Presenting

June | 2022 welcome A mericans are crazy about their pets (crazy, in a good way!)—especially dogs and cats. According to Spots.com, a pet-ownership advocacy group based in Austin, Texas, 53.0 percent of U.S. households (63.4 million) have at least one dog, and 35.7 percent (42.7 million) own at least one cat. at's 106.1 million households with at least one dog or cat! And, each of those households spends an average of $1,126 each year on their pets. e overall pet industry is huge, totaling an estimated $120 billion annually! And, if dog and cat ownership continues to increase by 22 percent to 29 percent, respectively, every year, as it has since 2000, spending on pets will also continue to increase. I mention all this because, for fl orists looking to increase their revenue streams and customer bases, pet owners are a potentially lucrative market. Already, many fl orists off er fl ower wearables for dogs, cats and other animals, for special events and just for fun (yes, it's a "thing"—really!), as well as pet accessories (collars, leashes, clothes, jewelry, treats, etc.) in their gift areas. is new phenomenon for fl orists could be due, at least in part, to the fact that the largest percentage of pet ownership is among millennials and Generation X-ers (26- to 57-year- olds, in 2022). erefore, in this issue, beginning on Page 24, we are as happy as a pup with a new toy to present our second annual "Pets in Petals" feature, showcasing some of the fl ower designs that fl orists around the world have created for dogs and cats—and more! In addition, we off er a step-by-step tutorial, presented by FTD, on how to easily make a comfortable collar that any (almost) dog or cat would be proud to wear! Also in this issue, you will fi nd an informative and inspirational feature, as well as a design tutorial, on tropical fl owers, which are the perfect blooms to create excitement among consumers—especially among younger ones—as we go into the hot, fl ower-wilting summer season (at least in some areas!). You will also fi nd everything you ever wanted (and need) to know about garden roses and peonies, as well as Part 2 of our exclusive summary of Floral Marketing Fund's latest "Consumer Houseplant Purchasing Report". Finally, as always, I must thank everyone who contributed to this beautiful, jam-packed issue and, especially, our loyal subscribers and marketing partners who make it all possible! Kindest regards, Jules Lewis Gibson President & Creative Director Florists' Review Media Group

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