July 16, 2025

Blooming Delicious: Adding Fresh Flowers to Your Salads

Forget the usual lettuce and tomato – let’s talk about elevating your salads to a whole new level of beauty and flavor with edible flowers! Adding fresh flowers to your salads isn’t just a visually stunning trick; it introduces delicate flavors and textures that can completely transform your culinary experience. But not all flowers are created equal; some are delicious and safe to eat, while others are best left for admiring their beauty in a vase.

Choosing the Right Edible Flowers:

When incorporating flowers into your salad, always prioritize safety. Ensure your flowers are organically grown (pesticides can be harmful) and thoroughly washed before use. Here are some of the best choices for adding a floral touch to your greens:

Pansies:These cheerful blooms offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of earthiness. Their vibrant colors add a beautiful pop to your salad.
Nasturtiums: These peppery little flowers boast a bright, slightly spicy kick that pairs well with creamy dressings and rich ingredients like avocado or grilled chicken. Both their petals and leaves are edible.
Violets: These delicate flowers have a subtle, sweet fragrance and a slightly earthy flavor that complements fruity salads.
Squash Blossoms: If you’re lucky enough to have access to squash blossoms, these are a true delicacy. They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your salad. They need to be sautéed or lightly fried before adding.
Calendula:These bright orange flowers have a slightly peppery and citrusy flavor that adds a robust but delicate punch.
Rose Petals: Only use petals from organically grown roses and ensure you remove the white base of each petal. They have a delicate, fragrant flavor that’s often described as fruity and slightly sweet.

Incorporating Edible Flowers into Your Salad:

There are several ways to use edible flowers to elevate your salad game:

Garnish: Simply sprinkle a few edible flower petals on top of your finished salad for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
Mix-in: Add a small amount of edible flowers to the salad mix before dressing. This allows for their flavors to better mingle with other ingredients and dressing.
Salad Base: For particularly delicate flowers, consider using them as part of your base with other greens and herbs.

Tips for Success:

Wash thoroughly: Always wash your edible flowers thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects.
Use sparingly: Edible flowers are best used sparingly. Their flavors are often subtle and should complement, not overpower, the other ingredients in your salad.
Variety: Experiment with different varieties of edible flowers to find your favorites and create unique flavor combinations.
Freshness is Key: Use only the freshest flowers for the best flavor and texture.

Adding edible flowers to your salads is a fun and delicious way to elevate your everyday meal. It’s a chance to showcase a beautiful presentation, offer surprising flavors, and showcase a touch of elegance. So, get creative, experiment with different varieties, and enjoy the blooming deliciousness!

April 24, 2025

The Sweet Scent of Spring: Making and Using Lilac Sugar

Lilacs…

Just the word conjures images of sun-drenched spring days, the intoxicating perfume filling the air. But what if you could capture that magical fragrance and enjoy it long after the blossoms have faded? Introducing lilac sugar – a simple, elegant, and deliciously aromatic addition to your baking and crafting repertoire.

This post will guide you through the process of making lilac sugar, and then explore some of the exciting ways you can use it.

What you’ll need:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup loosely packed lilac blossoms (ensure they’re pesticide-free!)
Airtight container

Instructions:

1. Gather your lilacs: Choose fragrant, freshly picked lilac blossoms. Remove any stems or leaves.
2. Combine: Gently layer the sugar and lilac blossoms in your airtight container. Make sure the blossoms are evenly distributed.
3. Let it infuse: Seal the container and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2-3 weeks. Gently shake the container every few days to ensure even infusion. The longer you let it infuse, the stronger the lilac flavor will be. You’ll notice the sugar gradually absorbing the gorgeous lilac fragrance and taking on a subtle lavender hue.
4. Strain (optional): After 2-3 weeks (or longer), you can strain the sugar to remove the blossoms if you prefer a cleaner look. However, leaving the blossoms in adds a beautiful visual element.

Uses for your Lilac Sugar:

Now for the fun part! Your homemade lilac sugar is incredibly versatile:

Baking: Add it to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and scones for a subtle floral flavor and beautiful visual appeal. Imagine lilac-sugar-dusted shortbread or a lilac-infused buttercream frosting!
Drinks: Stir a teaspoon into your morning coffee or tea for a fragrant twist. It also adds a lovely touch to cocktails or mocktails.
Presents: This makes a lovely handmade gift. Package your lilac sugar in a pretty jar with a ribbon and a tag explaining its delicate nature.
Other uses: Use it to rim glasses for cocktails or mocktails, sprinkle it over pancakes or waffles for a touch of elegance, or incorporate it into other desserts such as puddings or ice cream.

