Church flower arrangers from 14 different churches across the area together with members of the u3a Sustainable Floristry group gathered on 21st October to meet our speaker Beth Bruce Gardener an ambassador from Sustainable Church Flowers. Many churches and cathedrals have decided to go a no-foam route and the RHS has banned Oasis and other foam from its shows. Sustainable Church Flowers was set up to spread the word and to help flower arrangers create environmentally arrangements whatever the size needed!.

We know that floral foam has long been a familiar tool, but regretfully, it is not good for the environment as it breaks down into microplastics. Even the so called bio foam has a percentage of plastic and is not compostable.

Beth discussed practical, environmentally friendly alternatives. whilst demonstrating three different arrangement using these new methods.

The event was a huge success. Arrangers had the chance to chat together after the demo and enjoy home baked refreshments. We hope to arrange a hands on workshop for flower arrangers early in 2026.

Download the notes from the session.

Beth Bruce-Gardner, owner of Gloucestershire based Honeymoon Fern Flowers, provides sustainable wedding and event flowers along with thoughtful funeral arrangements and seasonal bouquets for local delivery. The flowers she uses are garden-grown or from other local growers between April and October, whilst out of season, they are still British but sourced from slightly further afield, supplemented by dried material along with whatever the winter garden might offer.