From cut flowers to plants!

The floral and gardening industry as a whole is far from perfect, but we are making leaps and bounds. Many great companies are working hard to make things better in recent years and we want to make sure you know everything WE are doing to support a more sustainable industry. From native plants and eco-friendly containers, to upcycling and donating past bloom perennials.

Locally Grown.

Over 80% of our garden center plants are considered locally grown, meaning they are grown and transported within our region.

For more information, please ask an associate! We’re happy to show you which plants are locally grown.

We also have several locally grown cut flowers in our walk-in cooler, most notably our tulips, peonies, iris and sunflowers…and now we’ve gone hyper local with stunning cut flowers supplied by Eighth Acre, right here in Darien, available on a seasonal basis!

While it is true we get many of our beautiful cut flower varieties globally, we do collaborate with vendors that have a commitment to sustainability, fair-trade labor and are always seeking to improve their business practices just as we are. Our European partners hold themselves to the high standard set by the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative.

“Since 2013 the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative has enabled exchange between leading organizations and businesses in the floriculture sector on sustainability, helping them to progress on this important agenda.

In continuity with what has been the members focus since the start, the FSI2025 ambition is centred around three pillars – responsible production & trade, responsible conduct and integrated reporting – plus the FSI governance framework, providing a comprehensive approach to supply chain sustainability.” Please visit their website for more information. https://www.fsi2025.com/

Native plants.

Over the past 5 years, we have increased the native plants and pollinators that are available in our garden center. Look for the marker, signage or speak with one of our team members to get started on your pollinator garden.

Packaging.

Several years ago, with the introduction of recyclable bags in the town of Darien, we also removed all excess packaging from our flower arrangements and converted our cut flower bouquet wrapping to completely recyclable or reusable products. All of our boxes and tissue can be recycled, and we encourage you to reuse the ribbon!

Growers Pots.

Did you know that CT Mixed recycling accepts growers/nursery pots as long as they are white, red or green?? The only ones that aren’t accepted are the black plastic pots.

Past bloom plants/older houseplants/cut flowers.

Rather than disposing of our seasonal plant material that is simply past bloom and needs a little love to come back next year, we are donating them to local organizations who can distribute them to those with less resources. This includes cut flowers that may not last long but are still lovely. We work with the Darien Senior Center, Person to Person, local schools and S.T.A.R in this program.

Fair trade labor

When we are not able to bring in locally grown cut flowers or plants, we work with vendors that are committed to positive employment for their farm workers and laborers.

Many of the farms we work with internationally also have water recycling programs in place and programs to offset their carbon footprint. You can find more information about these certified farms here: https://www.florverde.org/en/home/

“Florverde® Sustainable Flowers (FSF) is an independent social and environmental standard which ensures that flowers certified under this scheme have been responsibly produced.

This requires flower growers to adopt measures that will protect and enable worker’s rights, implement best environmental practices, and comply with national regulations. FSF also helps safeguard quality by requiring the proper care and handling of flowers.”

Christmas is coming! There is so much going on here at the store, we had to dedicate a whole page to everything that is happening!

First off, we are celebrating our 10th year supporting Darien EMS-Post 53 with our annual Holiday Shopping Happy Hour. This year, we will be featuring 4 local designers who will create a holiday themed tablescape. That event is NEXT week, Thursday 11/9 at 5:30 pm. Learn more about the event here!

The Holiday Showroom is ready!!! One of the most exciting transformations of the year! The elves were very busy during the evenings over the past two weeks creating some absolutely stunning displays for all to enjoy.  This year, our stories are inspired by Christmas in different countries. Take a wander through the green magic of ‘Ireland’, the sparkles of ‘France’, pristine whites in ‘Iceland’, the fun festivities of ‘Mexico’, rich colors in ‘Germany’ and subtle hues abound in ‘Holland’.

For a sneak peak of the showroom, click here. 

Next up- Christmas trees will arrive November 18th and we are so excited to welcome big, fluffy, fat Frasier Firs from North Carolina again! Stop in for a holiday tradition of picking your tree with us. We will have hot chocolate and cookies available for the first two Saturdays after Thanksgiving.

Services available for 2023

Mrs. Claus will be personalizing ornaments! Come in to place your order.

We have partnered with Sokayri to offer Christmas stocking embroidery.

As usual, our talented staff will also be making custom bows.

Please note, all of these services require a 48 hour minimum turnaround, longer for the embroidery.

We had the absolute pleasure of helping to adorn this cozy cottage home for a Martha Stewart.com photoshoot. Most of the florals and the container gardens you see were designed by Nielsen’s Florist.

https://www.marthastewart.com/connecticut-cottage-home-tour-terre-blair-7494625

As part of our ongoing commitment to the planet, we have implemented several initiatives that reflect our focus on renewable resources and giving back to the community.

1. Eco-Friendly and Reusable Packaging:

We understand the importance of minimizing waste and reducing our environmental footprint. To that end, Nielsen’s Florist transitioned in 2021 to using exclusively eco-friendly and reusable packaging for our floral gifts. By choosing materials that are both sustainable and recyclable, we strive to ensure that every aspect of our products aligns with our commitment to the environment.

2. Donating Cut Flowers to Local Senior Center:

In an effort to bring joy and brighten the lives of seniors in our community, Nielsen’s Florist has had a partnership with the local senior center for many years. Instead of discarding unsold or older cut flowers, we donate them to the center every Monday. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also spreads happiness among those who may benefit greatly from the beauty and fragrance of fresh flowers.

3. Donating Non-Retail Ready Plants to Charitable Organizations:

At Nielsen’s, we firmly believe in the power of gardening to uplift individuals and communities. In order to make plants more accessible to those with less resources or even physical limitations, we have initiated a program entitled “Reblooming Beauty” to donate past bloom and non-retail ready plants to two prominent local organizations, S.T.A.R and Person to Person, whom Nielsen’s have had a long-standing relationship with. These organizations will distribute the plants to individuals and families, providing them with the opportunity to cultivate their own green spaces and experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

Join us in celebrating spring this year with a brand new flower flare to welcome in the season!

This year’s flower flare theme is ‘Monet’s Garden’ to coincide with the launch of our new signature flower arrangements, the ‘Giverny Collection’.

We are giving away three of these gorgeous new designs, one in each color before they become available online.

If you’d like the chance to win one, sign up below. Winners will be announced Monday, April 24th.

And don’t forget to tag us @nielsensflorist!