
How We're Growing Valentine's Flowers Without Red Roses
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Valentine’s Day is synonymous with red roses. But here at Carobeth Flowers, we’ve taken a different approach. Staying true to our commitment to sustainability and British-grown flowers, we’re crafting beautiful Valentine’s arrangements without relying on this imported tradition. Instead, we’re embracing the natural beauty of winter blooms grown on our farm, delivering colour, warmth, and meaningful flowers to arrange.
Growing with the Seasons
In the UK, Valentine’s Day falls when nature is still resting. Traditionally, there aren’t many cut flowers available locally at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean our fields are silent. By growing with the seasons and investing in sustainable practices, we’ve discovered how to work with what nature offers—even in the colder months.
This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Climate change has made our growing calendar increasingly unpredictable. Flowers that once bloomed in early spring are now surprising us in December. For example, our Icelandic poppies and anemones, typically springtime stars, have been blooming in our cold polytunnel since the early days of winter. This is a reminder of how closely we must work with nature and adapt to her rhythms.
The Journey of Our Winter Tulips
One of our proudest accomplishments this season is our winter tulips. Growing these stunning blooms for February requires months-long planning. In late summer, we start by placing the tulip bulbs in dark, cold storage, mimicking the frosty days of winter. After at least 10 weeks of rest, the bulbs emerge from their slumber, ready to be planted in compost. With just the right care, they burst into bloom in time for Valentine’s Day.
Winter tulips have their own personality—slightly smaller and more compact than their spring siblings but every bit as vibrant. Their rich hues make them perfect for celebrating love, whether in fiery reds, deep oranges, or golden yellows that convey warmth and passion.
Beyond Tulips: A Symphony of Winter Blooms
Our Valentine’s arrangements don’t stop at tulips. We celebrate the natural diversity of British flowers by including hellebores (fondly known as winter roses), pastel anemones, scented paperwhites, and heritage narcissi from our farm in Devon. These blooms may not come to mind when you think of Valentine’s flowers, but they tell a story of sustainability and care for the environment—a message we believe is just as romantic as red roses.
Each flower is carefully chosen not just for its beauty but for the meaning and emotion it carries. By blending shades of red with complementary hues of orange and gold, we create arrangements that radiate love and warmth in a truly unique way.
Rethinking Valentine’s Traditions
Valentine’s Day is no longer just about romance; it’s also a time to practice self-care and show appreciation for the important people in our lives. We’ve noticed more and more women buying flowers for themselves or their friends—a trend that fills us with joy. After all, research shows that having flowers in your home can boost your mood and self-confidence. What better way to celebrate love than by loving yourself?
A More Sustainable Valentine’s
By choosing Carobeth Flowers, you’re not just gifting beautiful blooms—you’re supporting a movement toward sustainable floristry. Every flower in our Valentine’s boxes is grown naturally, with care and respect for the environment. Unlike imported roses, which often have a hefty carbon footprint, our blooms are rooted in British soil, nurtured through the seasons, and delivered fresh to your door.
We invite you to think outside the red rose this Valentine's Day. Choose flowers that are not only stunning but also a story of care for the planet and the people we love. Our arrangements celebrate connection, creativity, and nature’s incredible beauty, whether for a partner, a friend, or yourself.
Love Blooms Here
At Carobeth Flowers, we believe love blooms in many forms. Let’s celebrate this February with flowers that honour the earth, the seasons, and the special people in our lives.
To order your token of love, click here.