Floral Footprint
Wedding florals symbolise the blossoming of a new chapter in life. Today, many vendors in the industry are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact – striving to honour the beauty of new beginnings while also preserving the natural world that inspires them. Western Australia Wedding and Bride’s Hannah McDonald sits down with Katrina Dickson, owner and operator of Hills Botanic, to explore sustainability in the flower industry, illuminating locally grown blooms, seasonal selections and eco-friendly practices.
Image courtesy of Ben & Ebony Photographers.
Dickson is passionate about flowers, creativity and making the most out of every special moment. Her boutique flower and giftware store located in the Hills, aptly named Hills Botanic, is her avenue for pursuing this passion. Her store specialises in stunning wedding flowers and bespoke floral arrangements. “We focus on creating beautifully crafted blooms for weddings, events and special occasions, tailored to each client’s unique style and vision. Alongside our florals, we offer a curated selection of quality giftware, perfect for thoughtful gifting or adding a touch of beauty to everyday life,” she elaborates.
Like many wedding sectors, the floral industry is making a move toward sustainability. Countless common practices within the vocation are not as environmentally conscious as they could be. Dickson explains, “traditional floristry can be surprisingly resource intensive. Many flowers used in weddings are imported, often flown in from countries like the Netherlands, Ecuador or Kenya, which adds a significant carbon footprint. Floral foam, a common tool in arranging, is a single use plastic that breaks down into microplastics and is not biodegradable. Additionally, the waste from single-day events like weddings can be substantial, with many arrangements discarded shortly after the ceremony.”
SEASONAL SENSATIONS
Seasonal flowers are not only more environmentally friendly to source and use, but they are also superior in quality, richer in colour and offer more interesting textures. “When we explain how using in-season blooms supports local growers, reduces the environmental impact, and adds a personal, grounded touch to their wedding, most couples are not only on board – they love the idea. It also allows us to be more creative and responsive to what nature is offering at that time, which often results in arrangements that are more unique and memorable,” she observes.
Arranging florals with the seasons in mind helps minimise the environmental impact of importing from across the globe. “Designing with the seasons is what we try to do at Hills Botanic – and we see it as a source of inspiration rather than a limitation. Each season brings its own palette, texture and personality, which allows us to create arrangements that feel natural, fresh and deeply connected to the time of year,” she notes.
Working seasonally promotes one of Dickson’s passions – creativity – by allowing her to invent new combinations while highlighting flowers at the peak of their beauty. “Instead of forcing out of-season blooms into a design, we embrace the unique charm of each season – whether it’s the delicate pastels of spring, the lush abundance of summer, the warm tones of autumn, or the earthy textures of winter. It also aligns with our values of sustainability and supporting local growers, making every design more meaningful and responsible. We love showing our clients how beautiful and diverse seasonal flowers can be,” she recounts.
HOMEGROWN BEAUTY
For flowers that exude beauty while also considering the environment, local is best. Dickson lists the best of the bunch. “Some of our favourite native and locally grown flowers to use in weddings include waratahs, flannel flowers and flowering gum, each bringing their own unique charm and texture to a design. Using locally grown natives not only celebrates Australia’s natural beauty but also supports local growers and ensures freshness and longevity in our arrangements – all while giving couples a meaningful connection to place and season.”
To decide what local icon will represent you and your special day, Dickson makes it easy by breaking down each flower’s most prominent features. “Waratahs make a bold statement with their vibrant colour and sculptural form, perfect for couples wanting something striking and uniquely Australian. Flannel flowers are soft, delicate and romantic – their velvety texture and gentle white petals add a whimsical, ethereal touch to bridal bouquets. Flowering gum adds movement and colour with its clusters of bright blossoms and beautiful foliage, often providing a natural, organic feel to larger arrangements,” she describes. In addition to these central varieties, Dickson also loves incorporating banksia, billy buttons and native foliage like eucalyptus and grevillea, to infuse texture, structure and scent.
GREENER STEMS
When it comes to sustainability, many new age florists are embracing eco-friendly practices to care for the environment, just as it continually nurtures their work. A key one is reusing flowers throughout the day. “We often repurpose or reconfigure floral arrangements between the ceremony and reception to reduce waste and make the most of every bloom. For example, ceremony arbour flowers can be moved to frame the bridal table or photo area, aisle flowers can be reused as table centrepieces and large arrangements can be split into smaller posies to decorate different parts of the venue. With a bit of planning and coordination, we can ensure a seamless transition that feels intentional and elegant. It’s a beautiful way to give flowers a second life, reduce unnecessary waste and make the most of what we’ve created – all while maintaining the overall aesthetic and atmosphere throughout the day,” she explains.
Dickson is adamant about one thing – the word, sustainability harbours countless misconceptions, and clear communication is the most formidable way to combat this. “Many believe sustainable means ‘rustic’ or ‘wildflower only’. In reality, you can create elegant, modern, luxurious arrangements sustainably – it just takes thoughtful sourcing and design. Another misconception is that local flowers are less reliable or diverse, but that’s simply not true when you work closely with growers and plan ahead,” she concludes.