Sustainability and the circular economy

How we grow, pack and deliver plants, with care for nature.

For us, sustainability means concrete choices made every day: solar energy and rainwater used in the greenhouse, certified growers, packaging made from recycled cardboard and as little plastic as possible. And whatever remains, we reuse.

The interior of the Secret Garden greenhouse, with bonsai, Monstera, orchids and hanging ferns
Solar energyThe greenhouse operates with its own photovoltaic panels and storage batteries.
RainwaterWe collect rainwater to water the plants.
Recycled cardboardRecyclable cardboard boxes and kraft paper; plastic only for adhesive tape and winter protection.
Electric vehiclesLocal deliveries are made with electric vehicles. The couriers we work with also have sustainability programs underway. 

Step by step

From the growing greenhouse to you

Plants

Certified growers

  • We work with growers from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Denmark, through Royal FloraHolland or directly. They are certified under GLOBALG.A.P. and MPS, certifications that measure their consumption of energy, water, fertilizers and treatments.
  • Plants from Taiwan and Thailand come from certified greenhouses, with a phytosanitary certificate and inspections upon entry into the EU.
  • Orchids and other protected species have CITES certificates: they are grown in cultivation greenhouses, not collected from the wild. We also have CITES permits for imports.
  • Every plant from the EU has a plant passport that ensures its traceability and certifies its quality.
Greenhouse

Solar energy and rainwater

  • The greenhouse runs on energy from our own photovoltaic panels, with storage batteries. We are gradually phasing out biomass heating, while increasing our installed photovoltaic capacity.
  • We collect rainwater and use it to water the plants.
  • Pests are kept under control with beneficial insects, while chemical treatments are used only when necessary.
Growing media

Bark, coconut, sphagnum

  • SG Mix substrates for orchids and epiphytic plants are based on pine bark, coconut fiber (left over from nut processing) and sustainably harvested New Zealand sphagnum, with strict monitoring and regeneration periods, plus mineral components such as pumice and perlite.
  • Where the substrate contains peat, it is RPP-certified (Responsibly Produced Peat): it comes from areas that are restored after extraction.
Packaging

Cardboard, paper and as little plastic as possible

  • The boxes are made from recycled cardboard, selected according to the contents so that we do not transport empty space.
  • The plants are wrapped in kraft paper. Cardboard and paper are recyclable and biodegradable.
  • We use plastic only where there is not yet an alternative: adhesive tape and, in winter, insulating film. Both are made from recycled plastic.
  • Heat packs generate heat through a natural reaction involving iron powder.
Delivery

Electric, close to home

  • In Bucharest and Ilfov, we deliver using electric vehicles.
  • For DHL Express parcels, we pay extra for the GoGreen Plus option: DHL replaces part of its fossil fuel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
  • GLS is reducing its emissions through the Climate Protect program, while FedEx is electrifying its delivery fleet.

Circular economy

What remains gets a new use

In our greenhouse, almost nothing ends up in the bin. Materials circulate and are given a second life.

Cardboard becomes protection

With our equipment, we transform cardboard scraps into corrugated cardboard, which we use for packaging.

Reused boxes

The boxes and materials received from suppliers are reused for your parcels whenever possible.

Reused plant pots

Nursery pots left after repotting are reused in the greenhouse wherever possible.

Everything returns to the soil

Plants that need more care are regenerated. Leaves and plant waste become compost.

The packaging we place on the market is collected for recycling by an authorized operator, in accordance with the law.

You can help too

After unpacking

  • The box and kraft paper go in paper and cardboard collection.
  • Adhesive tape and winter film go in plastic collection.
  • The used heat pack goes in household waste.
  • Cardboard and paper are also suitable for garden compost if torn into small pieces.
  • Keep the nursery pot: you can use it for cuttings or your next planting.
  • When you repot a plant, the old substrate can go in the compost or garden.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do with the box and paper from my parcel?

The box is made from recycled cardboard, and the kraft paper is recyclable. You can put them in paper and cardboard collection or, torn into small pieces, in the compost.

Why do you still use plastic?

Only where there is not yet an alternative that protects the plants just as well: adhesive tape and, in winter, insulating film. Both are made from recycled plastic.

Do your substrates contain peat?

SG Mix substrates for orchids and epiphytic plants are based on bark, coconut fiber, and sphagnum. Where peat is used, it is RPP (Responsibly Produced Peat) certified, meaning it is extracted from already degraded areas that are restored after use.

Are the plants taken from the wild?

No. Orchids and other protected species are cultivated and have a CITES certificate. For imports from Taiwan and Thailand, we also obtain a CITES import permit.

How does the greenhouse work?

Powered by our own solar panels with storage batteries and collected rainwater. We control pests with beneficial insects and use treatments only when necessary.

Plants grown with care, for your home

Learn more about us or ask us anything in the chat.

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