But where do these exceptional roses come from? A short trip to the other side of the world is in order.

Bouvard Fleurs has been working closely with Ponte Tresa for twenty years. This Swiss-owned Ecuadorian company, founded in 1985, owns 3 farms in the Andean highlands at an altitude of 2,850 metres. Close to the Cayambe volcano and the magnificent San Pablo lake, enjoying the brightness of the middle of the world and a perfect microclimate, Ponte Tresa grows roses in a multitude of different shades, with long stems, intense colours, brilliant foliage, durability and perfect opening.

 The company is committed to its employees, local communities and the environment. Ponte Tresa is now a pioneer and leader in the cultivation of roses with a true environmental and social conscience. This team of passionate people constantly strive for excellence with integrity and transparency. Their commitment and best practice in reducing environmental impact now leads them to aim for a zero carbon footprint, use clean energy sources and implement efficient packaging to avoid excessive waste and contamination.

On a human level, Ponte Tresa is committed to providing a healthy working environment, support for farm employees, their families and the community. Fully committed to social awareness and responsibility, the company uses its FairTrade premium fund primarily to invest in scholarships, housing credits, micro-credits, food staples, as well as health and training for its workers.

The company also ensures better management of its water needs. Since 2020, Ponte Tresa has invested in a new state-of-the-art system for the irrigation of its fields and for post-harvest (cleaning of machines, warehouses, refrigerators). Producing an organic and 100% biodegradable raw material, the company also limits the residual use of plastic boxes to a minimum (all packaging is made of recycled cardboard). 

For its composting process, the company proceeds as follows; 

All green waste from both the field and post-harvest (leaf removal, flower sorting) is processed through a modern composting system. In 4 weeks, the plantations benefit from an excellent quality compost. This organic matter is permanently returned to the soil of the crops to ensure the health of the soil. This reduces the use of chemical fertilisers by more than 30%, the soil is healthier and the quality of the flowers is constantly improved. 

Regarding its chemical use, Ponte Tresa advocates responsible use: Each year for the past three years, the company has reduced the consumption of toxic active ingredients by 10%. In total, it is reducing this year by 30% compared to 2018. For the next two years, the goal is to reduce by 15% each year to reach a 60% reduction from 2018 to 2023.
The Swiss-Ecuadorian company has also begun installing solar panels at all of its operating sites to generate its own electricity, using solar photovoltaic solutions. By doing so, Ponte Tresa completely reduces the effect of CO2 generated by the normal electricity
What makes our partners' business so different and what is important to us:

• 100% fulfilment of our confirmed orders
• Impeccable presentation
• A true social and environmental commitment
• Fresh, high quality roses with unwavering durability

So why are roses such a spontaneous gift? Simply because the rose symbolises perfection. Often considered the queen of flowers, the rose takes on different colours and different meanings depending on the colour. Used by many poets as an allegory of love, the rose has been revered by mankind since the beginning of time. Today it is the most widely cut flower in the world. Although the rose is known to all, not everyone knows all its meanings
In ancient times, the rose was considered a gift from the gods. The Greeks and Romans saw it as a symbol of spring and the fragility of the world. They associated this flower with the goddess Venus or Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Created by Flora, the goddess of flowers, (Chloris in Greek) it is not surprising that the rose became the queen of flowers. This plant was often associated with the most joyous celebrations and was offered to soldiers returning from battle victorious. Legend has it that Mark Antony and Cleopatra spent their first night of love on a bed of rose petals and that Cleopatra welcomed her beloved in a room filled to the knees with rose petals.
Religious ceremonies also used the rose as a symbol of modesty, its sweetness honoured the dead and paid tribute to the departed. The Christian religion uses the rose symbol a lot. It represents both the Virgin Mary, the blood of Christ and the expression of martyrdom. The Middle Ages again linked the rose to love, particularly through its poetry. It is then a symbol of the fragility of life, of perfection, and also becomes the personification of the loved one. As a florist, the rose is an integral part of our daily assortment. As the queen of flowers, we work with them in many different ways. On the stem, for a simple and effective gift, in a tight round bouquet, in modern and slender effect bouquets, as a bridal bouquet, and in arrangements for all of life's occasions. Finally, we use its fragrant petals for church exits or various table decorations.