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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 15 FR : What colors/varieties are your top sellers? J.A.: 'Juliet', a peach-hued garden rose, is our best-seller. Next is 'White O'Hara, which is a white with a bit of a blush. en, probably a blush or light pink. But in the "sand" hues, we're seeing a lot of excitement, and I don't think it's a trend; I think it's going to stay. FR : When you start growing a new variety, what is the life cycle for that variety? J.A.: Seven to 10 years is normal. at's not because a plant is unproductive or dies; it's because the market wants something diff erent. And, of course, we have to be innovative, so we're always looking for something new and better. So many times, after about fi ve years, we will replace a variety with something new. And we donate the old plants to clubs and hospitals. FR : As a South American rose grower and exporter, what are your thoughts on the " locally grown" movement in the U.S. and around the world? J.A.: ere are lots of varieties of roses that are perfect for growing locally because they're hard to ship. ey have a short ship life and a short vase life. So it really makes sense to grow those varieties in the marketplace, near the consumer, and that's great. However, the globalization of the economy has automatically found the places where things are the most effi ciently or eff ectively made or built, and fl owers are one of those things. All of the major fl ower growers are located around the equator where they don't have to heat or cool greenhouses and the greenhouses don't have to be glass. Many of those growers have plentiful access to water and a lower-wage labor force. at combination of factors makes it more effi cient and cost eff ective to grow cut fl owers in those places. e "buy/ grow local" movement is great, but there are fl ower types and varieties for which it doesn't make sense. 'Constance' "Alexandra Farms Certifi ed Designer" Program Launched in early April, the "Alexandra Farms Certifi ed Designer (AFCD)" program is the fi rst fl ower industry certifi cation program created by a grower and a fl oral designer and educator: Jose R. Azout, president of Alexandra Farms, and Holly Heider Chapple, owner of Holly Chapple Flowers and Hope Flower Farm. Garden roses are different from other roses, and they require customized care. The AFCD program is designed for everyone who loves fl ower design, and it comprises tracks for both professional designers and garden-rose enthusiasts. The 12-chapter course will teach participants everything they need to know about garden roses, from the history to the varieties to the correct anatomical vocabulary. Through the AFCD program, students will gain profi ciency in caring for and arranging garden roses, as well as knowledge about how to better choose garden roses— particularly in regard to making a positive impact on the world through sustainable fl oristry. After enrolling in the program, students can access the 12-chapter curriculum online, in both video and text format. They may revisit the videos at any time, and the text documents are available as illustrated PDFs. To progress to the next chapter, students must pass a chapter test for each of the fi rst 10 chapters. They may retake tests until they pass, and the AFCD administrators will provide a PDF of useful info to help them study. Students will benefi t from elevating their knowledge and joining a supportive community that can help them grow. After successfully completing the course, students will gain access to design recipes, special sales, early notifi cation of new varieties, and the right to promote themselves as an Alexandra Farms Certifi ed Designer—AFCD. To learn more about the AFCD program, including cost, or to enroll, visit onlinetraining.hopefl owerfarm.com/ afgrd-sales-page

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