Did you know, illegally picking a flower could lump you in jail?
It's no secret from the very beginning that I have had a focus on sustainable practices within my business. My grandmother told me when I was young, "Start as you mean to go on" and so I have. Before you had even heard of me I was developing my business, my brand and my intentions. I wanted a clear direction within my business and to establish what my values and goals were from the get go. 6 years ago people used to look at me funny when I used what they would consider a "dead" piece within my designs or lugged in a van full of foliages and flowers into my studio. It's blatantly obvious that you all know about dried flowers now and are learning what foraging is. That's because it's now "cool", "in" and "trendy". Where do my values come and goals come into this you ask? Well....
With the intention to be sustainable and eco friendly within my business from the very beginning this meant knowing what was right, what was wrong and researching into the new trends I wasn't sure on. Being a florist isn't just about putting pretty flowers together it's about respecting nature in it's purest form, embracing it and celebrating it. This time of year is peak season for wildflowers in Australia. They are growing everywhere and this year in particular everything is flourishing. I was mid modelling for a photoshoot with Katie Maree Designs and Georgia Belle Photography at Dudley, Newcastle in a stunning field of wildflowers. I hate to say it but I was saddened by what I saw. Amongst the fields of flannel flowers there were fresh snips on every plant. Meaning, someone had gone out with the intention on taking these from nature. I get it, it's pretty tempting to want to pick these beauties when they can be anywhere up to $60 a bunch and you can literally just go pick them for free. I can tell you right now, they could just end up being the most expensive flowers you ever treated yourself to. Did you know that you can be fined up to $1,650,000 for picking flowers in the wild? Not to mention, end up in goal. It could pay to read on. Through conversation I always try to educate others as much as I can on this matter. Why? Not many people know they are doing something wrong and those who do may not know just how. To best serve nature education and consideration is key.
There are two main documents of which I have sourced my information from today that are definitely worth a read. I've made it easy for you, here are the links below:
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/licensing/20130087cutflowersmp.pdf
The cut-flower Sustainable Management Plan has been created for so many incredible reasons and outlines exactly why succumbing to temptation just isn't on. This plan has been created to facilitate and regulate sustainably harvesting and producing material for the cut-flower industry in NSW. The aim is to support the long-term conservation of plant species used in the cut-flower industry, in both their natural habitat and as part of a viable cultivated native flora industry. Essentially this is to help protect and manage the use of cut flowers and foliage from native plants through licensing and other tools. To put it simply, if we all go and cut flowers or take plants from their natural environment, one day we won't have that plant to enjoy anymore.
The main objectives of this education tool are:
Inform the public and cut-flower and associated industries about the need to conserve protected and threatened plants to maintain species and a sustainable industry
Ensure all participants in the supply chain are aware of the restrictions and conditions relating to the sale of protected or threatened plants
Encourage the use of artificially cultivated plants and managed wild plants on private land to meet the needs of the cut-flower industry
Encourage the retention of natural stands of vegetation on private property through sustainable harvest.
So what are the flowers that we can't cut out in the wild?
Now, I could make this really easy for you and provide pictures for all of these species. Here's where you come into it. I would love for you to do your own homework, educate yourself on what is and isn't protected and consider your contribution to the environment and your effects on the industry with the moves you make within your business or day to day life. Let's just call it a little food for thought.
What will happen if I cut these?
For threatened species you can be fined $330,000 for individuals, $1,650,000 for corporations and/or imprisonment for two years.
For vulnerable species you can be fined $88,000 for individuals or $440,000 for corporations. For protected plants you can be fined $22,000 for individuals or $110,000 for corporations.
How can I tell if I am buying sustainably sourced flowers and foliages from the protected species list?
You will notice in the previous tables "groups". Each group has different rules and regulations for growers upon sale. Some products require tagging, some don't. Tagging may be a label, sticker, sleeve or markings on a plant container.
For all Group 1 and 2 plants:
Tagging is not required
Wild harvesters and growers are required to keep records and receipts of sales.
For all Group 3 plants:
NPWS tags are required for all material
A grower licensee who harvests species from artificially cultivated stock may attach a grower tag in addition to a NPWS tag
For all Group 4 plants:
Grower tags are required.
If you have made it to the end, THANK YOU! This blog is simply some information to help make your life easier, create conversation and awareness and a little prompt to think twice before you snip.
