Let Hope Bloom

Say it with flowers

When much of the world as we all knew it suddenly came to a halt in late March, there was nothing to prepare businesses for the likely impact.

Although not a priority in a pandemic, floriculture provides a snapshot of how significant the global shutdown became. The world’s biggest plant and flower auction, Royal Flora Holland, shows that in the five weeks leading up to April 17, sales dropped, on average, 50% each week when compared to the previous year.

Sadly, there was the disposal of millions of flowers as Marco Van Zijverden, CEO at the Dutch Flower Group, explained: ‘Production time for some products is eight weeks, some 10 weeks or three months.

“You can’t stop it right away. And we can’t keep the flowers for months in a cold room. It’s a fresh product, it’s perishable.”

The fact that flowers are fresh is at once their weakness and their strength. Fresh workplace flowers lift any office environment and bring joy to recipients. The colour, scent and visual impact of floral displays is impossible to imitate.

For employees returning to the workplace, flowers will prove a boost and a much-needed sign that the working environment is a positive one. For staff on furlough or remote working, what better way can there be to send a note of thanks and reassurance that they are appreciated.

Here’s another video, this time from the Flower Council of Holland, setting out just what is possible when we Let Hope Bloom.