Floriculture Web Resources
by
Alicia
Gail Stout
The floriculture industry in the United States is now estimated to be above $12
billion a year. Worldwide
producers of horticultural products are gaining market share according to The
Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture. This guide suggests a number of
Internet sites which would be of interest to those engaged primarily in the cut flower sector of the industry. It includes links which lead to sites addressing
both business and the more artistic components of floriculture.
Ikebana One of the oldest art forms in flower arranging. Links to the basics of the practice of Ikebana by the Japanese. Includes the history and styles of the genre. Another Ikebana site contains an interesting time line of the history of flower arranging in Japan with details of several contemporary Ikebana masters. Tips on some do’s and don’t’s of Ikebana are located here.
Language of Flowers This site discusses the symbolism associated with many different flowers. The text is given in both Spanish and English.
Flower
arranging in Britain has a long history. Site leads to a book on the history of flower
arranging in Britain from 1500-1930.
Not available on-line, but the author takes part in audio
discussions on the history of flower arranging in Britain.
Book of Floral
Terminology is a publication
of the American Institute of Floral Designers, which is not available on-line,
but is available for purchase on-line.
Accessible sample pages illustrate its content.
Sales figures appear here, although it is the last year this information will be published by the endowment which sponsored it. The data is still valid for the industry. It reports on which flowers have highest sales figures, comparison ranges for high vs. low return shops, major points of purchase, and some trend data. Industry size information is also given.
A marketing study is available to those interested, but for a fee. Called the Consumer Tracking Study, it can be ordered only through telephone contact. Information is gathered from the most prolific industry partners such as FTD, Hallmark, and Teleflora.
Trade data and consumption and type of products are here. Also found here are a list of information resources and major players in terms of trade and development of the industry. Also found are some statistics of producers world-wide with an excellent summary of the global floriculture market.
The economic impact of the
flower industry on the Hawaiian
Islands is great as these data show.
Some statistical information re exports is given.
The
US Department of Agriculture has collected much statistical information on the
floriculture industry and it can be accessed here. The value of cut flowers and cut greenery for 1998 is
available as is a section called “quick facts.” Tables available from this site give statistics of flowers
sold by state, the number of operations and product value.
A
review of floriculture in the United States is reported by the Economic
Research Service of the USDA. The
cut flower markets are not always split out in the statistics, but this
document provides some of the best available information on the US floriculture
market.
Canada
also has significant interest in floriculture. These statistics are for the province of Ontario, but some
of the data can be extrapolated to the whole of the Canadian market.
FloraCulture Magazine A trade publication which contains industry news and information on the worldwide floriculture industry. The best resource for international updates. A Table of Contents is given for the current issue, and some archived articles are available on-line.
The American Rose publication of the American Rose Society is sent to members but is not on-line; other printed bulletins are listed with instructions for ordering. Perusal of the site map shows links to many articles and much information on the subject of roses.
Florists'
Review is a publication which
must be obtained by subscription; the sites one link does, however, leads to a
list of state flowers, major US holidays, fresh flower ideas, florist tips and
a searchable (by state) directory to floral shops in the US.
The
Florist is a publication of
the Extra Touch Florist Association.
This is an on-line publication with accessible articles archives, a
buyers guide. Fee-free.
American Institute of Floral Designers Is probably the most professional association of the floral industry in the US. It is a non-profit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. It has more than 1,200 members worldwide and focuses on presenting educational and design programs. High levels of competency must be demonstrated for membership.
The Association of Canadian Florists Its purpose is to strengthen the Canadian floriculture industry through educational, marketing and representation to enhance members business performance. It also publishes News Vine , a quarterly publication in PDF, which takes a long time to load.
The American Floral Endowment research and educational development in floriculture and environmental horticulture designed to produce solutions to industry needs and promote the growth and improvement of the floral industry for the benefit of the grower, wholesale, retail, allied segments and the general public. Reports are available on-line free of charge.
Ikebana International has about 10,000 members world wide with
an interest in the Japanese art of flower arranging and other cultural
aspects. It is a non-profit
organization which strives to “increase peace and mutual understanding
throughout the world by sharing our interest in Ikebana.”
Ikebana schools follow a variety of traditions for which the training varies. Many are listed at this site. Links contain many graphics.
The Washington National Cathedral One of the best design courses is given here on a regular basis --primarily for those with an interest in ecclesiastical flower work. The site is being re-constructed and no information is available at this time, but is recommended for a visist at a later time.
Wholesale supplier - Flowers by Design sells silk flowers but only to the
trade. Does not offer any products
to the public. They offer Ikebana
supplies. On-line supplier.
Retail sales site for the on-line purchase of
traditional Ikebana supplies by Chopa Imports.
Arts and Crafts company is an on-line retail and
wholesale supplier of floral products.
Steps
to Memories is a retail and wholesale supplier of floral products,
with a wide array of Christmas greens.
They offer many fresh flowers and the site contains many links to flower
photos and pricing information.
http://www.tiac.net/users/stevrt/RittnersGallery.html Contains a long list of how to’s with instructions for the novice flower arranger.
http://www.flowerbud.com/pr/releases/arranging.asp
Has some excellent tips for flower
arrangers, especially the novice.
http://www.aboutflowers.com/floral_b1.html the site through many links contains a flower and plant library, designs, care tips, statistics about flower purchasing patterns and trends.
Site constructed December, 2001. Please send comments or questions to agstout@viperlink.net