In a horticulture interest survey that the Warren County Extension Agent for Horticulture distributed for Plan of Work 2020, cut-flower production was ranked the highest interest among the growers surveyed. As a result of this finding, the horticulture extension agent began reaching out to commercial cut flower growers in the South Central Kentucky area for assistance.

The horticulture extension agent contacted numerous cut-flower operations in the South Central Kentucky area including Briar Rose Garden, Kentucky Cuts, and Starry Fields Farm in the Warren County community. Other cut-flower growers around the Bowling Green, KY area include Riverbend Blooms in Scottsville, KY and Freida T’s Flowers in Morgantown, KY.

To promote more awareness to cut-flower growers in the region, the horticulture extension agent spoke on the Farm and Home Show in early April about products and services offered from local cut flower farms. She discussed their operations in regards to variety of blooms offered throughout the different seasons as well as what services they provide such as bouquet subscriptions, community supported agriculture (CSA) yearly service, and farmer-florist designs.

After the segments aired on WBKO Television, one flower grower sold out of her bouquet subscriptions for the spring. She also noted that she had numerous new subscribers which essentially brings more money and income to her flower farming operation.

In June 2020, the Kentucky Horticulture Council reached out to University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Agents for their assistance in promoting more commercial cut-flower production in every region of Kentucky. The Warren County Extension Agent immediately volunteered to help with this initiative to bring more awareness to this group of growers. Currently, efforts are being made to feature cut-flower growers throughout Kentucky in July 2020 and throughout the coming months.