Many of us are concerned that our strawberries are flown in from the other side of the world, but why aren't we bothered by the fact that 90 percent of the flowers we buy are imported? Britain has one of the best climates and some of the best growers in the world, so why don't we celebrate the fabulous flowers that we grow here so well - roses, sweet peas, peonies, dahlias, lilies, narcissi, lily of the valley and tulips - when they're naturally in bloom?

At an annual £1.5billion, the British cut flower market is comparable in size to the music industry, and yet 85 per cent of flowers we buy are imported mainly from Kenya. However the consumer move towards organic and fairtrade foods has also had a knock on effect on the flower market and British blooms are on their way up, offering a stylish, eco friendly alternative to jet lagged roses. As well as reducing our carbon footprint, there are a number of other advantages to buying British flowers including powerful, good old-fashioned scent, freshness and a longer vase life.

So next time you buy flowers buy the best, buy British and support this stylish and imaginative growing market. We share with you the best of the bunch!

The Real Cut Garden Company
http://www.cutflowergarden.co.uk/

Generous bunches of old-fashioned and unusual blossoms can be delivered to your door, looking as though you might have just picked them from your own garden. The flowers are grown organically on the Herefordshire borders near the Black Mountains, freshly cut and delivered within less than a day of being picked.

Foxtail Lilly

http://www.foxtail-lilly.co.uk/

Foxtail Lilly is a little barn shop tucked away in a country garden setting in a quiet corner of the beautiful and historic town of Oundle, Northamptonshire Seasonal hand-tied flower bouquets and cottage garden plants are on sale along with vintage local handmade gifts.

Snapdragon Garden

http://www.snapdragongarden.co.uk/

Pretty county-style flowers picked fresh to order

David Austin Roses

http://www.davidaustinroses.com/

David Austin's cut roses have the wonderful old rose forms and natural charm of garden roses

The Real Flower Company

http://www.realflowers.co.uk/

Glorious scented bunches of British roses and herbs ideal for a very special occasion- truly stunning!

Tregothnan Bouquets

http://www.tregothnan.co.uk/

A range of flowers are available including Peonies, Sweet peas, Hydrangeas, Narcissus, Dahlias, Gladioli and Camellia depending on the season, with cut foliage from the plantations on the Estate.

Scilly Flowers
http://www.scillyflowers.co.uk/
Scented narcissi in winter and show pinks in summer are delivered in a sturdy box with your personal message on a card. Orders received before 12 noon arrive in the post two days later.

Country Roses

http://www.countryroses.co.uk/
Country Roses grows 60 different varieties and can deliver by courier during the season (May-November). After hand-picking early in the morning, the roses are carefully packaged and delivered to your door.

Clowance Wood Nurseries
http://www.flowersbyclowance.co.uk/

This family run Cornish cut flower business is now in its third generation and provides early daffodils before Christmas. Other flowers include stocks, lilies, chrysanthemums, asters and anemones.

Flowers from Guernsey
http://www.flowersfromguernsey.com/
Up to 10 million blooms are grown annually in 10 acres of glasshouses, including carnations and freesias. The company also supplies award-winning irises.

Wiggly Wigglers,
http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/
Wiggly Wigglers is famous for its womeries and composting devices, but is also a supplier of fine seasonal cut flowers.

Allwoods
http://www.allwoods.net/
Allwoods began sending flowers by post in 1915 and now stocks nearly 100 varieties of carnation.

Devon Violet Nursery
http://www.sweetviolets.co.uk/
In the early 20th century, Dawlish in Devon was the most important centre for the cultivation of violets and a train ran to Covent Garden Market in London every day. After the war, violets went out of fashion, and it is only thanks to the efforts of specialist growers that the flower is returning.