9 million roses to be sold this weekend

MORE than nine million red roses will be sold in the UK this weekend as romantics say it with flowers on Valentine's Day.

Around £30 million will be spent on flowers and plants with 99 per cent of the cash going on cut blooms, but when most of the blooms are imported, what is the cost to the environment?

According to the Flowers and Plants Association, these imports don't leave a huge carbon footprint in their wake and to forgo flowers grown in overseas climes would hinder the development of many nations.

"The reason we import most of our blooms is because there is widespread consumer need for flowers at this time of the year - namely the rose - that can't be grown in the UK climate," said a spokeswoman.

"Every flower-growing country has the perfect climate or the specialist equipment and skills to produce their yield, and it's great to give them the opportunity to further their specialism - and that includes the UK's specialist crops of narcissi." (The UK exports daffodils to the Netherlands which are then distributed worldwide).

"Countries like Kenya and Columbia that grow flowers for export have signed up to organisations that ensure fairly traded product, showing how valuable the industry is to their development and how willing they are to create a dignified life for their workers," said the spokeswoman.

"To forgo flowers grown in overseas climates not only hinders the development of these nations, but gives far less choice in flowers for Valentine's Day - particularly large-headed roses from Colombia."

Britain's leading organic growing charity, Garden Organic, recommends some low flower-mile gifts for Valentine's Day.

Expert Philip Turvil said: "Out-of-season and imported flowers for Valentine's Day can have a large energy footprint, not least distance travelled, heating and lighting. Here at Garden Organic we recommend minimising the impact of your special gift by including local, seasonal flowers and other beautiful plants."