Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers

ASCFG Spring 2024 Board Meeting
2024-02-26 08:00 - 2024-02-29 17:00 (America/New_York)
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers’ executive leadership team will meet to engage in strategic and operational planning for 2024 and beyond. Please contact your Regional Director with questions about the event, or to share constituent suggestions and ideas.

Ask an Expert: Pricing & Selling to Florists
2024-02-19 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join the February 2024 Ask an Expert session for an exciting presentation by Ellen Frost, renowned florist! This session will dig into the nitty gritty details of pricing, touching on such topics including variety selection, availability lists, approaching florists, bunch sizes/stem length, and more. More details to come!
Ellen Frost is the renowned florist of Local Color Flowers in Baltimore, MD, founder of www.EllenFrost.com, and a co-contributor of The Cut Flower Quarterly column, “The Farmer and The Florist.” She is passionate about using local flowers in her work and in 2016, she was awarded the Allan M Armitage Award for Leadership by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. She has been featured on The Flower Podcast, the Slow Flowers Society, and much more.
Sponsored by:

Reminder: The Cut Flower Quarterly Submission Deadline
2024-02-15
The Cut Flower Quarterly is the only periodical dedicated to informing growers about the production, postharvest care, and marketing of cut flowers. Are you contributing an article or a feature to the next issue? Or do you wish to purchase an advertisement or sponsor an event? All submissions for the Spring Issue are due on February 15, 2024.

Vendors and suppliers are welcome to explore our different advertising and sponsorship options.

Have a question? Contact us at operations@ascfg.org.

Ask an Expert: Farm Service Agency Loans for Cut Flower Farmers
2024-01-08 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join the ASCFG for the January 2024 Ask an Expert session led by Emily Watson of Fernabelle Acres!
In this session, Emily will share her experiences in pursuing a farm ownership loan with the Farm Service Agency. Loan applications can be a long, slow, and frustrating experience, and Emily shares that, “The process is not built for people like us but we can still tweak it and navigate it with quite a bit of determination and some good spreadsheets.” Attendees will get an overview of what to expect throughout the process as well as some tips on what they can do ahead of time to get ready for the loan application. Lastly, Emily will share her personal application timeline as well as some snapshots of the application itself.
Sponsored by

Ask an Expert: Installing a Geothermal Greenhouse
2023-12-11 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
For the December 2023 Ask an Expert webinar, Rebecca Kutzer-Rice of Moonshot Farm will present on the recent installation of a geothermal heating system in a greenhouse on her cut flower farm. Rebecca will provide an overview of the funding, installation, and maintenance associated with the new greenhouse, and share recommendations for starting the process on other farms. She will also discuss tax credits and grant opportunities available to cut flower farmers who are also interested in exploring this option.

Rebecca and Mark are a husband-wife team keen on bringing beauty to their community! After over a decade of living in NYC, they left behind their urban lives to start their dream farm. They focus on growing cut flowers in a sustainable, bee-friendly way, and while not currently USDA organic certified, their flowers are grown utilizing organic practices and without harsh pesticides or herbicides.

What’s in Store for ’24: An ASCFG Supplier Showcase (Part II)
2023-12-05 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Save the Date! Tuesday, December 5, 3:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. Eastern
Part II of II Webinars
The ASCFG is delighted to announce an opportunity to connect with agricultural and cut flower vendors in the upcoming Zoom-based webinars, “What’s Store for ’24.” ASCFG members are invited to attend these complimentary webinars, during which vendors will discuss current and forthcoming products, tools, and other useful resources.
Tuesday, December 5
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Participating Suppliers & Prizes

