A Blooming Thank You to Marginpar for Their Generous Support

The launch of the Institute of Flowers wouldn't have been the same without the incredible generosity of Marginpar. Their stunning donation of premium blooms transformed our wedding intensive workshop with Sabine Darrall into a truly unforgettable experience.

Our participants couldn't stop marvelling at the exceptional quality of the flowers - from the elegant clematis and stately delphiniums to the lush hydrangeas, delicate scabiosa and feathery astilbe. The variety and freshness of Marginpar's offerings allowed our florists to create wedding arrangements that truly showcased the artistry possible with top-quality materials.

The Marginpar Story

Behind these beautiful blooms lies an equally beautiful story. Marginpar has built their reputation not just on growing exceptional flowers, but on growing them with purpose and heart.

Founded in Kenya and later expanding to Ethiopia, Marginpar has revolutionised flower farming in East Africa. Their approach goes far beyond simply producing beautiful stems - they've created a business model that nurtures both people and plants.

Sustainability at the Core

What makes Marginpar truly special is their deep commitment to sustainability. Their farms operate with a profound respect for the environment, implementing practices that ensure their beautiful blooms don't come at nature's expense.

Marginpar has embraced a comprehensive approach to sustainable growing. They've invested in rainwater harvesting systems that significantly reduce their reliance on local water sources. Their innovative irrigation techniques deliver precisely the right amount of water to each plant, eliminating waste.

Perhaps most impressive is their nearly chemical-free growing process. Rather than relying on harsh pesticides, Marginpar uses biological controls—beneficial insects that naturally manage pests. This creates a balanced ecosystem within their greenhouses and dramatically reduces their environmental footprint.

The company has also made remarkable strides in reducing plastic use throughout their operations. From biodegradable sleeves to reusable packaging solutions, they're tackling the floristry industry's plastic problem head-on.

Marginpar's sustainability initiatives extend to energy use as well. Their farms increasingly utilise solar power, taking advantage of East Africa's abundant sunshine to power operations with clean energy.

Community Impact

What truly sets Marginpar apart is their commitment to the communities where their farms are located. Their presence has created thousands of stable jobs in regions where employment opportunities were previously limited. But they don't stop at just providing work - they invest in their people.

Marginpar offers comprehensive healthcare programmes, education support for employees' children, and skills development that extends beyond flower cultivation. Many workers have grown their careers within the company, moving from entry-level positions to management roles.

The company also embraces sustainable farming practices that protect the local environment. Their water conservation methods, integrated pest management systems, and soil health initiatives ensure that their farms enhance rather than deplete the surrounding ecosystems.

Quality You Can See

At our wedding workshop, the Marginpar difference was immediately visible. Their clematis featured perfectly unfurled petals, the delphiniums stood tall with vibrant colours, and the hydrangeas boasted full, lush heads that became the focal points of many arrangements.

One participant commented, "I've never worked with flowers of this quality before - they make my job as a florist so much easier when the raw materials are this perfect.

Looking Forward

The Institute of Flowers is proud to have partners like Marginpar who share our commitment to excellence in floristry. Their support of our launch event has set the tone for the type of quality and community focus we hope to foster within our own organisation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Marginpar team - from the growers nurturing each stem to VDP for ensuring these delicate beauties reached us in perfect condition.

For florists looking to elevate their work with exceptional blooms, we cannot recommend Marginpar highly enough. Their flowers don't just look beautiful - they carry with them stories of positive impact and sustainable growing practices that we can all feel good about sharing with our clients.