Important Notes:

Pesticide-free lilacs: It’s crucial to use pesticide-free lilacs. If you’re not certain about your source, it’s best to buy organically grown lilacs.
Storage: Store your lilac sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its fragrance and prevent moisture absorption.

Making lilac sugar is a delightful way to capture the essence of spring and bring a touch of floral magic to your kitchen. Experiment, get creative, and enjoy the sweet scent of your creation! Let us know in the comments what delicious creations you make with your lilac sugar!

March 4, 2025

Rocky Mountain Bride – Feature! Kathryn & Matthew

We were so thrilled to be a part of Kathryn and Matthew’s breathtaking wedding at Hatley Castle! The timeless blue and white color palette provided the perfect backdrop for our floral designs. Seeing our creations come to life in such a stunning setting, enhancing the elegance and romance of the day, was truly rewarding. And , it was featured in Rocky Mountain Bride…BONUS!

If you’re dreaming of a similarly elegant and unforgettable wedding, contact us today ! We would love to jump on a Discovery Call with you to hear all about your event planning to date!

Read the full article here: Rocky Mountain Bride

Vendors

Venue: Hatley Castle Photographer: Jenzel Velo Planning + Design: Your Kind of Wonderful Beauty: Alisha Hopps Florist: Foxgloves Flowers Caterer: Truffles Catering Rentals: Trend Decor Dress Designer: Katherine Tash Bridal Boutique: Everly Fine Bridal

February 20, 2025

Bloom Beautifully, Sustainably: Crafting an Eco-Conscious Wedding

Weddings are celebrations of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new chapter. But amidst the joy and excitement, it’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of this often extravagant event. The good news is that celebrating sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing style or romance. In fact, embracing eco-conscious practices can infuse your wedding with a deeper sense of meaning and connection, aligning perfectly with the values championed at events like the Kinder Wedding Conference in Victoria, BC, which I had the pleasure of attending a few weeks ago.

The Kinder Wedding Conference, a beacon of positive change in the wedding industry, highlights the importance of bringing belonging and connection into every aspect of your special day. It emphasizes prioritizing joy and emotion over perfection, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the growing movement towards sustainable weddings. Events, they argue, should feel as good as they look – and a sustainable approach can help ensure both.

In this blog, I want to explore how to create a wedding that is beautiful, memorable, and kind to the planet, focusing specifically on the often-overlooked environmental impact of wedding flowers. We’ll delve into the benefits of locally sourced blooms, explore ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and offer practical steps to make your wedding truly sustainable.

The Unsustainable Truth About Wedding Flowers

Traditionally, wedding flowers are a significant source of waste and environmental impact. Many blooms are flown in from across the globe, contributing to a considerable carbon footprint. The use of pesticides and herbici

des in their cultivation further harms the environment, impacting biodiversity and soil health. Post-ceremony, the vast majority of flowers end up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions.

This is where conscious choices come into play. By embracing sustainability, couples can minimize their impact and create a wedding that reflects their values. We, at Foxgloves are trying to do our part in making wedding florals as eco conscious as we can. We grow as many blooms here on our land as we can , employing spray free and earth friendly practices such as compost tea, vermiculture and drip irrigation to cut down on water usage. We embrace the “GROWN NOT FLOWN” mentality.

Choosing Locally Sourced Flowers: A Petal-Perfect Choice

One of the most impactful changes you can make is choosing locally sourced flowers. Supporting local florists means reducing the transportation miles associated with imported blooms. This significantly decreases your carbon footprint and helps support local businesses and economies, which is so important in these challenging economic times.

Furthermore, locally grown flowers are often more sustainable in their cultivation practices. Local florists are more likely to employ environmentally friendly methods, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals and prioritizing soil health. They also often work with seasonal varieties, ensuring that your flowers are at their peak beauty and reducing the need for forced blooms.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Beyond Local Blooms

Minimizing your floral carbon footprint goes beyond just sourcing locally. Consider these additional steps:

Rent, Don’t Buy: Consider renting arches, vases and containers for your ceremony and reception, reducing waste and cost. Many florists offer this service, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful arrangements without contributing to unnecessary disposal.
Choose Sustainable Packaging: Opt for biodegradable or compostable packaging for your flowers. Avoid excessive plastic wrapping and ribbons.
Repurpose and Compost: Don’t let your beautiful flowers go to waste. Work with your florist to donate arrangements to hospitals, nursing homes, or shelters. Alternatively, compost your flowers after the event to enrich your garden or a local community garden.
Incorporate Alternatives: Consider supplementing or even replacing traditional cut flowers with sustainable alternatives, such as potted plants that guests can take home as favors. This reduces waste and provides a lasting memento. Even incorporating fresh produce such as radicchio is a fun way to showcase local product.

