Florverde certified flower growers recognized as Global Leaders

September 26th, 2008 No Comments   Posted in florist, flower news, flowers

Acknowledged for Outstanding Flower Quality and Socio-Environmental Practices

Bogota, Colombia, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) — Florverde(R) flower farms, practices and flowers, continue to be recognized around the globe. For the past 12 years Florverde(R), the organization established by Asocolflores, the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters, has been positively changing the environmental and social practices of flower farms through their rigorous certification program. These efforts have not gone unnoticed. Most recently, the Russian Flower Show awarded eight Florverde(R) flower farms with gold and silver medals of distinction for flower quality.

“The Florverde(R) certification program has set Colombian flowers apart from those in other international growing areas while achieving our stringent social and environmental standards, said Augusto Solano, President of the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters (Asocolflores). It gives our country great pride to see efforts in enforcing these standards translate into beautiful blooms that are internationally recognized for quality at events like the Russian Flower Show.

Reaffirming the organization’s commitment to the highest standards for flowers in the industry, Florverde(R) received more recognition than any other certified group exhibiting at the Russian Flower Show, which took place in Moscow from September 4-7. In fact, in some floral categories, the quality of Florverde-grown blooms were ranked by the judges as superior to the varieties of the more than 20 countries participating in the show.

The distinctions awarded Florverde(R) at the international flower shows come only a few months after GLOBALG.A.P. (The Global Partnership for Good Agricultural Practice) recognized the organizations socio-environmental practices with the GLOBALG.A.P. international seal. GLOBALG.A.P. is a private sector body that sets voluntary standards for the certification of agricultural products around the globe. The GLOBALG.A.P. seal and standard is one of the most important and recognizable certifications in the world promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Florverde(R) and GLOBALG.A.P. standards are now equivalent and mutually accepted by all trading partners. Established in 1996, using the Spanish name for green flowers, the Florverde(R) program has made unparalleled advancements to improve Colombian workers quality of life and to ensure Columbian-grown flowers meet strict environmental standards. The Florverde(R) certification program was created by Asocolflores with a vision to lead the flower industry and improve practices by establishing and regulating a set of social and environmental standards, as well as a code of conduct. Today, more than 171 farms, covering more than 7,600 acres devoted to growing flowers in Colombia, have qualified for, or are in the process of qualifying for, Florverde(R) certification.

About Asocolflores

Established in 1973 to represent the interests of the Colombian flower growers in world markets, the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters (Asocolflores) represents more than 70 percent of total Colombian flowers exports. For more information: www.florverde.org and www.asocolflores.org.

Colombia’s Award-Winning Flower Farms at the Russian Flower Show:
1. Colombia Land of Flowers Pavilion: Best Exhibition and Quality Flowers
2. Flores de Aposentos: Gold for Roses and Carnations, Florverde(R) Certified Farm
3. Singha Ltda: Gold for Roses
4. Matina Flowers: Gold for Roses
5. Flores Milonga: Gold for Roses, Florverde(R) Certified Farm
6. La Plazoleta: Gold for Alstroemeria
7. Discovery Farms: Gold for Alstroemeria, Florverde(R) Certified Farm
8. SB Talee de Colombia: Gold for Carnations, Florverde(R) Certified Farm
9. Tahami - Cultiflores: Gold for Chrysanthemums, Florverde Certified Farm
10. Multiflora: Gold for Chrysanthemums, Florverde(R) Certified Farm
11. Teucali: Silver for Roses, Florverde(R) Certified Farm
12. Colibri Flowers: Silver for Carnations, Florverde(R) Certified Farm

SOURCE Colombian Association of Flower Exporters (Asocolflores)

CONTACT: Jairo Cadavid,
+1-571-257 9311 ext. 0115,
jcadavid@asocolflores.org,
or Natalia Ochoa,
+1-571-257-9311 ext. 0160,
comunicaciones@asocolflores.org,
both of Colombian Association of Flower Exporters
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080925
DC35529
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.florverde.org
http://www.asocolflores.org

Source: http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2008/9/26/florverde-certified-flower-growers-recognized-as-global-leaders/

Canadian associations collaborating for Florist Expo

September 24th, 2008 No Comments   Posted in florist, flower news, flowers, show

For the first time, Landscape Ontario is collaborating with Flowers Canada Retail - Toronto Chapter to create Florist Expo, a show for the ornamental and floriculture industries. The Expo runs Oct. 21 and 22 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Flowers Canada Retail - Toronto Chapter is an association of floral professionals united toward education in the floral industry. Retailers with floral departments and florists looking to increase their profit margins, establish seasonal trends or maximize sales from special occasions will want to attend sessions taking place during show hours at the Floral Stage; sponsored by PickOntario. PickOntario, is a marketing campaign designed by Flowers Canada (Ontario) Inc. to raise awareness, interest and demand for Ontario grown cut flowers and potted plants.