A-ROO Company: One Winner will receive 1 case (500 sleeves) K-12x12x4.5-CT cut flower paper sleeves (a value $96.00); 1 case (500 sleeves) K-14x14x4-CT cut flower paper sleeves (a value of $98.00); 1 case (50 buckets) 10 Liter Conical Buckets (a value of $80.00); and 1 coupon for 25% off any order for through the web shop.
Farmer Bailey: $200 gift code that can be applied to an order with Farmer Bailey.
InFlora Cut Flowers: Six Winners. One winner will receive a $200 InFlora Express Seed Account credit. Five winners will receive one seed bundle each. Each bundle contains 1k each of Eucalyptus pulverulenta, Helianthus Maximo, Helianthus Solano Double, Lisianthis LisAdora Apricot III, and Matricaria Campagne Imp.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Four winners. Four individual $50 gift cards.
Leo Berbee Bulb Co.: Coming Soon!
Raker-Roberta’s Young Plants: $200 gift card.
Syngenta: An assortment of seeds and cuttings.

Win Prizes from Showcase Vendors!
Each vendor in the showcase has donated an item to be won by attendees. Your donation of $25 or more to the Research Foundation will allow you to be entered into a drawing for a variety of prizes. You do not have to be present to win. All proceeds go to the ASCFG Research Foundation, which fosters and supports original research in cut flower farming topics.
Register Today!

What's in Store for '24: An ASCFG Supplier Showcase
2023-12-04 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Save the Date! Monday, December 4, 3:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. Eastern
Part I of II Webinars
The ASCFG is delighted to announce an opportunity to connect with agricultural and cut flower vendors in the upcoming Zoom-based webinars, “What’s Store for ’24.” ASCFG members are invited to attend these complimentary webinars, during which vendors will discuss current and forthcoming products, tools, and other useful resources.
Monday, December 4
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Participating Suppliers & Prizes

American Takii: $200 value of preselected seed.
BallSeed: Two winners. Each winner will receive a $200 credit that will go towards an order with BallSeed.
Botanical Trading Co.: Two winners. Both will receive one 24-liner case-units of Ilex liners with WinterSpirit Red units.
Sakata Seed: $200 worth of Sunflower Vincent’s seeds (75% Vincent’s Choice and 25% Vincent’s Fresh).
Sound Horticulture: $75 gift card and a consulting session with Sound Horticulture.
Spring Meadow Nursery: One winner will receive two trays of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Quick Turn™ sized shrubs. The winner can work with a Spring Meadow Nursery contact to choose the variety. Each tray must be a single variety and both will be shipped in Spring 2024 (Value of $350).
Walters Gardens: More Information Coming Soon!

Win Prizes from Showcase Vendors!
Each vendor in the showcase has donated an item to be won by attendees. Your donation of $25 or more to the Research Foundation will allow you to be entered into a drawing for a variety of prizes. You do not have to be present to win. All proceeds go to the ASCFG Research Foundation, which fosters and supports original research in cut flower farming topics.
Register Today!

Reminder: The Cut Flower Quarterly Submission Deadline
2023-11-15
The Cut Flower Quarterly is the only periodical dedicated to informing growers about the production, postharvest care, and marketing of cut flowers. Are you contributing an article or a feature to the next issue? Or do you wish to purchase an advertisement or sponsor an event? All submissions for the Winter Issue are due on November 15, 2023. Vendors and suppliers are welcome to explore our different advertising and sponsorship options.

Have a question? Contact us at operations@ascfg.org.

Ask an Expert: Biocontrols Pest Management
2023-11-13 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join us for the November 2023 Ask an Expert session, taught by Alison Kutz of Sound Horticulture.
Three major threats to flower production are Aphids, Thrips, and (especially in the East) the Japanese beetle. This presentation will cover early detection and treatment of these pests, and how to handle in the least toxic manner. Since both hoop house and outdoor production come with their own caveats, the discussion will include what growers can do to minimize pest pressure, and develop a plan ahead of the seasonal curve of pest pressure. Understanding where and when to lean on safe biological sprays, if needed, is also critical to keeping a handle on pests. Alison will discuss pest life cycles and where we humans need to play interloper, developing defense strategies that work in your particular farm operation. This webinar will help you get on top of your pest control game, and learn about beneficial insects that can do the work for you.