The Power of the Green Wedding Swaps Guide

Resources like the Green Wedding Swaps Guide provide invaluable support and information for couples committed to creating an eco-conscious wedding. They offer a wealth of advice, vendor listings, and tips for planning a sustainable and stylish celebration. The guide serves as a definitive resource for navigating the world of sustainable wedding planning, simplifying a task that can seem overwhelming.

Using an Eco Wedding Calculator

Various online tools, such as this eco wedding calculator from M indfully Wed , can help quantify your wedding’s environmental impact. By inputting details about your venue, transportation, food choices, and flowers, you can get a clearer picture of your carbon footprint and identify areas for improvement. These calculators are important step in making informed decisions about your unique event.

Embracing Imperfection, Prioritizing Joy

The Kinder Wedding Conference powerfully emphasizes the importance of prioritizing joy and emotion over perfection. A perfectly curated, flawlessly executed wedding is less important than a celebration that resonates with your values, feels authentic, and reflects the love you share. Sustainable choices often align with this philosophy. Focusing on the essence of your union rather than adhering to unrealistic aesthetic standards ultimately leads to a more meaningful and memorable day.

A sustainable wedding needn’t be complicated or less beautiful. It’s about making conscious choices that reflect your values and minimize your environmental impact while celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and joyful. Sourcing flowers locally, minimizing waste, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also contribute to a wedding that is uniquely yours and deeply resonant.

Beyond the Flowers: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

While this blog post focuses on flowers, sustainability extends to all aspects of your wedding. Consider these broader factors:

Venue: Choose a venue with sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly energy sources and waste reduction programs.
Food: Opt for locally sourced, seasonal food and minimize food miles.
Transportation: Encourage guests to carpool or use public transportation.
Favors: Choose eco-friendly favors, such as plants, seeds, or handmade items.
Stationery: Use recycled or plantable paper for invitations and other stationery.

By taking a holistic approach to sustainability, you can create a wedding that not only looks beautiful but also feels good, reflecting your commitment to environmental responsibility and creating a celebration that is truly unforgettable. The journey to a sustainable wedding may require more research and planning, but the reward—a beautiful, meaningful event that aligns with your values and benefits the planet—is invaluable. Embrace the journey, embrace the joy, and create a wedding that you, your guests, and the planet will cherish.

February 10, 2025

What Do Tariffs Mean For Flowers?

Navigating Tariffs: How They Affect Your Flowers

At Foxgloves Flowers, we’re dedicated to bringing you the freshest, most beautiful blooms, and we want to keep you informed about any potential impacts from recent trade discussions between Canada and the US. We understand that tariffs can be a complex issue, and we want to alleviate any concerns you might have.

The Current Situation: Tariffs and Our Flowers

Right now, the situation is somewhat uncertain. While the US has thr

eatened to imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, and Canada has retaliated, it’s important to emphasize that the details of the affected products are still being finalized. Crucially, the Department of Finance has not yet included the flower and plant sector in the initial round. We are currently unaffected by these tariffs.

Transparency is our priority.

We source a significant portion of our blooms from all over the world, ensuring the diversity and beauty of our offerings. However, a relatively small percentage (under 5%) of our inventory originates from the US. While seasonal varieties like eucalyptus from California, leatherleaf, and tree ferns play a role, the majority (approximately 85%) of our flowers are locally sourced. This includes the exquisite B.C.-cut flowers and potted plants, our best-selling items.

Our Commitment to Local Flowers

We are a strong supporter of local businesses. Our priority will always be supporting local farmers and flower growers. Their contributions to the vibrant flower scene in our community are invaluable. Our commitment to local sourcing allows us to offer fresh, stunning flowers at competitive prices. We believe local flowers bring a tangible connection to our community, preserving the traditions, the beauty, and the livelihoods of our local partners.

Seasonal Sourcing and Our Approach to Imports

We carefully source flowers from different parts of the world to ensure a constantly evolving selection suitable for the seasons. While we import some items, we carefully evaluate the price difference between imported and local blooms. We prioritize local sourced flowers, selecting them over imports unless truly unavailable, or if the price difference is significant enough to be unreasonable and make us unable to remain competitive.

Your Bouquet, Our Commitment

The bottom line for you, our customer, is this: we’re committed to keeping Foxgloves Flowers as affordable and beautiful as possible. Our unwavering commitment is to support local growers, and to make sure that the stunning variety of flowers in your bouquets reflects the dedication we have to nurturing and supporting our local flower growing community.If any changes to the tariff situation affect our flower sources, we will, of course, update you promptly. In the meantime, we are confident that our commitment to local flowers, our careful sourcing strategies, and our dedication to competitive pricing will ensure that Foxgloves Flowers continues to offer you a stunning variety of fresh, beautiful blooms.

Thank you for supporting local.