Sustainable Sympathy Flowers

This is a stock image - I do not share images online of sympathy arrangements as they are so personal to the family.

My last journal focused on why I do not use plastic floral foam in any of my designs. This includes sympathy flowers. I have met some florists who have stated that sympathy arrangements cannot be made without using floral foam. This is simply not the case. Churchyards and cemeteries are often full of the remnants of plastic floral foam in plastic trays. I often see bins full of floral foam when I visit my dad’s grave. There is no need to use floral foam. Instead arrangements can be made so that they biodegrade without being harmful to the environment.

What are the options for sustainable sympathy arrangements?

Hand-tied floral sheaf:

Beautifully natural, this is the least expensive option for casket flowers. A hand-tied sheaf is a flat backed bouquet, tied with a biodegradable ribbon. This sits on top of the casket. This design produces the smallest carbon footprint, especially if local flowers are used.

Wreath:

I have written a few journal posts on making wreaths. I use the same methods for sympathy arrangements - a willow wreath base, moss, twine, foliage and flowers. Plants can also be incorporated into the design. A biodegradable arrangement available in a range of sizes.

Casket Arrangement:

Casket arrangements are the more expensive option as there are more flowers and foliage in these arrangements. They can be made in various sizes. Instead of using blocks of floral foam, I make the casket arrangement base with wood, hessian and moss. I cover the wood in the hessian and secure with twine. The moss is then added to the base with twine. The moss holds the flowers in place and keeps them moist. The whole arrangement is biodegradable. Using natural materials creates a more natural look. Floral foam can make the flowers appear very stiff in the arrangement.

Wood for the base (approx. 3ft long - with the flowers added the design will be slightly larger)

Hessian for the base

Twine to attach the moss to the base

Moss to hold the flowers and keep them hydrated

Completed base

I never send my funeral flowers via a delivery company. I always deliver them myself. This is a final tribute to a loved one and I want to ensure a personalised service.