2023 ASCFG Conference
2023-11-06 08:00 - 2023-11-09 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Save the Date!
Celebrate the ASCFG’s 35th Anniversary together in St. Louis! Program, speakers, and registration details are coming soon.

Theme: Working Together into the Future
Dates: Monday through Wednesday, November 6-8, 2023
Location: Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, St. Louis, MO

Sponsored: A Flower Farmer’s Guide to Growing Lilies
2023-10-23 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
A Flower Farmer’s Guide to Growing Lilies
For decades, lilies have been top-selling cut flowers thanks to their long-lasting blooms, year-round availability, and a wide variety of fantastic, vibrant colors. Today, their popularity among cut flower growers is on the rise too. Because lilies are an easy-to-grow, affordable crop that is not particularly labor-intensive.
In this webinar, industry pro Henk Onings, General Manager of Onings Holland, Inc., will cover all aspects of growing lilies including:

The most commonly used lilies in the floral industry
Ordering bulbs for smaller growers that bloom in succession
Bulbs from New Zealand and Chile for Mother’s Day crops
Box cultivation and pre-rooting
Outdoor cultivation and harvesting

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about these crops during this complimentary, sponsored webinar. The event will be recorded and shared through the ASCFG Members Only website. Zoom instructions will be sent out on the day of the event.
About the Speaker: Henk Onings, General Manager of Onings Holland, Inc., and member of the ASCFG, specializes in importing, exporting, and distributing cut lilies in North America. Onings Holland was started 75 years ago in the Netherlands by Henk’s grandfather, Piet Onings. Henk opened their North American branch in 1997 in California and became a frontrunner in the lily industry.
Sponsored by Flowerbulbs.com

Ask an Expert: Branding and Logo Development for Flower Farmers
2023-10-09 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Zoom
Join us for the October 2023 Ask an Expert presentation on branding and logo development! Jan Trent will share the basic steps flower farmers can take to develop and assess designs in order to develop a strong logo for their business. The steps would include how to prepare a creative brief, how to approach assessments of design concepts with creative professionals such as graphic designers/illustrators, and ideas on how to make your final selections. While the presentation will be most relevant to new farmers, the same principles apply to those needing to update or refine an existing logo.
Jan Trent operates The Blossom Farm in Virginia and has over 30 years experience in consumer research working for Fortune 500 companies, including Hershey Chocolate, ConAgra, and Wendy’s. While working for those companies, she was involved with developing logos/brandmarks for new products (including but not limited to Hershey’s Nutrageous, Cookies ‘N Creme, Wolfgang Puck Pizzas) and updating existing brandmarks (Marie Callender’s, Healthy Choice, Kid Cuisine wordmark and icon, and Wendy’s wordmark and icon). In her last position at Wendy’s she was a key member of the Image Activation Team, providing consumer driven insights to the creative team for logo and brand mark updates, restaurant architectural design/aesthetics, and menu board optimization.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Sponsored by

Balancing Farm and Family: Meet the Researchers!
2023-09-18 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Drs. Becot and Inwood conducted a study about how farm families balance children and work. Having heard from over 860 farm families from 47 states, the authors are now generously presenting this webinar about their research results to the members of the ASCFG! Come hear about how farm families around the country are navigating taking care of their children and getting the work done on and off the farm. There will also be an opportunity for you to share about your own experiences and what solutions would make it easier taking care of the children and running your business.
Dr. Florence Becot is a rural sociologist and researcher at the National Farm Medicine Center (USA). Marking a departure from previous work on the economics of local food, her research agenda is centered on the safety, well-being, and economic viability of the farm population. Her current work includes health insurance, healthcare, and childcare for farm families and responses to the farm crisis.

Dr. Shoshanah Inwood is a rural sociologist and an associate professor in SENR at Ohio State University. She holds degrees in rural sociology, environmental science and biology. Her career has focused on the intersection of agriculture, environment, and society in the context of community and economic development. Shoshanah has maintained a dual focus studying both the role of communities in food system development and the socio-cultural household level processes that underlay the American food and agriculture system.
This webinar is complimentary to ASCFG members. Zoom instructions will be sent out the day of the event. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the ASCFG Members Only Learning Portal.

