Based on the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Kentucky grows and sells over $51 million worth of floriculture crops annually.  The Carter County Agriculture & Natural Resources agent has recently offered two workshops to allow clientele the opportunity to learn more about floriculture and to design their own floral arrangements.  The Extension Office received donations of centerpieces and vases that were used for the workshops.  

The first workshop focused on winter greenery.   Before making centerpiece arrangements from cedar, pine, hemlock, and spruce participants learned how to identify the various types of evergreen trees and tips for keeping for their arrangements fresh.  

The second workshop was held a couple of weeks prior to Valentine’s Day so that participants could learn tips for caring for cut flowers.    Participants were also able to create their own arrangements from a variety of cut flowers.   Participants stated that even though they had bought flowers for years that they were unaware of many of the tips that were shared during the program like that stems should be cut at an angle underwater.  

These workshops have seen new clientele accessing Extension resources.   Participants will be able to save money in the future by creating their own arrangements and/or will be able to see their floriculture industry purchases last longer by providing proper care for their arrangements.