Columbia, Louisiana

Most cut flowers sold in the UK are air-freighted and sprayed. Three questions tell you if a stall is a grower or a reseller.

Did you grow these, or buy them in?

Passing answerThey name their own plot or field, and can tell you what was cut this morning.

Walk away ifA vague "from our supplier" with no farm named. That is almost always imported, air-freighted stock.

Are these in season here right now?

Passing answerThey point to what is genuinely in season, dahlias in late summer, tulips in spring.

Walk away ifRoses and exotics available all year round, which means flown in, high water, often out of a cold chain.

Were any dyes or sprays used?

Passing answerNo dyes, minimal or no spray, stems that look like they grew rather than were painted.

Walk away ifDyed or glittered stems, or no idea what was sprayed on them.

Map farm shops in Columbia, Louisiana