Curbing the Spread of Invasive Species in Flower Farming and Floristry

Challenges and Solutions for Growers and Florists

Invasive species are causing problems across farms, gardens, waterways, wildlife habitats, and landscapes. They are often foraged or grown by flower farmers and used in designs by florists. Sometimes this is intentional, while other times it results from a lack of knowledge about which species are invasive, how they spread, and why they are dangerous. Flower farmers and florists have the power to either contribute to the spread of invasive species or help prevent it.

In this webinar, Ellen will address the thorny subject of invasive species: what they are, the damage they can cause, how they spread, and why many farmers and florists continue to use them. She will also cover the economic impact of moving away from using invasives and what farmers and florists can do to stop their spread. Ellen will share her own journey to become educated about invasives and explain the strategies she uses to find alternatives for her designs.

Ellen Frost is the renowned florist of Local Color Flowers in Baltimore, MD, and co-contributor of The Cut Flower Quarterly column, “The Farmer and The Florist.” She is passionate about using local flowers in her work and in 2016, she was awarded the Allan M Armitage Award for Leadership by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. She has been featured on The Flower Podcast, the Slow Flowers Society, and much more.

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