Ask an Expert: Growing Ranunculus
2023-09-11 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Learn the basics of growing ranunculus in high tunnels, including high tunnel best practices, variety selection, the pre-sprouting process, transplanting, crop timing, spacing, pest and disease management, along with tips and tricks for producing ultra-high quality large blooms with long stems.
Jenny Marks is owner of Trademarks Flower Farm, located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. She specializes in growing early spring flowers (primarily Italian ranunculus) for markets, a CSA, and direct sales to florists, but also grows a variety of flowers April through October. Jenny grew up immersed in agriculture on her family’s farm, and has worked in many different aspects of agriculture since she was young including working on dairy & livestock farms, vegetable CSA farms, orchards, for the USDA, and finally settled on choosing a career in flower farming. She has taught farmers through cooperative extension beginner farmer programs and workshops, and enjoys connecting and sharing with many different kinds of growers in all regions.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.
Sponsored by

ASCFG Farm Tour: Whipstone Farm
2023-09-07 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Denver) | Whipstone Farm, 21640 N. Juniper Ridge Road, Paulden, AZ, United States
Quick Details

Host: Shanti Rade
Address: 21640 N. Juniper Ridge Road, Paulden, Arizona
Website: www.whipstone.com
Date and Time: September 7, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 75 attendees.

From the Host
“Come visit our farm! We have 15 acres in production spread over two farm locations where we grow a wide variety of vegetables and cut flowers. We grow in greenhouses and fields with vegetables production 12 months of the year and flower production 9 months. This tour will focus on tools and equipment that can be employed on larger scale/mixed operations, employee management, and growing technique for a high-desert climate. We will talk about production and marketing for Farmers markets, CSA’s, Florist and wholesale outlets, growing for dried and on-line sales.”
Registration

ASCFG Farm Tour: Bloom Hill Farm
2023-08-15 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Quick Details

Hosts: Judd and Shannon Allen
Address: 10475 Hoover Avenue NW, Uniontown, OH 44685
Website: www.bloomhillfarm.com
Date and Time: August 15, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 75 attendees.

From the Hosts
We are Judd and Shannon Allen We have the honor and privilege of farming our land together and creating a lot of beauty in this world. When we started, we had 1/4 acre and three children under three. We’ve learned so much since we planted those seeds 6+ years ago! We’ve expanded the farm every year and now it includes eleven acres of cut flowers. Our children have grown right along with the farm and now we get to live our dreams together everyday,
Bloom Hill Farm is a specialty cut flower farm growing on over eleven acres. This includes nine acres of annuals, one acre of perennials and woody cut shrubs, and four greenhouses. Our season runs late March through October starting with specialty tulips and ending with mums and other fall tunnel flowers. We plant over 10,000 dahlias each year and specialize in other crops such as sunflowers, ranunculus, anemone, and lisianthus. Our farm utilizes biodegradable plastic as our main weed control method. Over the last six years, we have grown our farm from 1/4 acre to over eleven acres and attribute that success to a lot of hard lessons learned, perseverance, and business focused decision making.
Our current sales outlets include: wedding and event design, on farm events, farm stand, retail florals, florists, grocery and wholesale accounts. The farm also supports an over 125 person CSA model.
In 2022, our farm was featured in a national John Deere advertisement. Shannon is the co-host of flower farming podcast, The Dirt on Flowers, and together they mentor other farmers with on farm consulting.
Register
SPONSORED BY

Reminder: The Cut Flower Quarterly Submission Deadline
2023-08-15
The Cut Flower Quarterly is the only periodical dedicated to informing growers about the production, postharvest care, and marketing of cut flowers. Are you contributing an article or a feature to the next issue? Or do you wish to purchase an advertisement or sponsor an event? All submissions for the Fall Issue are due on August 15, 2023. Vendors and suppliers are welcome to explore our different advertising and sponsorship options.

