Let me introduce you to our amazing partner, Ben Cross, a fourth-generation flower grower at the historic Crosslands Flower Nursery. Established in 1936 in West Sussex, Crosslands is one of the last remaining UK nurseries producing vibrant cut flowers all year round.
What’s truly special about Ben’s British Alstroemeria is its incredible sustainability. These stunning flowers are grown without any post-harvest chemical sprays and are packaged in recyclable, reusable boxes for next-day delivery. Ben avoids soil cooling techniques and, remarkably, some of his flower beds have been blooming for over 20 years!
Ben’s commitment to the environment doesn’t stop there. British Alstroemeria is a ‘Cool Crop’ and a ‘Dry Crop,’ meaning it requires minimal heat and water resources. During the winter, the crop is kept cozy at just 13°C through a biomass boiler, while watering is minimal – just 20 minutes monthly in winter and once every 10 days during the summer months.
Unlike many imported flowers, Ben’s blooms don’t sit in freezers for days. Crosslands’ cooling storage system is typically off between November and March, and when needed, the flowers are only chilled to about 6°C. This means you’re getting fresher, more vibrant flowers that haven’t been shipped across the globe.
Quality and community matter to Ben. He harvests his flowers at the perfect ‘ripe’ bud stage for bigger, more vibrant blooms, and he’s passionate about employing locals and offering apprenticeships in partnership with nearby horticultural colleges. A true advocate for British flowers, Ben frequently speaks at floristry colleges to share his enthusiasm.
Ben’s dedication has earned him accolades, including the prestigious Grower Award in 2019 and 2022, and the Gold Sussex Environmental Award in 2020. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, he generously donated his beautiful blooms to St. Richards Hospital and West Sussex care homes.
