Floral

Monrovia, the leading grower of premium ornamental and edible plants, is introducing eight new exclusive and semi-exclusive varieties for 2012. “There are so many reasons why gardeners and design professionals prefer Monrovia plants,” explained Nicholas Staddon, director of new plants. “Not only do we strive to introduce improved varieties, but our plants are healthier, with stronger root systems and with a greater resistance to pests and diseases.” Below are the new varieties, alphabetical by botanical name. …

For the fourth time in as many years, the Cal Poly National Floral Design Team finished in the top three in the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) national student competition. The competition was held in San Francisco during the AIFD Symposium. …

On the morning of Wednesday 2 November, the ‘Rosebrandt’ promotional campaign kicked off at the FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer. Seventy Dutch rose growers and five breeders have joined forces and together with FloraHolland, they launched their promotional campaign “Rosebrandt Dutch Masterpiece” at the trade fair. The campaign is intended to improve the distinctive qualities of roses produced in the Netherlands. …

Visitors to Madeline's Flower Shop last year traded roses for nearly $400 and more than 870 food items in a charity campaign benefiting the Hope Center. The Edmond flower shop and Rio Roses, a Miami, Fla., grower and distributor, are joining forces again this year in the campaign, Rio Roses for Food. …

The flower trade in the South American nation of Chile amounts to a rough 70 million dollars (~51.4 million Euros) annually, but no more than a few million of that amount comes from exports. That figure can be increased significantly, provided new markets can be opened up, according to local experts. …