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SLOW FLOWERS NEWS NOVEMBER
SLOW FLOWERS SUMMIT 2019:All about Speakers, Schedule,
Venue + Early-Bird Registration
We're so excited to announce the opening of Early Bird Pre Registration for the 2019 Slow Flowers Summit!
Plus, we're unveiling our program for the 3rd annual Summit, which will take place on July 1 & 2nd 2019 in St. Paul Minnesota, co-hosted with Twin Cities Flower Exchange.
The Slow Flowers Summit is designed to meet the needs and interests of progressive floral entrepreneurs engaged in sustainable sourcing, design and business practices.
Your registration covers local flower tours, floral demonstrations, participation in creating an interactive, large-scale installation, all meals and 10 inspiring and informative speakers from across the floral continuum.
If you're like me, you might want to drop hints for a holiday-wish list . . . Or, invest in a tax-deductible business expense before the end of the year. The Summit registration might just have your name on it! I can't wait to see you there!
Now's your chance to take advantage of Early-Bird pricing through December 31st.
- Slow Flowers members enjoy the discounted registration of $275
- General Admission is $325
- Ticket prices at both levels will increase by $100 on January 1st
Christine Hoffman: SUMMIT Speaker Q&A
We've asked journalist and Slow Flowers contributing writer Mackenzie Nichols to spend the next several months interviewing the amazing speakers for the upcoming Slow Flowers Summit 2019. Excited to share the first Q&A in our series, with Christine Hoffman, our Summit co-host!
Christine Hoffman, a Minnesota native and seasoned floral business owner, will co-host the 2019 Slow Flowers Summit, delivering panelist commentary about wholesale business modeling and giving a tour of her Twin Cities Flower Exchange operation.
Christine became interested in horticulture at a young age, and decided to embark on a career path in the field starting in 2013 through her Foxglove Marketplace retail shop. Over time, Christine harnessed her passion for education and turned her retail store into a floral design studio, hosting workshops and spreading the Slow Flowersmessage . . . .
Christine became interested in horticulture at a young age, and decided to embark on a career path in the field starting in 2013 through her Foxglove Marketplace retail shop. Over time, Christine harnessed her passion for education and turned her retail store into a floral design studio, hosting workshops and spreading the Slow Flowersmessage . . . .
AMERICAN FLOWERS WEEK 2019
A beautiful hand-lettered chalk sign declares American Flowers Week at M&M Plants (Photo by Erin Tetterton Photography)
Unveiling American Flowers Week Branding with Artist Josephine Rice
We're so thrilled to share this beautiful red-white-and-blue illustrated floral print commissioned from Seattle-based artist Josephine Rice. You can download our free graphics for your 2019 American Flowers Week Promotional use here.
Debra has known Josie through the local floral community, including through Slow Flowers member-floral designer friend Anne Bradfield of Floressence, for whom Josie has worked. Josie’s real talent is illustration and printmaking.
Ever since we first saw Josie’s graphic, playful, polychromatic, floral-patterned illustrations, we’ve been glued to her Instagram feed. She plays with palettes, patterns and depth in a super-creative way and, we couldn’t wait to see what Josie might do with a red-white-and-blue floral theme.
Debra recently met Josie for an extended face-to-face interview and she shared part of their conversation to introduce this ingenious artist. You can download your own badges and graphics to add to your social media as you begin planning and promoting American Flowers Week in your market.
MEET OUR DESIGNER DREAM TEAMS FOR 2019!
For the fourth consecutive year, Slow Flowers has commissioned designer-flower farmer creative teams to transform popular, American-grown flowers and foliages into Couture Fashion Looks for American Flowers Week!
We’ve been working behind-the-scenes with a fabulous group of Slow Flowers Members around the U.S. to envision the “collection” for 2019.
We’ve been working behind-the-scenes with a fabulous group of Slow Flowers Members around the U.S. to envision the “collection” for 2019.
A few of the looks have already been produced and photographed; a few more photo sessions are on the calendar later this fall; and in warmer climates like Florida and California, looks will be designed and photographed over the winter months into early spring.
What's New in the Slow Flowers Journal
The October issue of Florists’ Review -- Issue No. 15 of the Slow Flowers Journal -- features a seasonal business story about members who are incorporating houseplants and horticulture into their retail stores.
I was inspired to write "Plant Kingdom," after my research into the creative ways Slow Flowers members are "keeping it local," even at times when the availability of field-grown cut flowers has dwindled during the off-season (aka WINTER).
