Presenting

14 March | 2021 In the Know Tulip Festival Reimagined For many years, United States tulip growers and their European bulb suppliers have held an annual live tulip festival in San Francisco, giving away tens of thousands of tulip bouquets over the years. e event is always held on International Women's Day, as a way of honoring women all over the world. is year, we will celebrate 1,000 women on March 8 as well as host a free two-day virtual tulip festival, "Gather Tulips," March 27 and 28. "A bouquet of tulips is the perfect way to honor the extraordinary women who inspire us every day," says Henk Westerhof, who represents the tulip growers and their suppliers. "Tulips symbolize unconditional love, new beginnings and charity. Because of COVID-19 restrictions on gathering, we've reimagined the festival. It will still allow us to share our admiration and also enable us to reach even more women." Partnering with Petals for Hope To kick off the monthlong celebration, tulip growers have partnered with Petals for Hope to donate 1,000 bouquets of tulips to women on the frontline, in nursing homes, women's shelters and more. Petal's volunteers will deliver the tulip bouquets to women in 10 metro areas on International Women's Day, March 8. Petals for Hope, a nonprofit organization, re-purposes fresh flowers after weddings and other events to share them with people in less-than- desirable circumstances. A total of 25,000 gorgeous stems of the beloved spring tulips will brighten the day of 1,000 women. "e Petals for Hope team is thrilled to be a part of this event where we will be able to share joy and light to women throughout the United States in honor of International Women's Day. Our organization's mission is to spread joy, and we are honored to be able to continue that work even during these unprecedented times," says founder Brittaney Sard. Industry professionals can differentiate their services from competitors with eco-friendly events that also support local communities. Petals for Hope has developed a streamlined floral donation process so that the act of donating flowers does not add any complication to floral designers' already busy schedules. ey also provide a donation acknowledgment for tax deduction purposes and to share with clients. Starting a New Tradition "We hope to start a new tradition of sharing tulips on International Women's Day with all of the women who inspire us. A bouquet of tulips is a beautiful way to express our love and gratitude. Today more than ever, we need to reach out to our loved ones to show them we care and that we are thinking of them," says Peggy Anne Montgomery from Garden Media Group on behalf of the tulip growers. Gather Tulips – New Virtual Event March 27 and 28 e excitement continues all month on social media, culminating in a two-day " Virtual Tulip Festival, Gather Tulips." is free event is open to professional floral designers and everyday flower enthusiasts. World-renowned floral designer, Sarah Campbell, of Intrigue Designs, will host the festival. Campbell appeared on Netflix's The Big Flower Fight, and her installations were featured on NBC, ABC, and in e Knot and Martha Stewart Living. "We are dreaming big in creating the virtual tulip festival and hoping to inspire, uplift, and bring a unique experience right into your home," says Campbell. "2021 will be the year of healing, and flowers play an important role in improving our lives, brightening our outlook, lowering stress, and easing sadness." "is year's event won't be in person, but we will still gather. Working with Sarah tulips to honor women International Women's Day, March 8 Gather Tulips Virtual Festival March 27 and 28 "A bouquet of tulips is the perfect way to honor the extraordinary women who inspire us every day."

• Cover