Have a question? Contact us at operations@ascfg.org.

Ask an Expert: Floral Photography for Farmers
2023-08-14 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Zoom
A photograph speaks volumes to the viewer. A good photograph can boost sales, strengthen customer relationships (as they feel more a part of your farm with good images that tell an effective story), and increase the perceived value of your flower farm. A poor or non-existent photo can do the exact opposite. Learning to take good photos doesn’t have to be hard or expensive, but it is very important.
Attendees of this session will learn the importance of taking beautiful photos of their farm, how to choose a consistent photography style for their farm, and how to choose a camera that fits their style, budget and knowledge level. Furthermore, ASCFG members will learn about the basic composition of a good photo, how to take one, and how to edit the image.
Teri ran a successful photography business for over 10 years and taught various classes on journaling and plant care. She is the planner, purchaser, grower, harvester, and marketer behind the flower farm. Muddy Fox Flower Farm is located on a 48 acre property in Pennsylvania.

Sponsored by

ASCFG Farm Tour: Trademarks Flower Farm
2023-08-08 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Trademarks Flower Farm, 654 Larue Road, Clifton Springs, NY, United States
Quick Details

Host: Jennifer Marks
Address: 654 Larue Road, Clifton Springs, New York
Website: www.trademarksflowers.com
Date and Time: August 8, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 100 attendees.

From the Host
Trademarks Flower Farm is a 22.5 acre farm, with approximately 1 acre in intensive cut flower production (zone 6a). We grow specialty cut flowers primarily for one farmers’ market, our 100+ member flower CSA, and wholesale to florists. Each year we are taking steps to narrow our niche specifically to winter production for early spring flowers, with a major focus on ranunculus. We currently have one 20 x 40 propagation greenhouse, two 17′ x 96′ caterpillar tunnels, two 30′ x 96′ high tunnels, and will be constructing two additional 30 x 96′ high tunnels in winter 2022/23 (they will likely be erected by the time of the farm tour). We also have a newly-built 40′ x 60′ barn that serves as a work space for flower processing, storage, and office. When we purchased our farm in 2015, there was not a single piece of infrastructure on the farm, as it had been abandoned for 7 years and was completely overgrown/uncared for during that time. I am glad to discuss building and growing in hoophouses for those of us in northern climates.
We grow “year round,” however, our marketing (selling) season starts mid-April and extends to late October/early November. Our main crops include ranunculus (~9,000/season), lisianthus (~10,000/season), and dahlias (~1500/season), however, we also grow smaller amounts of hardy annuals such as campanula, dianthus, and snapdragons, in addition to summer annuals such as zinnias, celosia, ageratum, etc. We’ve transformed one 17′ x 96′ caterpillar tunnel into a semi-permanent eucalyptus house, home to approximately 1300 perennial eucalyptus plants. We are careful to grow only flowers that we know we make money on each season, and keep close tabs on profit per crop in order to track overall profitability to ensure the sustainability of our farm.
Register
SPONSORED BY
https://gronsell.com/

ASCFG Farm Tour: Floriculture Gauthier, Inc
2023-07-26 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Floriculture Gauthier, Inc, 8645 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada
Quick Details

Host: Claude Gauthier
Address: 8645 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
Website: www.gauthierfj.qc.ca
Date and Time: July 26, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Attendance Cap: Limited to 25 attendees.

