I would like to avoid exposing them to the cold/wind but I am concerned that they’d get crushed bungee’d into a basket and would not fit into my backpack.
Panniers perhaps combined with a box, would be my method of choice, I think.
I’ve been picking up flowers for my wife the last several months. It’s winter here, and it has been around freezing for a few of the runs.
I have a burley travoy, and I put an insulated backpack on it, so the temps aren’t too aggressive. But I have this special insulated mug that transfers the heat of what’s inside (hot or cold) when shaken, so I wrap it up and put hot water in it, and it keeps the inside of the cooler nice and warm. 😁
The last plant in picked up was small enough to put in a pannier with that water bottle, and then I rode back home approx 20km. No issues at all.
Sometimes I can get away with a front basket with an insulated insert.
There are so many ways to do it, but it can depend on what equipment you have on hand.
I’m glad to hear you’re even able to do this through the winter! Let’s see a pic next time you make it to the florist. :)
Not florists, private sales, which makes it even more difficult because of how they give you the plant 😂 I bring all my supplies in a pannier, just in case.
Actually, I’m picking another one up tomorrow 😂😂😂
At the store get a couple extra pieces of the wrapping paper to cover it. Wrap the outer layers loose, so they take the pressure and prevent the flowers from getting squished. In a pannier or backpack they can stick out, but they should be fine as long as the paper doesn’t get wet.
Source: I’ve carried bouquets on buses, in panniers, and on foot in Ottawa winters.
In my teeth
wrap in cheesecloth or a tea towel and straps just the stems to a rear rack with the stems pointing in the direction of travel