The SFJ section also features another Made in the U.S.A. installment, a profile of Juniper Flowers in Seattle, and a recap from the 2018 Slow Flowers SUMMIT. Follow links below to read and download a free PDF of each story.
PLANT KINGDOM
The houseplant craze is part retro and part modern, and it's boosting sales for retail florists. Above: Solabee Flowers & Botanicals' modern, plant-centric installation features hanging houseplants, naturally suspended Kokedama designs and epiphytes such as Tillandsias, which inspires customers to experience living plants in a fresh, new way.
Made in the U.S.A.: fruitsuper
Seattle product designers at fruitsuper elevate everyday objects with their contemporary flair, making sure each piece in their collection is American made
How We Do It: Juniper Flowers, Seattle
Jean Louise Paquin Allen shares the story of Juniper Flowers, a Seattle-based florist founed in 2003. She discusses seasonal sourcing practices and shares her advice for others who wish to be sustainable and local, year 'round.
Slow Flowers Summit 2018 Recap
When progressive and curious flower people come together, it’s no surprise that innovative ideas develop, align and reemerge with a new focus. That’s exactly what took place at the second annual Slow Flowers Summit on June 29, 2018, which drew a sold-out attendance at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C.
Designed to serve professionals in the Slow Flowers community, including floral designers, farmer-florists and vendors who supply them (flower farmers, wholesale florists, soft and hard goods suppliers), as well as members of the media and educators, the one-day conference examines new models of floristry.
As an interactive, LIVE element of American Flowers Week (June 28-July 4), the Summit drew more than 100 attendees. Sixty percent of those self-identify as florists and floral designers, while 20 percent describe themselves as farmers and farmer-florists. The top reasons people attended included connecting with other attendees, followed by learning about new resources and connecting with speakers.
Taking our cue from the many topics and experts featured in the pages of the Slow Flowers Journal and in other channels, such as the Slow Flowers Podcast, the Summit presented speakers and subjects on floral business, design and technology – with the goal of stimulating attendees to think about their own ventures in a new way.
Video Release: SLOW FLOWERS SUMMIT
The Slow Flowers SUMMIT took place on June 29th in Washington, D.C., and if you missed it, no worries! You can now enjoy a "virtual" pass to experience Christina Stembel of Farmgirl Flowers' inspiring keynote, as well as all four of the featured presentations that we recorded on video. Click the video trailer above to get a taste of the Summit Video Package, which you can download and watch for an affordable price of $48.
SLOW FLOWERS in the News
LOCAL TREASURE: Bonny Doon Garden Co.
Bonny Doon Garden Co. resides as a full-service floral department inside one of New Leaf Community Markets’ four locations in California’s Monterey Bay region. New Leaf Markets is the first grocery chain in California to achieve B-Corporation Certification, recognizing businesses that consider the impact of decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment.
For floral designer Teresa Sabankaya, owner of Bonny Doon Garden Co., these values resonate with her mission-driven model of growing and supplying local blooms for the people of Santa Cruz.
“I think we’re well on our way to redefining what a florist is,” Teresa says. “It’s one who would ideally grow some of their own greenery or who has an acre or so of blooms, and who sources materials from other local growers and domestic farms in the U.S.”
DO YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED IN SUPERFLORAL?
With a commitment to publish one story each month for SuperFloral magazine, we're on the hunt for YOUR STORIES about working with grocery stores and mass market channels! Please share your story with us and you might be featured in the pages of SuperFloral magazine. Send suggestions to: debraprinzing@gmail.com.
SLOW FLOWERS Members in the News
NOTE: Johnny's ADVANTAGE Newsletter for October features a Slow Flowers article about the TOP 15 TIER-One CUT FLOWERS to grow, with advice from several of our members, including: Rita Anders of Cuts of Color, Rita Williams of WilMor Farms, Carly Jenkins of Killing Frost Farm and Carly Cavalier of Cairn Farm.
Of the many rewards of working with flower farmers, their insatiable curiosity and openness to learning are among the most inspiring. This was indeed the case at the recent Southern Flower Symposium in Charleston, South Carolina, hosted by an emerging force in the region, Lowcountry Flower Growers.
For anyone interested in starting a cut-flower business, attending a regional event such as this can be a valuable immersive learning experience. Presenters included veteran flower farmer Rita Anders of Cuts of Color, of Weimar, Texas, as well Nikki Seibert Kelley of Wit Meets Grit, who moderated a panel that invited growers at various levels to discuss flower farming practices and share their wisdom. In all, symposium attendees left with renewed confidence and useful flower-growing advice specific to the Southern tier.