Show visitors will expand their sensory experience when they view the ‘Ontario Harvest’ themed floral masterpieces created by professional designers from across Canada for the annual Gold Cup Competition. Participants will compete for the honor of their name on the Gold Cup and a first place prize of $300. The floral designers will use Ontario’s fresh flowers for the Gold Cup Competition.

In addition to the Gold Cup Competition, several educational workshops will be conducted over the two-day Expo discussing such topics as: Choosing the Right Inventory for a Successful Business, Profitable Weddings, Dealing with Funerals, Trends and Colours for 2009 and Planning for Seasonal Events which is conducted by Derrick Foss. Foss recently became one of only 53 Canadians accredited in Floral Design by the American Institute of Floral Designers. Other speakers include industry professionals: Darlene Adams of Just Me Floral Design, Brenda Jones of Smithers-Oasis, Emily Mays of Creative Floral Design, Evelyn Baker of Sobey’s and Julie Drago.

Visit www.gardenexpo.ca for more information on the Garden & Florist Expo, featuring the Floral Stage.

About Landscape Ontario, Garden & Florist Expo, Flowers Canada and PickOntario

Landscape Ontario is the largest horticultural trade association in North America with more than 2,300 members. Its mission is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.

Garden & Florist Expo is Canada’s fall buying show for the green and floral industries. More than 4,000 buyers will attend the expo which showcases new products, recent plant and floral introductions and product demonstrations

Flowers Canada Retail - Toronto Chapter is an association of floral professionals united toward education in the floral industry. Its mandate is to improve the strength and unity of the floriculture industry through communication, education and representation.

PickOntario is a comprehensive marketing communications campaign developed by Flowers Canada (Ontario) Ltd. to raise awareness, interest and demand for Ontario-grown cut flowers and potted plants.

Source: http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/news/news.asp?ID=6740

Choosing your wedding florist

September 24th, 2008 1 Comment   Posted in florist, flowers

The flowers and the flower arrangement you use for your wedding influences has a great bearing on the kind of atmosphere your wedding celebration will have. Hiring the right florist will make it easier for your to choose what arrangements and flowers you want. Before you do that, it’s important to know what to look for in a florist so you end up hiring one whose can accommodate your tastes and your ideas. You can also check Unique features wedding florist for your need.

Before you meet up with a florist, think of what kind of person you work best with. Do you want someone who will take charge and make all the decisions, or would you rather have someone who will show you your options and let you choose for yourself? How about a combination of both - someone who knows what’s best, but puts you in a position where you’re in control?

Now that you’ve got an idea what kind of personality works best with you, think of your favorite colors and favorite flowers. This will give you an idea of what flowers you’ll include in your wedding and bouquet. However, remain open-minded to your florist’s suggestions, especially if you want flowers that are out of season or hard to find.

Talk to friends who have gotten married recently and ask them for their florist’s number or florists they might be able to recommend.

When you’ve found a florist you’d like to consult, make sure you ask to see their portfolio so you can get an idea of his or her design philosophy. The portfolio should be extensive and cover a broad range of wedding flower arrangements, from centerpieces to bouquets. Look at the pictures closely and see if the work is consistent. You will also be able to gauge the florist’s experience by asking questions, such as what flowers will be in season during your wedding day, or how you can maximize your options if you are on a small budget.

Make sure you make arrangements with a florist early on in the wedding process do you don’t panic as the wedding date draws near. You’ll want a florist who is knowledgeable, pleasant, and creative. But above that, your florist should be receptive to your ideas and give you the best flower arrangement no matter how big or small your budget is.

Source: http://weddingbellsblog.com/wedding-accessories/choosing-your-wedding-florist/