Recycled Blooms
– Giving New Life to Unwanted Flowers
In a growing world of waste, Charlotte Pennell has big-heartedly taken on the role of managing Recycled Blooms (@recycledbloomsperth) a non-profit organisation. For nearly the past 3 years, Charlotte and former founder Marie Bloemer have given new life to unwanted flowers and foliage and redistributing them to appreciative groups.
“Our mission is twofold” Marie says:
· “Make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of others and
· Reduce wastage in the floral industry.”
The idea for Recycled Blooms was first brought to life by Marie Bloemer (which coincidently means ‘flower’ in Dutch) , a Perth-based florist, in 2022. Having seen firsthand the volume of flowers which still had life in them going to waste during her time as a florist and flower wholesaler, Marie was determined to make a difference. When she moved to the U.S. later that year, she sought someone to take over the organization—someone with shared values and a passion for sustainability and community care. Enter Charlotte Pennell, who officially took the reins in November 2023.
Already managing a successful wedding floristry, planning, and styling business, Mother & Bride, alongside her mother Marsha since 2018, Charlotte stepped into the role, dedicating her time and energy to this worthy cause.
In a recent episode of the Gather (@gather_afloralcommunity) Podcast with Lara Rose Bos, Charlotte shared insights into how Recycled Blooms operates. Florists notify her when they have an oversupply of fresh or used flowers in good condition. From there, Charlotte coordinates with a dedicated network of volunteers to collect, arrange, and distribute the blooms to appreciative groups.
Charlotte has grown the organization’s network of industry contacts and volunteers. All flowers and foliages that still have good life in them are welcome with the exception of floral foam. She is conscious of ensuring that the health of any recipients is not compromised and wants to ensure that the proper disposal of foam doesn’t become the responsibility of staff in an aged care facility.
Local flower wholesalers Tesselaar Perth, Everbloom and Profresh have kindly donated flowers over the past few years. Recipients of the flowers have included Autism organisations, aged care homes, hospices and other groups.
Even with her own wedding clients, Charlotte offers the option to donate their flowers following the event to local aged care homes, a gesture that has not only won over her clients but has also reinforced her commitment to reducing waste.
“It’s always so special to see how something as simple as flowers can light up a room and bring smiles to so many faces. This act of kindness is a beautiful reminder of the power of community and sharing joy, especially during the holiday season.” Charlotte says.
On the 23rd December I popped by Recycled Blooms most recent Christmas donation drive at a centrally located church where trestle tables had been setup and a very generous spread of cheeses, meats, crackers and bubbles had been put on for the volunteers. 12 buckets of flowers had been kindly donated by Everbloom Flowers WA and arranged by 11 florists into 64 arrangements. They were then delivered to 6 aged care homes across Perth spreading holiday cheer to residents.
While Recycled Blooms has a loyal group of regular volunteers, Charlotte is always on the lookout for more help, particularly in Perth’s southern and far northern suburbs. No floristry experience is required—just a willingness to make a difference. The organization also welcomes donations of vases.
“Together, we’re spreading love, one bloom at a time” Charlotte says.
To learn more contact Charlotte at @recycledbloomsperth or tune in to her interview with Lara Rose Bos on the Gather – A Floral Community podcast, available via Patreon at www.patreon.com.au.
If you have any fantastic botanical recycling stories, I’d love to hear about them.
Cerina
Cerina, I LOVE this so much!!!! Who would have ever thought this would be a thing? I think it should be a thing everywhere!! What a lovely way to brighten the days for those who benefit from donated flowers that would've otherwise been trashed!