flower classroom: Field Notes from the California Cut Flower Growers Association

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Field Notes from the California Cut Flower Growers Association

California Grown Iris Gets Center of Attention at White House State Dinner

American Grown Flowers were a featured centerpiece of the recent state dinner at the White House. (Photo Credit Eddie Kohan)
California Grown Iris were the center of attention at a recent state dinner at the White House for French President Francois Hollande, hosted by the Obama Administration on Feb. 11. As reported in a USDA blog post, Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced the Administration's decision to highlight "the diversity of American agricultural and rural products that our nation has to offer," which included "American cut flowers that decorated and added a stunning visual touch for guests at the White House."

TAKE ACTION!
America's flower farmers takes great pride in this achievement and welcomes your further support. Help us continue building momentum with the White House to include American Grown flowers as part of the tradition of featuring America's beauty and bounty during White House dinners and events. Simply leave a comment of support on the USDA blog, found here: http://1.usa.gov/1m9Ipj7

Thank you for your ongoing support for America's flower farming families!

A 10-Minute-Per-Day Plan for Twitter

Connect with your inner flower farmer by following @caflowers on Twitter!
Mashable, a go-to resource for the "Connected Generation," states the "No. 1 complaint from businesses new to social media is 'I just don't have time.'" But social media activities don't have to be time consuming. As those of us who have tested the Twittersphere on behalf of the American Grown flower industry can attest, this medium doesn't require a huge time commitment. If you're looking for some help to get started, here are 5 tips to build a 10-minute-per-day routine.

And, to contribute to the ongoing flower fodder, be sure to use the hashtags #AmericanGrown, #CAGrown and#OriginMatters so we can follow your conversations and track this growing trend.

You can also follow the flower field adventures of California on Twitter at @caflowers. For the latest CCFC news, follow CEO/Ambassador Kasey Cronquist on Twitter@kaseycronquist and "Like" California Grown Flowers on Facebook.

California Flowers On Parade
For the first newsletter of 2014, we'd be remiss to not revel in the biggest flower parade's afterglow (not to mention the world's spotlight) for one more moment. During this year's New Year's Day parade in Pasadena, CalPoly Universities' "Bedtime Buccaneers" float received official "California Grown" certification from CDFA Secretary Karen Ross and took home the parade's "Innovation Award". The beautiful California blooms, more than 45,000 donated from 19 flower farms across the state, garnered more than 36 million media and social media impressions - on top of the millions of viewers who tuned into the parade itself. Check out a few great stories about CalPoly's commitment to put California flowers on parade:
Farmers Push for Rose Parade Floats to Feature Locally-Grown Flowers (KCAL Los Angeles)
Coming Up Roses (KEYT Carpinteria)
Colorful Flowers, Creativity, Mechanical Talent Are Part of Cal Poly Universities Parade Entry (The Daily Bulletin)

"Slow Flowers" Web Directory Surpasses Goal

SlowFlowers.com, an in-the-works web directory of American flowers, florists, designers and farmers, is the brainchild of "Slow Flowers Queen" Debra Prinzing, who will soon see her dream realized thanks to the overwhelming response to her fundraising campaign on Indiegogo.com. Over 200 "funders" responded to help her launch the site.

Debra's dream is to provide this free, nationwide online directory to better connect consumers with local florists, shops, studios and farmers who grow and source domestic, #AmericanFlowers (had to throw in a hashtag!).

Love the idea? We do, too! Register for the directory today.

Simply visit, www.SlowFlowers.com

The campaign is over, but learn more about Debra's mission by watching this video. Click image to watch!

