The White House is all decorated for the holidays, and this year, that’s, in part, because of the help of one Virginia florist.

Mark Frye, the owner of Creative Occasions in Vinton, got selected to help out. He heard about the yearly opportunity from a friend and took the initiative to reach out earlier in the year, learning the application wouldn't open until late fall. In October, he applied, and weeks later learned he would be coming to the White House for several days right after Thanksgiving.

He said he is about one of 150 who spent the weekend inside setting everything up. His group

Ball FloraPlant is thrilled to accept a 2022 All-America Selections Gold Medal Award for its outstanding yellow vegetative petunia Bee’s Knees. From its debut in 2021 there’s been a “buzz” around this variety. With its rich color and strong branching habit, we knew it was one of the top petunia introductions in the past few years.

This year, AAS judges across North America have bestowed its highest honor on Petunia Bee’s Knees as a true breeding breakthrough. With its proven garden performance and long-lasting color, home gardeners can be confident in Bee’s Knees all season. Here are some of

The Floral Marketing Fund (FMF), alongside co-sponsors Altman Plants, Costa Farms, Green Circle Growers, Hortica, and Metrolina Greenhouses, are pleased to release the results of a consumer preferences study about houseplants conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results address trends in houseplant purchasing, which has seen growth throughout the pandemic, exploring underlying motivations, documenting emerging trends, and allowing the industry to fully capture the opportunity that this increased interest affords.

The study was conducted by researchers Dr. Melinda Knuth, NC State

On Dec. 2, Plantpeddler presented its 2021 Poinsettia Variety Day featuring a trial of 175 commercial and pre-release poinsettia varieties in the company’s greenhouses in Cresco, IA.

Attending this year’s event were representatives from all commercial poinsettia breeders, broker representatives and growers from 21 states and two European countries.

The trial was produced under natural season commercial sustainable production protocol using limited PGRs. In addition, Fantasy Colors paint guru Andrew Lee (Ball) demonstrated value-added poinsettia paint and upgrade treatments.

Genetics

On Armistice Day 1921, an unidentified American Serviceman from the Great War was interred at the Memorial Amphitheater.

The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation was selected by the Arlington National Cemetery to provide flowers and logistics for a unique two-day event commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider took place on Nov. 9-10, 2021.

Over 70,000 complimentary flowers were made available to cemetery visitors.  For the first time since the Tomb’s inauguration in 1921, visitors were allowed to walk on the plaza to place their flower tribute.

Non-Floral industry

Certified American Grown, the cut flower and foliage industry association focused on advocacy and strategic promotion, has once again supported the building of community, fostered relationships, and created beauty through farm generosity and designer talent to decorate the 105th Annual First Lady’s Luncheon, hosted by The Congressional Club.

This year’s luncheon brought together spouses, families, and members of Congress, the Administration, and guests together in a gala luncheon that honored First Lady Jill Biden. As has been customary in this proudly bi-partisan event, the luncheon serves