From Bottle To Bloom

How Holocene Distilling’s seed paper toppers turn packaging into wildflowers

At Holocene Distilling, every spirit bottle comes with a seed paper topper attached to the top. Instead of being just another piece of packaging, it is designed to be planted after the bottle is opened, growing into a mix of bee-loving wildflowers.

The toppers are custom-made for us by Wholesome Coast Co. in Port Alberni, which we love because keeping things local matters to us whenever we can make it happen. Each topper contains a blend of black-eyed susan, snapdragon, birds eye, and catchfly seeds. They also include a QR code that links to cocktail recipes, along with “plant tag for wildflowers” and basic planting instructions on the underside.

We like that the topper adds something beyond the bottle itself. It turns a small piece of packaging into something useful, making it a fun and interactive way for people to contribute to the environment in a small but tangible way. You get to plant it at home, watch it grow, and enjoy it later. It is a simple idea, bees will love you for it, and it fits naturally with how we approach what we make: thoughtful products, local collaboration, and details that carry a little more purpose.

If you are planting one, here is the method we recommend:

1. Get a baseball-sized pot with a drain hole and base tray
2. Fill it with damp, clean potting soil
3. Plant the seed paper very shallow, just below the soil surface
4. Keep it moist with a spray mister, and after 7-10 days you should start to see sprouts!
5. Once the sprouts are established, start watering from the base by filling the tray and letting the soil wick up the water
6. When it looks hearty enough, transplant it outside, and take good care

Show off your green thumb
If you have a Holocene bottle with one of our seed tags, plant it, snap a photo of the progress, and send it to hello@holocenedistilling.com Holocene products can be found at most local liquor stores or at the Duncan Farmers’ Market. Grab yourself a bottle, make a drink, and get growing!

Dorian Redden
Co-owner / Distiller, Holocene Distilling Project, Cobble Hill