Flowers From the Farm decorate Bury St Edmunds’ Pillar of Salt as part of British Flower Week

A historical landmark in Bury St Edmunds was embellished with floral colour to raise awareness of the ecological impact of store-bought flowers.

The Pillar of Salt road sign, on the Angel Hill, was decorated with more than 1,500 seasonal flowers as part of the British Flower Week.

Twelve members from Flowers From the Farm, a non-profit membership association championing artisan growers of local, season cut flowers, worked for five hours, starting at 5am, to create the floral installation yesterday.

Victoria Uff, from the Meadow Patch in Worlingworth, near Farmlingham, said the environmental impact of imported flowers, which arrive in British supermarkets, needed to be addressed.

She explained: “The potential ecological impact of what is a massive flower growing industry really needs to be addressed.

“We’re growing as sustainably possible with as much care for the land.

“There may be some car miles, but it's relatively small by comparison to the vast majority of flowers which are brought into this country by airplane or by ferry.

“Many are grown on much larger farms where energy and water uses are very high.”

The event was also aimed at encouraging the public to consider buying more local British flowers.

Victoria said: “We’ve got to a point where the majority of people in the UK are only 30 miles away from a flower grower.

“I think if you speak to many people, particularly those interested in the province of their food, it still hasn’t occurred to them to think about where their flowers come from.

“We’re not saying people should never buy from supermarket flowers, because looking at all financial demographics, everyone should have access to beautiful flowers.

“It is more about getting the message out so people have enough knowledge that they can make a choice when they’re able to.”

During the event, which was supported by Bury in Bloom, people had a chance to view the flowers, ask questions and take a photograph with the display on a selfie bench.

Those attending were also encouraged to write messages on floral tokes, which will be put into a scrapbook, and share their ideas on how they will try to make a positive impact on their environment.

Victoria added: “The reaction has been really positive. We actually had a few people say it’s quite an emotional experience to come and be part of something this beautiful.”

The flowers used in the display will be made into a compost, which will later be taken to the Abbey Gardens.