While listening to the rants and raves of each attendee on the distinct floral cuts they grow, I was prompted to consider the best cut flowers to grow from seed for the less seasoned growers among us. I was able to take what I learned at the symposium and combine it with narrative I've gleaned from several other expert farmers. The result is a carefully vetted list of the Top 15 Cuts for Getting Started: An Easy, Tier-1 Trio + An Additional Dependable Dozen.
Read on — and remember take notes as you create your 2019 seed lists!
PR Opportunities for
SLOW FLOWERS Members
SLOW FLOWERS Members
#1 -- SHARE YOUR STORY IN OUR NEXT JOHNNY'S SEEDS NEWSLETTER PIECE!
Want to share your flower succession planting strategies?
I'm planning a story that will appear in early spring on Johnny'sSeeds' web site and in its newsletter. The topic is on Cut Flower Succession Planting. The story will cover:
I'm planning a story that will appear in early spring on Johnny'sSeeds' web site and in its newsletter. The topic is on Cut Flower Succession Planting. The story will cover:
- Planning the Planting & Harvesting Calendar
- Best flower varieties for Succession Planting
- How Succession Planting benefits your bottom line
- More tips?
If you'd like to participate, please reach out and email debraprinzing@gmail.com. DEADLINE: January 15th
#2 -- SUBMIT IDEAS FOR #SLOWFLOWERSJOURNAL IN FLORISTS' REVIEW
Each month, Slow Flowers produces the Slow Flowers Journal (Print Edition) in Florists' Review. From the first issue in August 2017, we've put a priority on publishing articles about our members and their projects, designs, news.
Check out the Editorial Topic Calendar above -- Slow Flowers Journal reflects many of those larger themes in monthly content. But we need to hear from you -- what suggestions, ideas and imagery would you like to suggest?
Check out the Editorial Topic Calendar above -- Slow Flowers Journal reflects many of those larger themes in monthly content. But we need to hear from you -- what suggestions, ideas and imagery would you like to suggest?
To see examples of our past coverage, check out the online Slow Flowers Journal. Each month's content is posted if you search "Slow Flowers Journal Print Edition."
Planning takes place several months in advance, so please suggest topics from April to December 2019. Send suggestions to: debraprinzing@gmail.com.
New SLOWFLOWERS.com Member Features
As the busy season for flower farming and wedding/event design winds down, it's time to turn to your own housekeeping, right? At least that's what Debra's up to in her world.
It's the perfect time -- before year's end -- to take a moment and conduct a personal "audit" of your Slow Flowers listing. We have many new features and ways to maximize the visitor experience when users come to Slowflowers.com.
Follow the link below to learn how you can add SOCIAL MEDIA ICONS, CUSTOMER REVIEWS and more to your Member Listing!
SLOW FLOWERS Events
Washington Tilth Conference 2018: Marketing Your Local Cut Flowers: Consumer Research & Industry Trends
Sunday, November 11th @10:15-11:15 a.m.Davenport Grand Hotel in Spokane, WA
Sunday, November 11th @10:15-11:15 a.m.Davenport Grand Hotel in Spokane, WA
Join Debra Prinzing, Katie Lynd, and a Slow Flowers members for an exciting presentation on consumer research findings for marketing your local cut flowers!
Supported by a Specialty Crop Block Grant, WSDA Regional Markets along with special guest, Debra Prinzing of SlowFlowers.com will present consumer and industry research on local cut flowers to help you determine the best marketing messages and channels to focus your efforts.
This session will feature a lively panel with research and reporting on marketing best practices within the cut flower industry as well as forecasting marketing trends. Join us to hear strategies that will help you market local cut flowers to your customers and help to increase sales!
Katie Lynd, WSDA Regional Markets; Debra Prinzing, Slow Flowers; Beth Mort, Snapdragon Flower Farm.
Pre-Registration
LISTEN: Slow Flowers Podcast Episodes for October
Each week the Slow Flowers Podcastreleases a new episode featuring timely interviews with flower farmers and floral designers whose wisdom and insights will inspire you!
Listeners have downloaded more than 375,000 episodes to date!
