There’s an exciting sustainable-florist movement happening in Sydney right now. Many floral artists and studios are reducing flower miles by buying from local growers, selecting natives that require less land and resources than imported varieties, reducing waste by introducing biodegradable and recycled packaging, repurposing unbought blooms, and even going 100 per cent carbon neutral. Visit one of these seven Sydney florists creating sustainable and stunning floral arrangements when shopping for bouquets this Mother’s Day.

Poho, Potts Point Potts Point’s Poho is 100 per cent carbon neutral. It offsets its carbon by supporting biodiverse reforestation and hopes to start a conversation about social and environmental responsibility within the industry.

“We partnered with Carbon Neutral Australia to measure our carbon footprint,” Poho’s owner Ed West tells Broadsheet. “We calculated our greenhouse gas emissions and worked to reduce and offset our carbon footprint. We’ve also partnered with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to maximise the impact we can have on the conservation of the natural environment we rely so heavily on for our creative work.”

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Choose between locally grown natives, sculptural creations, or colour-based bunches. Pre-order for same-day delivery seven days a week, or for in-store collection. Or, pop into the retail store and have an arrangement made on the spot.

Samambaia, Bronte Owner of sustainable Sydney florist Samambaia Maria Claudia tells Broadsheet that “sustainability is a responsibility we all have, and it is the only way forward”. The Bronte-based floral studio has removed plastics from its wrapping, using only recyclable paper and compostable ribbon. Any off-cuts and greenery are composted; chicken wire or glass or ceramic containers are used instead of floral foam; and the shop reuses the rubber bands bunches come bundled in, or donates them to neighbouring Iggy’s, which secures egg cartons with them.

“We hardly produce any waste in our studio at the moment that goes into the general waste. We’re working towards being as sustainable as possible,” Claudia says.

The team also encourages customers to send flowers in glass or ceramic vases instead of plastic containers. For wet packing, it’s transitioning from using tissue paper and the recycled plastic that comes from growers to unbleached tissue paper and parchment paper, as well as compostable sticky tape.

“It is trial and error until we find the best solution for the planet and for our floral gifts,” says Claudia.

For Mother’s Day, pre-order by Friday for pick up from 8am–12pm on Sunday. For same day deliveries, Monday to Saturday, pre-order by 12pm, or call into the Bronte store to purchase in-person. Closed Sundays.

Bess Paddington, Paddington Bess Paddington only uses locally grown flowers, with a strong focus on natives. “I love knowing that my flowers haven’t travelled halfway around the world to get to my shop,” owner Bess Scott tells Broadsheet. “I know my local growers and how hard they try to produce quality, fresh flowers. That relationship is how growers and florists improve standards collectively, and how the growers can continually produce new, exciting flowers for us.”

Scott explains the benefits of using natives: “They dry wonderfully and are accustomed to our climate. We use and reuse a large variety of dried flowers, and always dry out as much foliage and flowers as we can after an event. The dried material looks great in hanging arrangements and this reuse is a big part of my style.”

The sustainably minded Sydney florist also reuses plastic wrapping from the flower markets when wet wrapping, uses recycled brown card for other wrapping and stationery, and uses reusable vials. Ordering in advance helps the studio to plan and reduce waste, but it understands that flowers are a visual feast and we all love to look before we buy, so everyone is most welcome to stop by to see what’s in season.

Pick up and delivery for fresh bunches (pre-orders only) on Mother’s Day (some dried flowers will be available in-store on the day). Order before 12pm for same-day delivery other days.

The Fresh Flower Project, online Servicing Sydney, online flower retailer The Fresh Flower Project is a low-waste florist that limits its daily offering to avoid waste. Its fresh blooms are wrapped in eco-friendly packaging made from sacks sourced from local coffee roasters. It also uses recycled paper towels and biodegradable bags in place of foam, and hemp and twine for ribbon.

Order before 8am (or until sold out) on Mother’s Day for same-day delivery. The plastic-free and sustainable florist offers same-day delivery from Monday to Friday if ordered before 11am, or until sold out.

Floreat, Darlinghurst Darlinghurst’s Floreat sells ethical and ethereal bouquets. Founder Jane Lampe explains on her website, “we use locally grown and sourced flowers and foliage as much as we can. While this reduces our impact on the environment, we think these flowers also have more character and beauty, and means we can provide the most stunning, sweet smelling arrangements.” Packaging is biodegradable, reusable or recycled, and you can select from natives, colours or themed bunches such as all-white, “country style” or eclectic.

For Mother’s Day it is also selling 20 locally grown roses with a bottle of Atmata Wines's organic rosé ($120). And mum will be happy to know that $30 from each sale will go towards the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation.

Order before 10am, or until sold out, on Saturday for delivery on Mother’s Day.

Little Flowers, online Online florist Little Flowers services Sydney suburbs, delivering predominantly seasonal and locally grown flowers, around 30 per cent of which are dropped off by bicycle.

“We have great relationships with local farmers and much prefer our flowers to have come to market in a bucket and on a truck than packed in boxes on an aeroplane,” owner Sarah Regan tells Broadsheet.

Little Flowers’ blooms come wrapped in biodegradable hessian, and message tags are are printed on environmentally friendly card.

“We reuse and recycle whenever possible. The boxes that our hessian comes in are reused to pack flowers when they are dispatched,” says Regan. Any flowers that aren’t delivered by bike are sent in batches by car to minimise road miles.

To minimise waste? “No bunch goes unloved,” says Regan. “On the rare occasion we have spare flowers, we make sure they find a good home, whether that’s sending them out with Meals on Wheels, or to a local charity, or having fun with random acts of kindness. We like leaving the occasional bunch in a bike basket at a wharf, or on a car with a parking ticket, so keep your eyes peeled.”

Florapolis, Redfern Small Sydney florist Florapolis has few traces of an online presence; you’ll need to visit this hidden gem to discover its full benefits. You can take your own vase into the Redfern boutique to have a bespoke arrangement made on the spot, removing the need for any kind of packaging. The Regent Street store sits within an old service station and is styled with recycled furniture and objects. Owner and florist Carlos Vilches is known for his friendly manner and beautifully arranged florals, with locally grown and native blooms on offer.

Olive Gap Organic Farm, online Olive Gap Organic Farm isn’t based in Sydney – you’ll find its off-grid farm in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales – but it delivers Australia-wide in 100 per cent biodegradable, environmentally friendly or fully recyclable packaging, via a 100 per cent carbon-neutral delivery service. Part of the slow flower movement, it grows its flowers from seed in its open-air garden, according to the seasons. Choose from a range of options, delivered directly from the farm.

Contact before placing an order online for availability and delivery options.