American Grown Support Blossomed This Valentine's Day

Flowers are still No. 1 for Valentine's Day, according to a holiday breakout byStatista, which gives flowers a 76% share of the total gifts purchased for this most special occasion (61% men, 15% women). Here in California, we were certainly feeling the love, as media from around the country demonstrated their support for American Grown this holiday. Here's a snapshot of the attention American Grown flowers received:
Sustainable Valentine's Day flowers: Your online options are blooming (Los Angeles Times)
Hampden Florist Promotes Valentine's Day without Roses(Baltimore Sun)
State Flower Growers: Buy Local for Valentine's Day(Capital Public Radio, Sacramento, interview with Kasey Cronquist, CCFC Ambassador)
Valentine's Day Smack Down: Chocolates vs. Flowers(Washington Business Journal)

Christina Burton-Fox. AIFD
Designer & teacher

Flower Classroom
1427 west 9th. Suite 405
KCMO. 64101

Flowerclassroom.blogspot.com
Flowerclassroom@gmail.com
913-708-2988

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3 Hour Fun Floral Experience for 2

Join the Beginner class that shares: How to design your flowers, keep your flowers FRESH longer, learn more about color combinations, and just " how we do it". You will go home with a beautiful floral design and 3 hours of fun with someone special. The class is by appointment for 2, Monday - Friday, some Saturdays at 10am or 3pm cost: $250.00 payable by Venmo or PayPal invoice use the contact form above to message me your appointment information text/phone 913-708-2988 see you soon! Christina

Floral Designer Training

Explore Floral Design

12 Days

10-6pm ( 1 hour for lunch)

84 hours hands on training

1 student -private training

by appointment....take the class 2-3 days in a row for 4-6 weeks, 12 consecutive days, or schedule 1 day for 12 months. We create together your time frame to learn floral design.

$4,800.00

A (re-fresh)new Products, containers, techniques & supplies to work and learn with. You will create a minimum of 45+ designs in these 12 days. All designs are yours daily to take home.

* Business Day add on day/class $ 150.00 ( good for students opening a home floral studio, flower shop, special event specialist).

( this class price is only for the EFD training)

read reviews from students below

questions ?? I love to answer questions!

913-708-2988 phone/text

Flowerclassroom@gmail.com

jobs are available!!! We all love to learn new things!

Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

floral artist & instructor

Raves & Reviews

I was looking for a refresher floral design class, where I could build on the skills I learned years ago and learn new skills, and that’s exactly what I found. Christina is a talented and knowledgeable floral artist and instructor who presents a well prepared curriculum. I was pleased with the abundance and variety of flowers we were given to work with, the tools we were given and the pleasantness of the classroom. The 12 day class I took is not an easy workshop style course. I was challenged and at times discouraged, but I learned so much and was delighted with many of the designs I was able to make with Christina’s instruction and guidance. She won’t let you off easy, and even asked a classmate to throw her design in the trash and start over(!) but I liked that, because I was there to learn and learn I did! She sometimes questioned my choices and placements when I was headed the wrong directions with a design but she didn’t give up on me or my designs. I also learned a great deal about the marketing and business side of the profession. I believe with hard work and ongoing practice this class could prepare a student like me to work in the floral industry. I have gained a connection with a world-known floral artist who is willing to offer ideas and advice in the future. I have benefited greatly from the resources Christina shared with us in the form of websites, email lists, floral design books and connections with wholesale houses. I would love to go back someday and take some of the specialized design classes she offers. The class was worth my time, effort and money. I would highly recommend it. Receiving my completion certificate at the end was very rewarding for me!
The flower classroom is a place to study serious floral design in a fun relaxed atmosphere. It is for those who want to become a professional florist to for those who just want to improve their designs for personal use. Tammy Ivy
Dear Miss Tina, I would like to tell you how much I enjoyed your class. It was such a wonderful experience. I had looked for such a long time to find a class where I could learn more about floral design. I could not have imagined a class such as yours! From flower processing to design elements; your teaching style allowed me to learn and understand so much more about this creative field. I am forever thankful to you. You have given me a great deal of insight into the floral industry, and opened my eyes to endless possibilities for myself. Thank you for sharing your gifts with others! Sincerely, Errica Parsons
Learning from Christina has been so helpful in so many ways. She is very willing to give good advice in order to help you achieve whatever your floral dream might be. After taking the 12 day basic floral design class I am happy to continue to invest in myself and take her 5 day advanced class also. At the end of the day, you go home with beautiful floral designs that you are also proud enough to give away. I feel blessed to have found her. Vicki Gayle
Anyone wanting to learn about floral design should enroll in the "explore floral design" series of classes. Christina's "Explore Floral Design " classes cover every aspect of floral design from the proper handling of fresh floral materials, the materials used in floral design,color and design theory,the mechanics of floral design as well as the "business of floral design. The course content is well organized. The studio setting is pleasant with more than adequate space and equipment. Christina supplies the clases with a wide variety of materials for studetn use. Group instruction is enhanced with a one-on-one guidance as needed. If you have an interest in floral design, you'll be glad you enrolled. Beth Ball
Christina knows flowers and the flower business! At the flower classroom she will teach you in an easy, laid back and practical style. Lee Ann
Christina I can't thank you enough for this wonderful experience with you at the flower classroom. I have grown so much professionally. I feel like a butterfly with new wings. :) I would love to continue to work with you and learn from you. You are the best! Lee Ann
Christina is an amazing instructor! What makes a great instructor? Competence in the subject , ingenuity & creativity, the ability to understand & work with people, the desire to share,give time & effort to support others in achieving high level skills. This defines Christina and the experience you will have as a student in her classroom's explore floral design class. Knowing nothing about handling fresh cut flowers,however I graduated after 10 weeks with a well-informed knowledge base, hours of practice at a newly acquired skill and a mentor for life!! Thank you, Christina from Sheryl Ewert (student)
Groupon/Awesome class. Will sign up for the next one soon!
Groupon/Great experience!
Groupon/It was worth the money just to take home your own arrangement of beautiful flowers.
Groupon/Christina M. Burton AIFD is an amazing instructor. Would consider further classes at flower classroom.
Groupon/Such a fun class. Beautiful flowers. Really learned alot about floral design and care for floral arrangements.
Groupon/Had a wonderful time with Christina, she is a great teacher and explains the art of arranging so I could understand. We all after her instructions were able to complete a beautiful bouquet to take home.
Groupon/The class was so educational and entertaining. Only 6 people can attend each session so you get hands on attention and instruction. The owner is very nice and is a great teacher. The project you leave with is beautiful.
Explore Floral Design class is a great way to learn the basics of floral design. Christina is an amazing teacher. I loved this class and am looking forward to taking her advanced classes. Shaina Jo Maag
Explore Floral Design class was wonderful. If you want to learn about designing flowers this class is a must. Christina breaks the content up into very managable pieces & continues to give suggestions on techniques to embelish your design. In the course you are exposed to all the greens and flowers that exist in the current market. Step out of the box and explore flower design. You will enjoy the class, Joyce Mc Mahon
What an exciting class. If you love flowers you will love this class and you will learn how to design flower arrangements. Christina is very helpful in showing you the "how to" to make beautiful flower arrangements that will please you and your friends. (explore floral design class) Mary Lou Heine
Christina, Thank you so much for being a part of this years Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Campaign. It's support like yours that makes our fight against blood cancers possible! The flowers were so beautiful!! Thanks again, Matt Seithel & Staff Man & Woman of the Year Event
I loved the Flower Classroom! I learned so much & had so much fun. She taught so many different designs and helped me understand deeper into the designs and that you can do so much with your designs. The class is above and beyond, I loved how many arrangments I took home with a vast array of flowers in them. Meagan McGarrah
Great Experience!! We were able to design with a wide selection of beautiful flowers, awesome opportunity. I'm very visual & loved watching you deign in demos to show how to add creative touches and take our design a step above. I learned much more than basic design, Thank you!! Cindy Heckman
Groupon/ The class was wonderful. I signed up with my mom and a friend with the intent of a ladies night out. The class was well structured, the establishment was very clean and the teacher was fantastic. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
Groupon/ Really enjoyed the class and would definitely visit the Flower Classroom again.
Groupon/ It was a wonderful class!! I had alot of fun, learned alot, and it ignited a desire to do more with FLOWERS.
Groupon/ Truly enjoyed my experience, learned much, and came home to redo my existing flower arrangements!! Definitely recommend the Classroom and the instructor!!

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Field Notes from the California Cut Flower Growers Association

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