Today’s Expert Panel Discussion marks the end of yet another year for the panel as we prepare to take some time off to enjoy our families during the holidays. I would like to thank all of the 2017 panel members for their generosity in sharing valuable information based on their experience and expertise. What a blessing you all have been to me personally and to the BB readers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Susan McLeary (Passionflower), Nick Priestly (Mood Flowers), Emily Avenson (Fleuropean), Holly Chapple (Holly Heider Chapple Flowers), Alicia Schwede (Bella Fiori), Clare Day (Clare Day Flowers), Hitomi Gilliam, Beth Zemetis (Blush Floral Design), Laetitia Mayor (Floresie), Jennie Love (Love ‘n Fresh Flowers), Jo Rodwell (Jo Flowers)

Question:

What was your favorite new flower industry find in 2017?

Butterfly Ranunculus | Floresie

Answers:

It might seem frivolous and simplistic, but my favorite find in 2017 was the butterfly ranunculus…

Laetitia Mayor (Floresie)

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My absolute favorite flower industry find for 2017 was the workshop-retreat concept!! I am so grateful for the sequence of serendipitous events that led to hosting my first workshop-retreat this year, and after a successful start going on to organize another two! The combination of simultaneously teaching and learning (it’s really a two way street), bonding with like-minded flower lovers from around the world, sharing my passion for growing/designing/styling, and encouraging others to reconnect with both their creative visions and nature is a total dream come true.

Emily Avenson (Fleuropean)

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I think my favorite 2017 floral revelation was tea lights in clear cups– not the most exciting thing in the world but so very practical! No more putting a drop of water in the base of every candle holder and no more scraping wax from glass!! I also discovered that Windex wipes remove wax from glass very effectively (again not very exciting, but a dream come true for a florist!!). I also played around with using chicken wire for installation work (floral chandeliers, chuppahs, arbors, wreaths) and it made designing a lot more fun than working strictly with oasis cages, I highly recommend!

Beth Zemetis (Blush Floral Design)

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There are several new pieces in Accent Decor’s inventory that I’m loving. I think they’re doing a great job keeping up with trends. I’ve also become smitten with red and plum sunflowers this year. A real surprise for me since I typically detest sunflowers!

Jennie Love (Love ‘n Fresh Flowers)

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After 3 years of designing with my homemade bouquet holder called the “egg” and my centerpiece holder called the “pillow” I have to admit the release and announcement of my exclusive partnership with Syndicate Sales is quite possibly my favorite industry find. Of course, I am partial to the product!! I am also really benefiting from using Ularas which is the software system I use for invoicing and buying flowers. The software capabilities are incredible and always evolving.

Holly Chapple (Holly Chapple Flowers)

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