A new charity partnership giving pre-loved flowers a second life launched today, Tuesday April 28, bringing together Flower Market Florist Pinstripes and Peonies and local Nine Elms café District.

Called Second Hand Flower Shop, the partnership sees the Pinstripes and Peonies team take previously used flowers - in today’s case from a high-profile event at the Natural History Museum - and sell them in colourful bouquets at the District café for just £15 per bunch, with all funds raised going to charity.

“As well as cutting waste, we’re funding a local school garden project that we’ve been supporting for a number of years now,” said Pinstripe and Peonies’ project manager Sinead Mathew, pictured above with two of the repurposed bouquets. She added: “Second Hand Flower shop will be outside District every Tuesday and Thursday, displaying the bouquets in a purpose-built wooden stand we’ve designed and created. Today’s bouquets sold out within 20 minutes and we hope it’s a winning concept.”

“We’ve chosen to launch in spring to coincide with a busier events season and greater availability of surplus flowers,” said Sinead, explaining how flowers used at weddings, corporate functions and major venues often have a short lifespan despite remaining in excellent condition. We aim to change that by collecting, refreshing and reselling them at an accessible price point.”

The collaboration came about after Pinstripes and Peonies sought a like-minded local partner. Both businesses are currently working towards B Corp certification, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental and social responsibility. District’s location next to the US Embassy and residential developments proved the perfect place to attract footfall.

All funds raised by the Second Hand Flower Shop will support a growing school garden initiative, first started by Pinstripes and Peonies in January 2023. Using materials from past events, the team provides materials, plants and staffing for weekly sessions at Vauxhall’s Herbert Morrison Primary School.

Sinead said they want to use the additional income to expand the scheme to as many as five schools in the area. “We want to keep on providing children with hands-on experience of nature, encouraging outdoor learning and environmental awareness.”

The project takes its cue from the Floral Angels charity, which is based at Pinstripes and Peonies’ studio twice a week. Ruari McCulloch, Pinstripes and Peonies’ Founder, has been a Trustee and Board Member of the charity since 2016, giving the Floral Angels team space in his studio to repurpose flowers from weddings and events into smaller arrangements to take to hospices, care homes, and women’s shelters.

“We’re not trying to replace our long-standing relationship with Floral Angels, and they are still our top priority for donations,” explains Sinead, adding that it’s a “win-win” for both sustainability and community impact. “Second Hand Flower Shop will focus on midweek surplus that might otherwise be composted. Stock levels will vary depending on event schedules and we expect to refine the operation over time, particularly during our peak months from May to September.”