
As flower lovers, we adore bringing beauty into our spaces, but all that beauty doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. From whipping up dreamy centerpieces for brunch to designing bridal bouquets for a backyard wedding, making your floral projects more eco-friendly is easier than you think. At Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, we believe blooms should make everything feel better, including our environmental impact. To that end, here are our top tips to keep your DIY floral creations gorgeous and green.
Use Seasonal Flowers for Your Projects
Just like produce, flowers have their seasons, and choosing blooms that are in-season is a simple yet powerful way to go green. Seasonal flowers require less energy to grow, and they typically travel shorter distances to get to you.
Not sure what’s in season? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Spring: Tulips, hyacinths, ranunculus
Summer: Sunflowers, dahlias, lisianthus
Fall: Chrysanthemums, celosia, asters
Winter: Anemones, holly, evergreens
We love using seasonal blossoms when they’re available to keep arrangements fresh and in sync with nature. Think about how cozy it feels to decorate with jewel-toned dahlias in fall or how refreshing it is to see a bunch of tulips brighten a gray spring day. Nature sets the tone, and we just get to follow along. Plus, it’s a fun way to celebrate the vibe of each season!
Source Locally Whenever Possible
Many local farms use sustainable growing methods and protect the land, treating it with the utmost respect. Local flowers are fresh and unique, too, since farmers can grow varieties you might not see elsewhere; they tend to reflect the natural rhythms of your region. You’re working with what the land is offering in real-time, which makes your arrangements feel more intentional and connected to the time and place. At Cascade Floral Wholesale, we have fresh blooms from local farms available in our inventory.
But here’s the real beauty of buying local: It supports your community. When you source from nearby farms or small-scale growers, you’re investing in people who are passionate about where they live and work. Plus there’s something deeply satisfying about being close to the person who grew your blooms.
Reuse Your Vases (and Get Creative!)
Let’s talk about vases, because we all have that shelf full of random jars, pitchers, and cute thrift store finds just waiting to be part of something beautiful. Before buying new containers for every project, shop your own home! Mason jars, candle holders, tin cans, wine bottles, these can all be upcycled into stylish floral vessels.
Hosting a party or event? Collect mismatched vases for a boho vibe or ask friends to lend theirs for the day. You’ll save money and reduce waste. Plus, it adds a little personality to your arrangements. Pro tip: Keep a small stash of neutral vases (think clear glass, white ceramic, or matte black) that you can reuse year-round.
Dry Your Flowers for a Second Life
Just because your fresh flowers are past their prime doesn’t mean the story’s over! Drying them is a creative way to extend the life of your arrangement and the options for reusing them are many.
Here are a few fun ideas:
Create a dried flower wreath or wall hanging
Make your own potpourri with dried petals and essential oils
Fill small jars or shadow boxes with dried blooms as keepsakes
Use them for handmade cards or scrapbooking
To dry flowers, simply hang small bunches upside down in a cool, dark space (like a closet or pantry). In a couple of weeks, you’ll have preserved petals ready for your next DIY adventure.
A Little Effort, A Lot of Impact
At the end of the day, being more eco-conscious with your floral projects doesn’t mean sacrificing style or creativity. It just means being a little more mindful about where your blooms come from and how you repurpose the beauty afterward. Let’s celebrate flowers not just for how they look, but for what they represent: joy, growth, and connection. And let’s do it in a way that keeps our planet blooming, too.
When you’re ready to start your next eco-friendly floral project, browse our seasonal selections at Cascade Floral Wholesale. We’re always here to help you blossom.