SUSTAINABLE FLORAL ARRANGING

Susie Middleton

PROGRAM: Sustainable Floral Arranging

In January 2020, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) announced a ban on floral foam at all RHS shows starting in 2021. World-renowned events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show no longer permit the use of floral foam in floral displays, encouraging designers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. This decision brought widespread attention to the fact that floral foam is not biodegradable and has helped drive a larger movement within the floral industry toward more sustainable practices. Our speaker Susie Middleton, a member of the Dorchester Garden Club and the incoming President of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, showcased a variety of environmentally friendly products and demonstrated two sustainable floral design techniques. Using identical containers, she created arrangements that were both beautiful and mindful of the planet, inspiring members to consider greener methods in their own floral work.