Buying Roses from Sustainable Farmers: How it Helps People & the Planet

Signifying love, celebration and joy – roses are a lovely reminder of all the beauty there is in the world. But there may be hidden costs behind that gorgeous bouquet. Traditional rose farming is often harmful, with overconsumption of natural resources and unfair labor conditions. Taking the time to do your research and buy roses from sustainable farmers supports communities and the environment and you’ll get fresher, longer-lasting blooms in return.

The Unspoken Truth Behind Traditional Rose Farming

It’s no question that all roses hold beauty and meaning, but not all are created equal. Without a conscious effort towards using eco-friendly growing practices, the effects can be detrimental to the environment. Many rose farms today use too much water, rely on pesticides, and ship their products long distances, contributing to a larger carbon footprint. 

Conventional rose farming practices can be not only harmful to the planet, but also to people. In large rose-exporting countries – such as Ecuador, Colombia, & Kenya – farmworkers are often paid low wages for long hours and exposed to harmful chemicals. When you buy a rose from just any retailer without doing your research, you may be unknowingly contributing to these practices. April & Ashley only partners with transparent breeders who grow their roses with respect for people and the planet.

What Makes a Rose Farm Sustainable?

Here's the good news: there are plenty of rose farms – like April & Ashley – committed to growing roses ethically and sustainably. Here are a few key factors that set us apart: 

• Organic farming practices: We use integrated pest management techniques to avoid the use of harmful pesticides, putting the health of our roses and workers first. 

• Smart watering strategies: The use of methods such as drip irrigation, soaker hoses and rainwater harvesting allow us to conserve water and use less resources. 

• Fair Labor practices: At April & Ashley, our workers are like family and we believe in treating them with the same care and respect that we give to our roses. That’s why we’ve adopted Fair Labor practices to provide ethical conditions on our farm and gainful year-round employment.

• Local or regional production: We ship our roses straight to our customers’ doorsteps – cutting out the middlemen and reducing waste and emissions.

Why Buy from Sustainable Rose Farms?

When you buy from a sustainable rose farm, not only are you contributing to a healthier planet, but you get healthier, more fragrant, fresher roses. Everyone wins! Here’s how your purchase from April & Ashley will benefit people, the planet and you:

• For the planet: We combat pests and disease by natural and organic means, without the use of harmful chemicals. 

• For people: Our Fair Labor practices ensure better livelihoods for farmworkers and their families. Your purchase helps us provide more people with gainful employment throughout the year and contributes to a thriving community. 

• For you: Our eco-friendly farming methods and direct-to-door shipping means you’ll get higher-quality, longer-lasting roses. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your purchase supports ethical and sustainable practices.

How You Can Make a Difference

No matter which farm you choose to buy your next rose from, it’s important to do your research to ensure it’s ethically and sustainably grown. Here are a few tips for eco-conscious rose buyers:

• Ask florists about sourcing: Reputable businesses will always be transparent about where they source their roses from. 

• Buy farm-direct flowers: Farms that ship direct-to-door – like April & Ashley – cut out the middlemen and reduce waste and emissions, and leave a smaller carbon footprint. 

• Limit single-use packaging: Buy from farms that package their roses with biodegradable or recyclable materials.

You're Ready to Buy Sustainable Grown Roses! 

Next time you’re shopping for a rose, do some digging to make sure the farm it comes from grows responsibly, being mindful of their workers and the environment. When you buy roses from sustainable farmers, you can rest assured that your purchase is contributing to a healthy planet and helping dedicated workers and their families. Visit April & Ashley to browse our collection of premium rose bushes and bouquets – sustainably grown and delivered straight from our farm to your doorstep.