From the Host
We have about 60,000 sq ft of field production and 3 hoops for cut flower production. We own a garden center and a flower shop, where we sell all our cut flowers, about 6 minutes from our field. My father started the flower shop and garden center 76 years ago. We have started producing cut flowers in a field, just by our greenhouse production zone, 5 years ago. I studied landscaping and greenhouse production at the University of Guelph in Ontario, 30 years ago and it helps me a lot every day in my flower production. Our specialty is zinnias, but we have a lot of different varieties and species.
Register

Ask an Expert: Wedding Floral Design
2023-07-24 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join Julie Raymond of Bittersweet Gardens for a wedding design demonstration during the July 2023 Ask an Expert session! During this Zoom-based presentation, Julie will design a wedding centerpiece and walk attendees through her process for customer engagement, project management, and design workflow. Julie has completed graduate work in horticulture at University of Massachusetts at Amherst and has also engaged in landscape design studies at Radcliffe, giving her a unique background in science and design. Julie has farmed throughout Massachusetts since 1998, and in addition to growing flowers and designing floral arrangements for brides, she also markets to the Boston Wholesale Flower Exchange.
Zoom instructions will be sent out on the day of the webinar. This presentation will be recorded and included in the ASCFG Members Only Video Library.

ASCFG Farm Tour: Butterbee Farm
2023-07-21 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Quick Details

Host: Laura Beth and Jascha Resnick
Website: https://www.butterbeefarm.com/
Date and Time: July 21, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 20 attendees.

From the Host
Butterbee Farm is a five acre flower farm in Maryland, specializing in quality cuts for designers and florists, and using no-till farming methods. After ten years in business, farmers Laura Beth and Jascha bought their own land and moved the farm. Join them at Butterbee 2.0 for an in-depth tour of their brand new farm, including heated greenhouses, annual and perennial fields, livestock, and infrastructure. Discussion topics will include moving the farm, deciding on farm layout, no-till farming, and selling to florists. The tour will end with Q&A and chit chat over light snacks and beverages. Parking is limited, please consider carpooling. Address and directions will be sent closer to the date; the farm is about 10 minutes north of Ladew Gardens in White Hall, Maryland.
Registration Coming Soon!

ASCFG Farm Tour: Vashon Peony Co.
2023-06-13 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Vashon Peony Co, Wax Orchard Rd SW, Vashon, WA, 98070, United States
Quick Details

Host: Tinuviel Lathrop
Address: Wax Orchard Rd SW, Vashon, WA 98070
Website: www.vashonpeonyco.com
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 13, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 125 attendees.

From the Host
Vashon Peony Co. is a climate-forward farm located on Vashon-Maury Island near Seattle, Washington operating on 12 acres of Preservation Farmland. Our main goal as a medium-sized grower is to improve the quality and quantity of cut flowers while improving the environmental impact of cut flower sales in the U.S. We are a new farm, started in 2021 and are very excited to host a tour and foster discussion about how growers, designers, and brokers can collaborate to meet and expand domestic demand for domestic flowers. We will discuss: the climate impact of the transcontinental cut flower trade; risk and instability within transcontinental cut-flower reliance; logistical concerns and disaster mitigation for cut flower growers and purchasers; environmental concerns from the cut flower purchasers’ perspective; opportunities for communicating how locally grown flowers have unique climate benefits; ways to improve our climate impact as growers and purchasers; sustainable and beneficial farming techniques; radical transparency and collaboration as industry movers; and brainstorm together any climate concerns for attendees farms or businesses.
Register Here

Ask an Expert: Growing Superb Celosia -- Strategies and Tips
2023-06-12 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Zoom
Join us for the June 2023 Ask an Expert session, taught by Laura Beth Resnick of Butterbee Farm. Laura Beth grows celosia a million different ways: Inside, outside, pinched, not pinched, many successions, and lots of varietals. During this talk, Laura Beth will focus on the different approaches used at Butterbee Farm, the end goal of each strategy, favorite varieties, and problems she’s faced along with solutions. She’ll also discuss ideal harvest and postharvest processes. Celosia is fairly easy to grow, but having great quality at harvest isn’t quite as simple. Having great quality celosia is an easy way to set yourself apart as a trustworthy grower to customers.

