Doing funeral flowers differently
made naturally, beautifully and plastic-free
Widening choice in funeral flowers
The Farewell Flowers Directory is a network of independent florists bringing funeral flowers out of the shadows and into the fresh air.
We want you to know that there’s another choice in funeral flowers, one which is more natural, meaningful, beautiful and completely free of plastic or floral foam. Our directory links you to a network of independent florists who work from conversations. They will listen to your ideas, stories and memories, and translate them into unique flowers which reflect a life whilst treading lightly on the planet.
Our florists promise to offer funeral flowers that…
are compostable
Arrangements contain no wire or plastic. This means that they use no plastic-based floral foam, plastic trays, plastic tape or synthetic ribbon. Arrangements are 100% compostable.
are unique
Each arrangement is built around a conversation about a person, and about which flowers would work beautifully. Created especially for you with no two arrangements ever the same.
contain UK grown flowers and foliage
Arrangements will always include some UK grown flowers and foliage. The greater the proportion of locally grown flowers, the smaller their carbon footprint.
Did you know?
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This estimate represents just the UK crematorium sector and doesn’t take into account church yards and other floral memorials.
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The ‘green stuff’ is the basis for most pictorial or 3D floral tributes, and also underpins most floral letters and traditional large arrangements covering the tops of coffins. It’s even still used by many florists to create wreaths and sheaf bouquet style arrangements if you look closely at what lies beneath the flowers. This foam is made from plastics and crumbles down into tiny particles but doesn’t leave the environment. Microplastics will linger in the world for a lot longer than we will. There many less damaging and better alternatives readily available and The Farewell Flowers Directory is here to help you make the switch.
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Over the past decade awareness of the damaging impact of microplastic waste in the environment has grown - following David Attenborough’s iconic ‘Blue Planet’ series, public attention was suddenly focussed on marine micro-plastic pollution. In 2022 The Royal Horticultural Society banned floral foam use at their flower shows and The General Synod, the Church of England's legislative body, has faced calls for a ban on its use in funeral flowers.
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How does this happen? After soaking blocks of floral foam, any leftover water and all its tiny green foam particles is most often poured straight down the sink or into a drain and this allows it to work its way into the natural aquatic environment.
Meet the florists:
Why we’re passionate about funeral flowers
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![Carole of Tuckshop Flowers holds a bucket of freshly picked cut summer flowers in her garden.]()
"I want to make it easy for people who're looking for an natural alternative to stiff formality."
Carole, Tuckshop Flowers, Birmingham
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![Gill Hodgson of Field House Flowers holds a bunch of freshly picked tulips in a spring flower field.]()
“It's important to have funeral flowers that feel right and that will naturally return to the earth, as we will."
Gill, Fieldhouse Flowers, Yorkshire
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![A bunch of seasonal spring narcissi in a mix of pastel colours against a dark background.]()
"I want to make flowers that can be shared as one last gesture of love."
Linda, Woodchurch Cottage Flowers, Kent.
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![Locally grown spring flowers include tulips like these yellow and orange varieties grown naturally outdoors.]()
"The most special funeral flowers come from a well-loved garden, tended by the person we're remembering."
Jade, Hook Heath Flower Farm, Surrey.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We’re aiming to bring more sustainable choices for funeral flowers into the spotlight. Meet farewell florists and their beautiful creations at public events across the UK.
