How is climate change affecting Northern Ireland?

As the planet warms and sea levels rise, there will be an impact on marine and plant life.

Gardeners may have noticed a change in what grows and when, compared to 10 or 20 years ago, not to mention cutting the grass in the winter.

However, most of the plants that florists use have been grown in huge greenhouses, where light, temperature and humidity are strictly controlled.

These greenhouses are increasingly being powered using solar and wind energy and some growers do save rainwater run-off to help with watering.

Mark Allen is a florist in Portrush, County Antrim.

He has been in the industry for most of his adult life and opened his first flower shop over 20 years ago.

He says customers’ tastes and demands have changed, as with other fashion trends.

The current preferred flower arrangements at weddings for example is “more natural” and brides-to-be “quite often want a wildflower mix in their bouquet”.

Ironically, the wildflowers are also grown in a controlled environment.

One thing that has changed in the industry is the susceptibility to pests and infestation, as the “bug season” lasts longer.