Floral

Nestled in the Denbigh area of Newport News is Lisa Ziegler's passion—a cut-flower farm. Ziegler decided to grow more nontraditional flowers, because it's harder for her to compete in the retail market when it comes to the more traditional roses and carnations. Once she harvests the flowers, she then sells them at local farmer's markets, including the markets at Port Warwick and in Yorktown, and to florists and grocery stores including Fresh Market in Newport News and Harris Teeter. …

This Valentine's, the Grammy Award nominated and multi award winning R&B artist, Trey Songz has teamed with 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS), the world's leading florist and gift shop in support of The Angels with Heart Foundation. …

The Florists industry has been withering in the five years to 2012. According to IBISWorld industry analyst Justin Waterman, “poor economic conditions, including weak consumer confidence and low disposable income, have deterred households from making discretionary purchases on flowers and plants.” In addition, heightened competition has exacerbated already declining demand: Supermarkets and e-commerce websites have increasingly taken customers away from the industry by offering discounted prices for comparable goods. As a result, revenue is expected to fall at an average annual rate of 2.9% to $6.6 billion over the five years to 2012. …

Oglesby Plants International is making it even easier to do business with a new online store that puts young plant orders just a click away. …

For a century, devoted gardeners have appreciated the marvels of delicate and finicky hybrid roses and referred to them by name, like pets or family. In recent years, though, time-strapped homeowners have traded their big teas for compact shrub roses – utilitarian soldiers in the landscape that could cover ground without fuss. …