits everyone. Plus, organic flowers are often grown with traditional, hands-on techniques, resulting in uniquely beautiful, high-quality stems with rich colours and natural charm.

But what about dried flowers? Since dried blooms start as fresh flowers, the same organic principles apply! However, there’s an extra step to consider - how they are dried and preserved. Truly organic dried flowers are air-dried naturally or preserved using eco-friendly methods, without artificial dyes, bleach, or harsh chemicals. That’s why we love working with growers like Little Park Farm Everlastings, who handpick and air-dry their flowers naturally, keeping them as pure and planet-friendly as possible. The result? Stunning, long-lasting flowers that are as kind to the environment as they are beautiful.

The Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Flowers

If you’re searching for “environmentally friendly flowers,” you’re probably looking for beautiful blooms that don’t cost the earth - literally! The good news? Sustainable flowers, especially dried and organically grown varieties, are a fantastic choice for florists, designers, and eco-conscious buyers. Here’s why they’re the greener choice:

Less Waste, Fewer Chemicals, and Lower Water Usage

• Sustainable flowers are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, protecting soil health and local ecosystems.
• They require less water than intensively farmed flowers, making them a more eco-conscious choice.
• By avoiding harmful chemicals, these flowers help support biodiversity and pollinators like bees and butterflies.

A Smaller Carbon Footprint vs. Imported Flowers

• Many traditional fresh flowers are flown thousands of miles, adding to carbon emissions before they even reach the UK.
• Sustainable flowers - especially those grown locally in the UK - cut out the need for air miles and excess transportation.
• Choosing British-grown flowers means supporting local farmers while reducing environmental impact.

Dried Flowers = Longer Lifespan, Less Waste

• Fresh flowers last days or weeks, while dried flowers can last months or even years!
• Fewer replacements mean less waste and a lower demand for constant production.
• They’re a perfect way to embrace slow, sustainable floristry without compromising on beauty.

Supplier Spotlight: Little Park Farm Everlastings

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Estate: Little Park Farm Everlastings, Little Park Farm, Exeter, Devon.
Founder: Helen Coley

When Helen bought her Devon farm in 2021, she didn’t just see fields - she saw potential. Her first instinct? Plant wildflowers - lots of them! What started as a passion for rewilding soon blossomed into Little Park Farm Everlastings, a haven for British-grown, organic dried flowers.

But Helen’s journey into flower farming wasn’t exactly traditional. After 30 years as a language teacher, she longed for land where she could create natural habitats, keep her horses in a regenerative way, and work in harmony with nature. Now, she’s built a thriving business supplying gorgeous, sustainable blooms to florists, designers, and retailers across the UK.

Growing and Drying the Natural Way

Helen’s ethos is simple: work with nature, not against it. That means no pesticides, no artificial fertilisers, and plenty of organic matter - think homemade compost, horse manure, and no-dig beds that keep the soil’s delicate ecosystems intact.

As for drying? It’s as low-impact as it gets. Helen simply hangs her flowers upside down in the barn and lets time and air do the rest - no fancy equipment, no carbon footprint. Of course, farming in the British climate has its challenges. From battling heavy clay soil ("I could literally make pots out of it!") to racing against the damp winter air ("I lost two-thirds of my stock to mould in my first year!"), every season is a learning curve. But with mulching, dense planting, and some well-placed baler twine, Helen has found ways to work with the land rather than fight it.

The Flowers Everyone Wants

With the rising demand for British-grown, organic dried flowers, Helen has seen a growing number of florists and designers actively choosing sustainable options. But what are her best sellers?

• Buttercups - "They grow freely in fields, adding a vibrant pop of yellow to bouquets. As they dry, their colour deepens into an even richer golden hue, enhancing their charm”
• Achillea (natural)
• Sweet William (Sooty)

A lesser-known flower that Helen feels deserve more attention is:

• Salsify - “It forms these stunning, giant dandelion-like seed heads – but they’re so delicate they’re only available for collection”.

From bespoke wreaths to one-of-a-kind funeral arrangements, Helen loves seeing her flowers used in creative ways. One of her favourite commissions? A funeral wreath made of 21 individual bouquets, each one given to a grandchild as a keepsake from their late grandmother.

Fresh next to dried buttercups to illustrate how well dried buttercups retain their colour when dried.

