Of course an organization dedicated to the highest standards of the floristry profession would be a pioneer in understanding and promoting the beauty and benefits of local flowers. Beginning in 2015, IFDA has highlighted local growers every September with special presentations, grower showcases, and tours and workshops at flower farms. This year’s local flowers celebration will be on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Castlebridge Farm in Ellicott City and include a tour, lunch, and a hands-on workshop. Lisa Ann Ruf, CFD and EMC, of Goodness Gracious Florals will demonstrate making a hand-tied bouquet using the beautiful flowers and foliage grown at Castlebridge Farm by Kim Adkinson.

It is perhaps because of this commitment to promoting local flowers that IFDA has attracted flower farmers as members. As part of our September celebration of local flowers, we want to recognize the growers who have joined IFDA this year. With our many virtual offerings, we now have many members outside of the Greater Baltimore-Washington area, including two farmer-florists from other states.

Any one of these would welcome the chance to talk with IFDA members about local flowers, how to obtain them, what they have blooming now, what they are planning to grow next year, as well as hearing from you what flowers are on your horizon for 2024.

CALIFORNIA

Kelly Gregory, Fiddlin Frog Flower Farm

https://msha.ke/fiddlinfrogflowers/#about

Insta: @fiddlinfrogflowers

ILLINOIS

John Regan, Twisted Stem

https://www.twistedstemfloral.com/

Insta: @twistedstem

john@twistedstemfloral.com

MARYLAND

Amy Timme, Chesapeake Homestead

https://www.chesapeakehomestead.com/