Gardenia Organic

Hannah Ling, trailblazer and owner of Gardenia Organic, opened her first organic floral design studio in New York City’s West Village back in 2007. She has recently relocated uptown to the recognized 28th Street “Flower District,” and remains the only organic choice in the area.

Gardenia Organic’s mission is to educate the consumer on the benefits of organic flowers and provide an option for those who wish to exercise their spending power to make a difference. Hanna focuses on vital issues permeating the industry today, including environmental preservation and fair labor practices.

Whenever possible, flowers are sourced from farms that are within a 200-mile radius of Manhattan. Buying local keeps carbon emissions low, and allows her to maintain relationships with farm owners, verifying their production methods. Flowers from out-of-state often come from California, always USDA Certified Organic.

Columbian and Ecuadorian varieties arrive only through Veriflora (http://VeriFlora.org), an independent company that supports fair labor practices and sustainable farming in South America and the U.S. Conventionally, South American flower farm workers—often young children—work long hours, use dangerous equipment, and are subjected to toxic chemicals so harsh that over 25 of these chemicals are banned in the U.S. Birth defect rates are high near farms, and local economies do not benefit from the labor, as hours often remain unpaid. Veriflora standards ensure quality cut flowers are not grown at the expense of the earth or its people.

Hannah goes beyond, ensuring that not only her flowers, but all business efforts work toward a better end. Among the eco-fabulous:

*Emission-Free Deliveries in Manhattan, Brooklyn and parts of Queens. All deliveries are made by Revolution Rickshaws (http://RevolutionRickshaws.com), a local transportation business using human-powered rickshaws.

*Green Electricity illuminates the space and low VOC paints covers the walls.

*Conservative Ordering helps reduce botanical waste. All other flowers, leaves, and stems are composted. (Help Gardenia Organic plan ahead and place your order in advance!)

*Conscious Packaging, with organic biodegradable corn-based (cellophane-like) wrap, recycled post-consumer tissue paper and shopping bags.

The planet is small. What we support with our dollar affects waterways, food supplies, air quality, people and pets we hold dear, local, national, and international communities, and the direction of industry. Gardenia Organic makes no compromises so you won’t have to, either. For less than you would pay for a bouquet of toxic petals, have a custom organic arrangement made (and delivered!) for all occasions. Organic flowers will last longer, and be naturally more fragrant. And the recycled glass vase will be yours to keep.

Order an arrangement today by phoning in. Gardenia Organic is open to the public by appointment only. Private and corporate accounts are welcomed.