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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 29 So year-round producers, like those in temperate regions, must find other markets for the flowers during the U.S.'s off-seasons. "Our plants produce constantly," Azout explains. "Importers help us sell what we have coming available in production, but we have to find year-round markets to keep our employees busy and our plants tended. During North America's winter, we often ship to countries in the Southern Hemisphere and Russia, which consume flowers year-round." Azout also markets his garden roses as substitutes for peonies, which aren't available 12 months a year. Supply-chain Continuity Starts with Diversity While imported flowers dominate the U.S. market, there is a strong and growing contingent of U.S. cut-flower growers. CalFlowers, e California Association of Flower Growers & Shippers, is an industry trade association committed to help U.S. cut-flower growers efficiently distribute their product. e group originated with California growers but now offers membership nationwide. "Transportation is the largest single cost in the floral supply chain," reports Steve Dionne, executive director of CalFlowers. "Our goal is to keep transport costs low and let designers know that having the best doesn't have to mean the most expensive. CalFlowers relationship with FedEx gives growers affordable access to express shipping, albeit unrefrigerated transport. "Peonies are a good case study on production," Dionne continues. "When they bloom, it's fast and hard. Most varieties are done in two weeks. While stems can be held in cold storage at length, a diversity of supply origin ensures availability over a longer period." "Some florists and consumers are very origin focused, and there's definitely a business for that," Dionne elaborates. "Many florists, however, are interested in the greatest diversity and best-quality product for their customers. is past year has proved that retailers need multiple relationships across the supply chain. It's about finding a smart supply chain comprising domestic flower farms, importers and wholesalers. We need diversity in supply." Sourcing has been an acute challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I hear a lot of florists saying there are no flowers available right now, but that's largely because they are all asking for the same things!" Chapple observes. "ere is a whole pool of flowers available from local growers that add a unique beauty that some florists just aren't thinking about." e Shears Start the Clock Ticking Growing cut flowers in ideal climates for year-long production results in a geographically disperse industry. And moving this delicate cornucopia requires a logistical marvel. Although cut-flower varieties are meticulously bred and selected for longevity, they are living products about to be severed from their life sources. Back at Alexandra Farms, Salcedo surveys her jurisdiction of 'Red Piano', 'Romantic Antike', and 'Wanted' garden roses. She's been through the rows with her shears once this particular morning but is back for a second of three cuts today. Several of these boxes will be bound for a D.C. wholesaler and, ultimately, Chapple's studio, for Meryl Miner's upcoming wedding. "Our garden roses must be cut at an exact moment in their development for peak quality," Azout points out. "We cut three times a day. Flowers are graded

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