Efforts are well underway to bring more attention to Kentucky’s cut flower business. A special focus is taking place this month.
July brings forth the fourth annual Kentucky Grown Cut Flower Month. Co-sponsoring the event is the Kentucky Horticulture Council. Cindy Finneseth is the KHC executive director. Finneseth said each day features social media briefs on how Kentucky farmer-florists make their products available.
“For florists to find local growers, for just a random customer to find local growers, people who want to do you-pick. You know all those different components of an operation…we wanted to make sure people could find them,” said Finneseth.
Finneseth admits there are limitations to the online tool, because not all cut flower farms in Kentucky are a part of the program. Still, she believes local growers can make a dent in the current flow of cut flowers..about 80% coming from outside the U.S.
The Kentucky Horticulture Council co-sponsors the program, which includes an emphasis on social media viewings.
“When you buy those locally grown flowers, I mean, you’re getting them the day of or the day after they’ve been harvested. So, the vase life…it’s an investment that you really can enjoy for a long time,” said Finneseth.
Finneseth said some retailers are making direct connections with farms. She noted flower fields are also popular in the photography scene. Finneseth added Kentucky is fertile soil for many types of cut flowers including peonies, sunflowers, and Bells of Ireland.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
