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Grown, Not Flown: Why Locally Grown Flowers Make a Better Gift

Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Sustainable Local Flowers from a Balmain Florist

Ever wonder where your flowers come from? Many bouquets sold in Australia have travelled thousands of kilometres before reaching the shop floor. At The Curious Rabbit Flower Shop, we believe there’s a better way: one that supports local growers, reduces environmental impact, and results in fresher, more fragrant flowers.


Grown, not flown: Bridal bouquet from locally grown garden roses.


What Does 'Grown, Not Flown' Mean?

The 'Grown, not flown' initiative promotes locally grown flowers over those imported from overseas. Imported flowers often travel long distances in refrigerated transport, consume significant energy and require chemical treatments to meet biosecurity regulations.


Opting for locally grown flowers ensures you receive seasonal, fresher blooms that haven't endured lengthy transits. This choice is both more sustainable and more meaningful.


The Benefits of Locally Grown Flowers

1. Fresher and Longer Lasting

Local flowers are picked closer to the time of purchase, which means they look better, last longer, and retain more of their natural scent.


2. Kinder to the Planet

Choosing local flowers dramatically reduces their carbon footprint because they don’t need to be transported by air, refrigeration for the duration of that travel, and the packaging that imported varieties need, making them a more environmentally responsible choice.


3. Support for Local Farmers

By buying local, you’re helping Australian growers and small businesses thrive. It keeps money in the local economy and supports seasonal jobs.


4. A Gift That Reflects the Seasons

Local seasonal flowers carry their own beauty. Each season has it’s own unique flowers, from spring snapdragons to summer dahlias.


5. Less Exposure to Chemicals

Imported flowers are often chemically treated to meet biosecurity requirements. Local flowers typically need less intervention, offering a more natural and gentle gift.


Seasonal Flowers in Sydney

Here are just a few examples of what might be blooming right now in Sydney, depending on the season:

●        Summer: Peonies, Dahlias, zinnias, lisianthus, hydrangeas

●        Autumn: Roses, cosmos, sedum, celosia

●        Winter: Camellias, hellebores, jonquils

●        Spring: Snapdragons, ranunculus, sweet peas, anemones


At The Curious Rabbit, we also love using native Australian flowers like waxflower, banksia, eucalyptus, and grevillea when they’re at their seasonal best.


Want to match your bouquet to the season? Explore our Birthday Flowers or Anniversary Flowers collections for ideas.


Grown, not flown: seasonal ranunculas

Ready to Choose Local?

Giving flowers that are grown, not flown, is a small change that makes a significant impact. They’re better for the environment, better for the community, and better for the person receiving them.



Frequently Asked Questions


What does 'Grown Not Flown' mean?

‘Grown Not Flown’ refers to the initiative where flowers are locally grown and selected rather than choosing flowers imported from overseas. Locally grown blooms are fresher, support nearby growers, and are kinder to the environment.

Are local flowers better than imported ones?

Local flowers are typically fresher, more fragrant, and longer-lasting because they haven’t travelled long distances. They also have a smaller carbon footprint and support local economies.

What flowers are in season now in Sydney?

That depends on the time of year! Spring brings ranunculus and snapdragons; summer might offer dahlias and lisianthus. We select flowers each morning based on what’s freshest and most beautiful at the market.


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