Local and Sustainable Sourcing

Our Commitment to Local & Sustainable Sourcing

At Wildflower + Wren, we believe the most beautiful arrangements begin at the source. Here you'll find honest answers to common questions about where our flowers come from, how they're grown, and the choices we make along the way.

What does "locally sourced" mean for Wildflower + Wren?

When we describe flowers as locally sourced, we mean they were grown within our region — typically the upper Midwest — rather than imported from distant commercial farms. Local sourcing lets us work with flowers at peak freshness, support nearby growers, and reduce the miles blooms travel before reaching you.

Where do your locally grown flowers come from?

Several of our arrangements feature flowers grown in the Driftless Area, a distinctive region spanning parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois known for its rolling terrain and rich agricultural heritage. Our Seasonal Wreath: Autumn Magnolia and Eucalyptus is one example that draws on Driftless-area sourcing.

We also incorporate locally sourced blooms in arrangements like our Designers Choice, where availability allows. Because we work with small growers, we don't always publish specific farm names — but we're happy to share details about the source of your arrangement when we know them. If you'd like provenance information for a specific order, just ask us.

When are local flowers available?

Local flower availability follows the natural growing season in our region, roughly late spring through early fall — typically May through October, depending on the year and crop. During winter months, we supplement with responsibly sourced flowers from trusted suppliers when local options are limited. We'll always tell you what we're working with.

What happens when a specific flower isn't in season?

Seasonal availability is part of what makes each arrangement unique. When a featured bloom isn't available, we make thoughtful substitutions using flowers of similar color, texture, or character — always with an eye toward the overall feel of the design. For custom orders, we welcome a conversation about what's at its best right now.

Do you use floral foam?

We do not use floral foam, which is made from non-biodegradable plastic and can shed microplastics. For many arrangements and wreaths, we use foam-free mechanics such as chicken wire, floral frogs, or branch-based structure. Some designs may require a water source. when that's the case, we use innovative coconut coir and direct water sources such as tubes when needed.

What about packaging?

We aim to keep packaging simple and low-waste. Arrangements are wrapped or boxed using kraft paper, recycled tissue, and reusable or compostable materials wherever possible. We avoid unnecessary plastic sleeves and single-use plastic bags. If you have specific packaging needs or concerns, let us know at the time of order.

Do you work with edible flowers?

Some of the seasonal blooms we source — such as certain nasturtiums, violas, and herbs — are varieties that can be edible when properly grown and handled. However, we do not certify arrangements as food-safe, and flowers intended for floral design are not processed or stored for culinary use. If you're looking for edible flowers for a specific purpose, please contact us so we can discuss options and sourcing separately.

Have a question we didn't answer? Contact us — we'd love to tell you more about what's growing and what's in season.