San Franciscco Radio station KALW’S Katie Jennings went to the San Francisco Flower Mart, the biggest of the five remaining flower markets in the country, to talk with growers about their changing business.

Ms. Jennings spoke with Nick Neve,who, like his father before him and his grandfather before him,  is a rose grower. He lives and works on his family’s land in Petaluma.

She also spoke with Roy Borodkin runs Brannan Street Wholesale Florists

Read the entire original article at: kalwnews.org

This story caught my eye in Floral Management magazine, March 2010.

Two shops separated by over 2800 miles share the same idea of giving back to the community during these tough times.  Rose Garden Florist in Barnegat, NJ and Twigs in Yerington, NV  each give credit for their unique idea to a Flower Chat forum discussion last year, but, each shop has customized their approach of instigating a “travelling kindness bouquet”.

Every month or so, each shop  sends out an estimated 5 bouquets ranging in price from $40 to $50.  The original destination is randomly chosen and will vary, whether it be a nursing home, or  police station, or a bank,  or a hospital.  Attached is a card which reads, “ This is a Travelling Kindness Bouquet.  Please enjoy these flowers for the next hour, then pass then on  them to someone who could use a little joy along with this note.”

These floral gifts  have paid off for both shops – both in community-building returns and financially.   The monthly cost is  substantially less than any print advertising available to either shop and is delivered directly to potential future customer

Two award winning designers from the UK,  Sarah Horne and Jo Jarvis, share a vision of floral art that begins with a love of nature and  moves quickly outside the box with their gorgeous new book, “ Botanical Art: For Your Eyes Only”.   An article in Flower& magazine, August 2010 showcases their  beautifully printed, oversize hardcover volume which  includes creations ranging from home décor and gifts to wearable flower art.  Visit  www.3-5-8productions.co.uk to learn more!