Check out the wide range of guests introduced to you last month and join the thousands of listeners we educate and inform each week:
Episode 369 (October 3): The Joy of Bulbs with Longfield Gardens’ Hans Langeveld and Jen Pfau
Episode 370 (October 10): Meet Flower Farmer Melissa Smith of Fraylick Farm and SC Upstate Flowers
Episode 371 (October 17): The Michigan Flower Growers Cooperative with Amanda Maurmann of Gnome Grown Flower Farm and Alex Cacciari of Seeley Farm
Episode 372 (October 24): News from Flowerstock and my Conversation with its Creator, Holly Chapple
Episode 371 (October 17): The Michigan Flower Growers Cooperative with Amanda Maurmann of Gnome Grown Flower Farm and Alex Cacciari of Seeley Farm
Episode 372 (October 24): News from Flowerstock and my Conversation with its Creator, Holly Chapple
Welcome to our New Slow Flowers Members
October 2018 New & Renewing Members
What a month! We welcome 28 new and renewing members from 19 states and the District of Columbia.
*Alaska Perfect Peony, Homer, AK
*April Flowers, Kingston, NY
Artful Blooms, Bloomington, IN
*Brightflower Farm, Stockton, IL
Callie Weddings, Greenwood, SC
Carolina Flowers, Marshall, NC
Christi Lopez - The Business of Flowers, District of Columbia
*Cut Flowers by Clear Ridge, Union Bridge, MD
*Dragonfly Dreams Flower Farm, Lamar, MO
*FarmGal Flowers, Orlando, FL
*Floressence, Seattle, WA
*Flowers of Florence, Florence, MA
*Fortunate Orchard, Seattle, WA
*Fraylick Farm, Travelers Rest, SC
Gnome Grown Flower Farm & Design Studio, Ann Arbor, MI
Greenleaf Wholesale Florist Inc., Houston, TX
*Kamama Flowers, Agnew, WA
*Maple Flower Farm, Bethel, VT
*Michigan Flower Growers' Cooperative, Ann Arbor, MI
Northern Lights Peonies, Fairbanks, AK
Old Truck Flower Farm, Granville, OH
*Petal and Print, Newville, PA
Pollen & Pastry, Bloomington, IL
*Scenic Place Peonies, Homer, AK
Sea Change Farm & Flower, Rock Hill, NY
*The Flori.Culture, Scottsdale, AZ
The Fresh Herb Co., Boulder, CO
*TerraBella Flowers & Botanicals, Seattle, WA
*Denotes Renewing Members
Meet the Slow Flowers Team
SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN Niesha Blancasof Fetching Social Media.
If we feature you on Instagram or Facebook, it's Niesha you have to thank!
She loves giving shout-outs to Slow Flowers members, our Podcast guests, our Event Partners and our Summitspeakers. Niesha has more than doubled the followers on @myslowflowers since we teamed up last fall.
You can learn more about Niesha and her consulting packages for creatives here. Follow her @fetchingsocial or @nieshamonay
If we feature you on Instagram or Facebook, it's Niesha you have to thank!
She loves giving shout-outs to Slow Flowers members, our Podcast guests, our Event Partners and our Summitspeakers. Niesha has more than doubled the followers on @myslowflowers since we teamed up last fall.
You can learn more about Niesha and her consulting packages for creatives here. Follow her @fetchingsocial or @nieshamonay
EVENT DIVA Karen Thornton of Avenue 22 Events.
Karen Thornton is the talent behind the Slow Flowers Summit and I'm so grateful for her counsel, her organizational genius, her strategic planning and her generally chill approach to anything that makes me panic.
We've worked together on two previous events for creativepreneurs and I have to say, Karen's involvement in any event is the *secret sauce* to success! If you attend the Summit, you'll meet both Karen AND Niesha!
Follow Karen at @avenue22events.
Karen Thornton is the talent behind the Slow Flowers Summit and I'm so grateful for her counsel, her organizational genius, her strategic planning and her generally chill approach to anything that makes me panic.
We've worked together on two previous events for creativepreneurs and I have to say, Karen's involvement in any event is the *secret sauce* to success! If you attend the Summit, you'll meet both Karen AND Niesha!
Follow Karen at @avenue22events.
Slow Flowers Sponsorship Menu 2019
Slow Flowers is so grateful for the organizations and companies that we have partnered with in the past year. If you're interested in learning more about joining our Strategic Partnership Program, follow the link below and contact Debra Prinzing. We'd love to talk!
Slow Flowers Sponsor Thanks
Christina Burton-Fox AIFD floral artist & instructor
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