By Scout Nelson
SDSU Extension Horticulture and McCrory Gardens are set to host their annual Cut Flower Camp on April 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CDT. This daylong event is tailored for both aspiring and established cut flower farmers and florists, aiming to enhance their knowledge and skills in operating sustainable farms and businesses.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities, focusing extensively on floral design. These sessions provide step-by-step instructions while encouraging individual creativity. The camp emphasizes networking, urging attendees to participate in discussions, ask questions, and share ideas.
Educational topics include the fundamentals of floral design and flower handling, initiating a cut flower farming venture, and practical experience in creating four unique floral arrangements.
The camp features two distinguished South Dakota experts as workshop presenters. Floral design sessions will be led by Brianna Munoz, owner of Flowers on Main in Brookings, South Dakota. Brianna brings a wealth of design experience, including large events, and is passionate about supporting her community and sharing her knowledge.
Additionally, Rhonda Larson of Yellow Bird Shop near Hayti, South Dakota, will share her experiences of starting and managing her own flower farm over the past five years. Rhonda’s farm features an on-farm stand and high tunnel production, and she has collaborated with the USDA NRCS to fund improvements on her farm.
The day's schedule includes a variety of sessions:
- 9:00 a.m. - Event check-in and light refreshments
- 9:15 a.m. - Welcome and networking
- 9:30 a.m. - Design 101 with Brianna Munoz
- 10:15 a.m. - Vibrant Vases workshop
- 11:10 a.m. - Delightful Dish Designs session
- 11:45 a.m. - Life on a Flower Farm: Field to Market with Rhonda Larson
- 1:15 p.m. - Harmonious Hand-tieds workshop
- 1:45 p.m. - From Field to Cooler: Post-harvest Procedures
- 2:45 p.m. - Native Plants as Naturally Cut Flowers
- 3:30 p.m. - Basics of Pricing
- 4:15 p.m. - DIY Designs: Bring Your Favorite Spring Vase or Container
- 5:00 p.m. - Open Forum Q&A Session
- 5:45 p.m. - Evaluation and wrap-up
Registration is priced at $140 per person, covering refreshments, a soup and sandwich lunch, and all floral design materials. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite pruners or shears, though some will be available on-site. For the final DIY design session, participants should bring a spring vase or container, ideally 6 to 10 inches in diameter.
Due to catering and material planning, refunds will not be issued for cancellations; however, registrations may be transferred to another participant with prior notice. Workshop space is limited, and registration will close when sold out or by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, whichever comes first.
Photo Credits:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Business, Education, General