In an industry often associated with long-haul flights and vast cold-chain logistics, MeadowSweet Posies is blooming with a different kind of beauty - one that's rooted in sustainability and a true celebration of the British seasons.
Founded in 2016 by Sophie Townsend from her flower studio on the South Coast, this female-led online flower subscription service was created with one simple, powerful mission: to use 100% British-grown flowers and foliage all year round.
The True Cost of Imported Blooms
This commitment stands in stark contrast to the majority of cut flowers sold in the UK. Have you ever considered the journey of your typical imported bouquet? Often, it involves flowers air-freighted from tropical regions around the world.
The result? An average imported bouquet can carry a hefty carbon footprint.
MeadowSweet, however, offers a truly eco-friendly alternative. By choosing British-grown, they reduce the carbon impact of their posies by up to 90% compared to imported blooms. It's a choice that fosters a more meaningful connection to what can be grown locally and seasonally, without the air miles.
Sophie’s journey to sustainable floristry began decades ago in New Zealand, where she was surprised to find flowers at the Auckland auction had been flown in from The Netherlands, having originated from countries all over the globe. This early insight highlighted the complex, global supply chain and the environmental cost of cut flowers.
From Cutting Garden to Curated Posy
Today, MeadowSweet is a truly hands-on operation. They trial varieties and grow their own in a cutting garden in the New Forest, lovingly tended by Sophie’s mother. To meet demand and ensure a vibrant variety throughout the year, they also partner with a two-generation British flower farm in the South West.
This dedication to 100% British flowers and foliage, 52 weeks a year, is what makes MeadowSweet special. Each week, their beautifully curated posy arrangements are hand-packed with care and sent via next-day delivery across the country - a joyful, guilt-free slice of nature delivered straight to your door.
With over 85% of flowers sold in the UK still imported, MeadowSweet is a shining example of how a business can thrive while prioritising people and planet. They prove that you don't have to compromise on quality or beauty to be a truly sustainable enterprise.
Flourish in a Role that Matters
At Allen & York, we're proud to champion organisations that are making a real, tangible difference in the sustainability landscape. The rise of eco-conscious companies, whether in floristry, energy, or construction, means the demand for passionate, skilled sustainability professionals is growing exponentially.
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If you're an organisation looking to hire in Environmental Management, CSR, Sustainable Sourcing, or ESG, we want to hear from you. We work with the UK's most pioneering and purposeful organisations, helping them find the talent they need to achieve their crucial climate and ethical goals.