A Perfect Partnership with Atlas Flowers

At Atlas Flowers, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional, sustainably grown blooms, and Helen’s flowers fit the bill perfectly. In fact, she actually found us after supplying one of our competitors! Since then, we’ve expanded our range of Little Park Farm Everlastings because our customers love:

• The unique, British-grown varieties
• The commitment to sustainability
• The beautiful, high-quality dried flowers

With more florists and designers asking for British-grown blooms, this partnership has given us the perfect opportunity to promote stunning, eco-conscious flowers that truly stand out.

So, next time you’re looking for gorgeous, homegrown dried flowers, you know where to turn!

Make sure you follow Helen’s journey on her Instagram @littleparkfarmeverlastings

How to Use British-Grown Dried Flowers in Floristry & Design

British-grown dried flowers are a sustainable, stylish, and long-lasting choice for florists, home decorators, and wedding planners. Their natural textures, soft hues, and unique forms make them incredibly versatile.

Our top selling British grown, organic, dried products are:

• Sweet Peas
• Echinacea flowers
• Catanache
• Natural Brown Teasels
• Bracken
• Panicum elegans
• Natural Brown Corncockle
• Yellow Buttercups

Here’s our suggestions on how to incorporate them into your designs:

For Florists: Unique, Textural Arrangements

• Create that ‘bringing the outdoors in’ theme using dried elements: Consider keeping it simple and delicate using products such as dried Sweet Peas, perfect for airy, romantic arrangements, paired with dried Echinacea flowers to add a bold pop of texture. Dried grasses are also good, adding a little extra.
• Create stunning 100% dried bouquets for those wanting long-lasting beauty: In addition to some of the traditional filler dried flowers, try adding some dried Catanache for a beautiful pop of colour and a touch of wildflower charm, or dried yellow Buttercups for a cheerful, fresh finish.
• Make statement flower installations: For example, try incorporating lesser-known flowers that deserve more attention like green Teasels, not the dyed ones you might associate with Christmas wreaths but softer, green, beautifully sculptural ones, for structure and texture in large-scale displays, and Sweet Peas which are beautiful fresh but also lovely dried.

For Home Décor: Everlasting Elegance

• Style dried flowers in vases for a chic, low-maintenance display (no water required!). Natural brown Corncockle in wreaths or framed art create a great rustic look. Add some dried Sweet Peas for a whimsical touch.
• Arrange them into wreaths, tablescapes or wall hangings for a rustic, modern touch. We love arranging Bracken in different ways for a minimalist, natural look. For a little extra height and movement, we’d consider pairing with Panicum elegans.
• Add soft, airy accents by scattering Panicum elegans in dried flower domes or table displays for movement and depth. Combine with dried Catanache for a soft, ethereal look.

For Weddings: Romantic and Timeless Blooms

• Dried flower bridal bouquets are delicate, natural and a perfect keepsake. Yellow Buttercups add a sunlit touch, and some strategically placed Echinacea flowers bring a rustic elegance.
• Use dried Echinacea flowers in floral crowns, buttonholes, and corsages for a unique, organic feel. Pair them with Teasels for a bold, textured contrast.
• Design table centrepieces and aisle décor that last beyond the big day (great for repurposing!).

Dried flower button hole on wedding suit jacket

For Seasonal Styling: Year-Round Beauty

• Spring/Summer Light, fresh tones involving Sweet Peas and Buttercups. Add Panicum for a playful, breezy feel. Soft pastels, wildflowers, and airy grasses work well too, for a light, natural look.
• Autumn/Winter: Think earthy, moody textures like Corncockle and Bracken. Combine with Echinacea flowers for extra texture and a nod to the season’s richness. Dried berries will add to the deep, moody vibe too, and textural elements like pampas grass will work wonders.
• Festive touches: Create Christmas wreaths or mix in dried oranges and cinnamon for a wintery vibe.

How to Buy British-Grown, Organic Flowers from Atlas Flowers

At Atlas Flowers, we’re proud to offer a gorgeous selection of British-grown, organic dried flowers, carefully sourced from sustainable farms like Little Park Farm Everlastings. Our collection is perfect for florists, designers, and businesses looking to create stunning, eco-conscious arrangements.

From delicate dried Sweet Peas to beautiful buttercups, our range showcases the best of British-grown blooms, ensuring quality, beauty, and sustainability in every stem.

All images in this article are supplied by Little Park Farm Everlastings.