Laura Beth Resnick is the founder and owner of Butterbee Farm, a five acre flower farm in northern Maryland. Following regenerative practices, Butterbee Farm provides locally grown flowers for florists and flower lovers from Baltimore to Washington, D.C. Growing in greenhouses, high tunnels,
and fields, Butterbee Farm specializes in high quality cuts for use in design. Laura Beth has served as President of the MCFGA (Maryland Cut Flower Growers Association) and Secretary for the Board of the ASCFG (Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers), and continues to write for their quarterly magazine. She speaks regularly at conferences, garden clubs, and arboretums, and mentors new growers through Future Harvests Beginning Farmer Training Program.
Farm: https://www.butterbeefarm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterbee_farm/
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event.
A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.
Sponsored by

ASCFG Farm Tour: Harmony Harvest Farm
2023-06-08 08:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Quick Details

Host: Jessica Hall
Address: 201 Little Run Road, Weyers Cave, Virginia
Website: www.hhfshop.com
Date and Time: June 8, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Attendance Cap: Limited to 75 attendees. Lunch included.

Details coming soon!
Register
SPONSORED BY

ASCFG Farm Tour: Leap Frog Flower Farm
2023-06-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Leap Frog Flower Farm, 4919 Miller Road, ,, Earlysville, VA, United States
Quick Details

Host: Liz Faucher
Address: 4919 Miller Road, Earlysville, Virginia
Website: www.leapfrogflowerfarm.com
Date and Time: June 1, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Attendance Cap: Limited to 25 attendees.

From the Host
I have been growing for 5 years. My method until recently has been mostly “throw it against the wall and see what sticks.” I’ve tried pretty much everything: CSAs, small farmers’ markets, big farmers’ markets, DIY weddings. I didn’t have a cohesive plan and vision until I helped found Central Virginia Flower Collective in spring 2022. Being a part of a cooperative selling model has helped me hone and fine-tune my growing and sales plans. Not only does the Collective provide extensive stem metrics through Rooted Farmers, it provides weekly feedback on what is and isn’t a saleable item.
I’d like the focus of this tour to be on the collective model. I am in central Virginia, where we have faced an uphill battle to encourage the use of local flowers. After attending a Johnny’s webinar on flower cooperatives in 2021, I contacted every local farm listed in the ASCFG directory. Seven of us came together and started CVFC.
For the farm tour, I’ll showcase the farm and steps that I’ve taken to turn a former cow field into a working flower farm. Then, several of our collective members will form a panel to discuss how joining a collective has impacted their growing and sales plans for 2023.
Register

SPONSORED BY

ASCFG Farm Tour: CA & J Farm
2023-05-31 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | CA & J Farm, 5620 East River Road, Foster, VA, United States
Quick Details

Host: Jean Howard
Address: 5620 East River Road, Foster, Virginia
Website: www.cajfarm.com
Date and Time: May 31, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 50 attendees.

From the Host
We are an example of all you can do with only five acres! We opened in 2017. We are an off-grid solar, educational, herb, egg, cut flower, and music farm in Mathews County, Virginia. We do everything small scale, using organic practices. We also present programs on farm, off farm and online; offer an annual herbalist course. We share knowledge on natural wellness, living simple and self-sustaining, farm skills, and healing music. Our farm includes chickens, ducks, rabbits, beehives, 3 big dogs, herb and cut flower gardens, hoophouse, grow room, indoor education and music center, large outdoor stage, meditation areas, Yellow Barn Store, refreshment area, large firepit gathering area. We are open to the public—a good example of adding agritourism to your farm model. We have a Non-Profit Fiscal Sponsor for the Music at the Farm.
We will discuss our efforts to produce cut flowers organically, as well as an herb talk, “Staying healthy at any age – so we can do the work we love!” There will be time to enjoy the labyrinth, peace pole, and woodland wellness walk.
Register

ASCFG Farm Tour: Farm Lot 59
2023-05-23 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Farm Lot 59, 2714 California Ave., Long Beach, CA, United States
Quick Details

Host: Sasha Kanno
Address: 2714 California Ave., Long Beach, California
Website: www.farmlot59.org
Date and Time: May 23, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 100 attendees. Lunch included.

