When florist Tammy Myers of First and Bloom was planning her Valentine’s Day pop-up on February 13 & 14 on the HQ campus of a major Seattle-area online company, she searched for cool add-on products that were in alignment with her “From America, With Love” ethos.
“I found Amborella Organics on Instagram. The more I researched it, I realized that the product is complimentary to my flowers because it ties into my eco-friendly concept,” she explains. “I’d been wanting to add like-minded lifestyle products to my online store and these lollipops were really cute.”
As it turns out, her customers were fascinated by the idea of a modern lollipop with gourmet flavors like Lemon & Thyme, Vanilla & Hibiscus, Peach & Marigold and other yummy tastes. They were also curious about the flower seeds embedded in that paper stick.
“Plus, these are kid-approved,” Tammy laughs. “My son sampled all of them.” With positive feedback from customers, she views the Amborella Organics line as an ideal, nonperishable and affordable (at $2.50) add-on for floral customers, an appealing upsell that resides alongside locally-made gift cards on the First & Bloom web site.
HOW IT WORKS
- Purchase a Seed-Bearing Lollipop (Made w/ Organic Flavors, Hints of Herb, and/or Edible Flowers)
- Devour Said Lollipop
- Bust A Move (If You So Choose)
- Gather Loved Ones
- Plant the Biodegradable Stick (Made of Recycled Paper) in Soil Horizontally
- Water Daily (Rain Capture Technology Encouraged)
- Wait For The Seed to Germinate (The Seed Corresponds w/ The Flavors in Your Lollipop)
- Once It Sprouts, Use the Herbs in Your Kitchen, Edible Flowers in Your Salad, Develop Art Projects, or Use as a Garnish
- Take Photos Of This Process & Upload to Social Media w/ the Hashtag #digit (Dig It)
I first learned about Amborella Organics last year and I’ve been wanting to share the story of creator Brennan Clarke’s product line with the Slow Flowers Community. He recently answered a few of my questions to include here:
Tell us how you came up with the concept for Amborella lollipops?
I came up with the concept of a seed-bearing lollipop when reminiscing about time with my grandmother in her garden. I wanted to connect adults and children with the garden, so they could create the same memories I had growing up. An organic treat seemed like the perfect way to lure people in and so Amborella Organics was born. Today our lollipops represent sustainability, as the stick is made from recycled paper which is biodegradable once planted in soil. They represent a connection to where our food comes from, something each generation can be reminded of. And they represent something yummy that hopefully you devour with people you love as you begin your journey of growing an herb or flower.
How did you develop the candy recipes?
After creating the technology, testing seed growth, and legally protecting the invention, we reached out to a candy maker. Our requirement was that the ingredients had integrity and the lollipops had herbs or flowers throughout. We’ve since reformulated these flavors, adding plant-based dye and along the way we’ve become educated organic candy makers. We’ve since released our own creations and are currently working with a sustainable hotel on a collaboration flavor!
Who is your customer?
We’d like to think like-minded people. Those who love nature and pause to consider what they’re devouring. But since our launch, just over one year ago we’ve learned that we are attracting those who have no knowledge of gardening and hopefully this seed-bearing stick is their starting point.
Do you have any anecdotal examples of how people are using the pops? Party favors, packaging, weddings, etc? It’s such a fun and original concept!
Thank you! The family of a little girl who just passed from Cancer reached out to us recently. They shared that she loved gardening and so for her celebration of life, the family had seed-bearing lollipops for all attendees. We love that this was their way of spreading seeds and letting her love live on.
What are you future product development ideas?
We are launching a kit that includes seed-bearing lollipops, a pot, and soil. This way people can have herb gardens in their kitchen, grow marigold in their bedroom, or take the kit to the office and have a party during their lunch break. The launch of our blog, Seedlings is also imminent. We plan to feature sustainable, inspiring, and informative interviews on products, people, and pursuits that have enraptured our mind.
Thanks, Brennan! We wish you great success! By the way, according to the company, the name “amborella” comes from the first flower species to grow on land — a pivotal moment in flowering lineage.
If you’re interested in joining Amborella Organics’ wholesale program, contact him at Brennan@amborellaorganics.com
My children planted their seeds and are awaiting their surprise plant. This is such an awesome idea. Marvelous idea Amborella Organics!
-Carrie Lewis