From the Host
Farm Lot 59 is a 501(c)3 working urban farm that specializes in growing rare and unusual varieties of flowers and organic vegetables. We envision a world where we serve as a center for community engagement and wellness – it is not our farm, it is yours. We provide a local Food Hub with the vegetables we grow. Our goal is to serve vulnerable populations in our community, to help with immediate food needs, and inspire them to eat and live healthily. We use our diverse farm to host educational, volunteer, and other events that bring together our community to learn about the benefits and possibilities of urban farming and so much more. We fund our efforts through our Farmstand sales of the unique flowers we grow, and through generous donations.
Our year-round farming operation has two high tunnels, drip irrigation, grey water produce washing station, and rain barrels to collect water. Our practice is minimal till to no-till. We use cover cropping, tarping, and have a shed full of small farm tools.
Sasha Kanno is the founder and farmer of Farm Lot 59. Before it was founded in 2010 Sasha was a floral designer working in film and for prestigious shops in LA and OC. Her designs have been featured in People magazine, The Knot, and other publications. She has been awarded numerous grants and awards for her work in the community as a leader, innovator, and driving force in the local food and floral movement. She is a member of Slow Flowers, the Association of Specialty Cut Growers, and an active member of the USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee serving Los Angeles County.
Attendees will be able to see our off-season greenhouse improvements (version 5.0 ) and how we grow in our two high tunnels. By the end of May, we will be wrapping up spring and planting our first round of summer annuals. We look forward to sharing with you!
Register

Tunnels for Improving Timing, Yield, and Quality of Five Cut Flowers
2023-05-16 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Part of the ASCFG Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series!
Dr. Melanie Stock
UPDATED: Event Details
Dr. Melanie Stock
Join Dr. Melanie Stock from Utah State University as she presents highlights on her research on several crops in high desert conditions. This talk will detail season extension with flowers, including all the ways Dr. Stock and her team use high tunnels and low tunnels. She will discuss her research on tunnels with dahlia, peony, ranunculus, stock, and snapdragons.
Please look for Dr. Stock’s article on early season cultivation of freesia in cold and mountainous regions that are vulnerable to drought during late summers in a future issue of The Cut Flower Quarterly.

Presenter Biography
Dr. Stock is a soil scientist. Her lab focuses on high-value crops and resource use efficiency to improve the environmental sustainability and economic viability of small farms. Her research interests include adapting cut flower crops for Utah from basic cultivation methods to nutrient management and physics-based season extension, overwintering, and water-use efficiency. Visit the Small Farms Lab at smallfarmslab.com and on Instagram (@usu_smallfarms)!
About the Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series
The goal of this webinar series is to connect ASCFG members with the latest academic research in cut flowers and to inspire new ideas for crop, farm, and business management. During these online events, recent recipients of the Research Foundation’s Competitive Grants will share synopses of their research, along with the exciting applications of the results, before a short Q and A session with attendees.
Can’t attend a presentation? Don’t worry – the webinar will be recorded and be accessible in the ASCFG Members Only portal after the event.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Ask an Expert: Cultivating Native Species in Cut Flower Farming
2023-05-15 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Zoom
Climate change, species decline and ecological breakdown brings renewed attention to what farms grow and how they grow them. One big question growers face is how do my crop and production choices affect my environment? And are there changes I could make to minimize negative impacts or even create positive ones?
In this presentation, Matthew Dell of Treadlight Farm will look at how floriculture and horticulture has a unique opportunity to create productive spaces that also serve local ecological systems. By choosing more native species over exotic species, growers can create habitat for local fauna while also bringing unique products that command a premium to floral markets. He will also discuss production methods for maximum profit and impact, challenges, and sourcing.
Treadlight Farm grows on 15 acres in New York’s Rondout Valley, and sells wholesale specialty cuts throughout the greater NYC metropolitan area. They are certified organic and passionate about native plants, and have been in business since 2015. Website: https://www.treadlight-farm.com/

Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.
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