FLOWER FARMING: HOW TO DO IT RIGHT, BE PROFITABLE & MAKE IT WHAT YOU LOVE
NEW ORLEANS, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2025
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Lennie Larkin, Portland OR
I am a farmer and business consultant. I help farmers find financial stability through business strategy, focus, and intimacy with data.
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Julia Keel, Fort White FL
I am a wholesale flower farmer, embracing the complexities of growing in the South. I help farmers reframe how they think about climate, crop selection & timing.
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Denise Richter, New Orleans LA
I am a farmer-florist experienced in various scales and sales outlets. I help others find their right paths & make their work an expression of love.
An Immersive 2-day Workshop for Seasoned Professionals
This collaborative, interdisciplinary workshop is aimed at a holistic integrated view, presenting diverse topics, perspectives, and modes of success to support a profitable and rewarding business.
Details and Registration Information
Earlybird application deadline - January 6th (15% off course cost)
General application deadline - January 10th
Course costs: $1400 PER PERSON ($1200 EARLYBIRD)
Application process: Apply with the link below. After receiving your application, we will contact you on/before January 15th with registration details and payment link to reserve your spot.
FINANCIAL AID & PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Workshop Description:
In this interactive and collaborative workshop, participants will learn from all three facilitators, during deep dives and talks over the course of the two days. The whole group will participate in all sessions, with time to process, reflect, integrate and apply in smaller groups. The course will be held both indoors at the Mid-City studio, and outdoors at the West Bank farm.
Sample Outline of Day:
10 am Meet at the farm / studio
Grounding
Farm tour
Small group work
Group share
1 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Special Topic Deep Dive (1 of 3) + Q&A
Small group work: application and integrating
Group share
Closing circle
4:30 pm End of Day
FAQ:
What does a ‘seasoned professional’ mean?
We’re recommending this workshop for people in year 3-5+ of their business—you’ve worked out the basics of running a successful business, and are looking for a deeper dive with peers and facilitators. We are looking for participants with experience to bring and share, to meet at a high level of conversation and insight. Varying levels of experience among certain aspects of participants’ backgrounds are welcome, knowing we all are strong in some areas, and ready to grow in others.
What schedule and settings should I expect?
We are meeting both days 10 am - 4:30 pm, both indoors at the studio, and outdoors at the farm. Lunch will be provided during our studio day, the farm day will be self-catered. We will also be hosting an optional gathering as a group for dinner Sunday night.
Both days will be jam-packed, with built-in time to ground, process, reflect, and share. Participants are encouraged to meet their own comfort needs, but please let us know of any special learning or accessibility modifications needed.
What’s special about this time together?
This is a collaborative, interdisciplinary small-group workshop aimed at a holistic integrated view, presenting diverse topics, perspectives, and modes of success. You’ll get a chance to learn from three facilitators with diverse backgrounds, and connect with your peers in a warm, interactive learning space.
Is this relevant for warm-climate/Southern growers only?
While 2/3 of the teachers are most familiar with the climate of the Gulf South, the information shared will be universally helpful, with an emphasis on understanding production cycles in shifting seasonal patterns. Understanding production strategies to improve climate resilience in a changing climate affects all of us.
If I’m predominantly a grower only, or a retail florist only, will this be helpful?
As thoughtful and curious business owners, we recognize that local wholesale production, farmer-floristry, retail floral design, and data-informed decisions are all interwoven. By design, even if individual topics covered are not the primary focus of your current business, there is benefit from learning from diverse perspectives, and keeping open curiosity toward a holistic view of your individual business.
Is there a floral design portion of this workshop?
There is not! But the farm will likely have the earliest Spring blooms. If you’re interested in 1-on-1 or a small group floral design class, reach out to Denise to schedule.
Lodging is independent, but where should I stay?
There are lots of AirBnBs in New Orleans, but we always suggest visitors stay in local hotels which support the city and its workers. We recommend The Pelham Hotel, The Quisby, The Barnett, Hotel Peter and Paul, Catahoula Hotel, and Hotel St Vincent. Most are $150-300/nite.
Is there public transportation to the farm?
There isn’t. You’ll need your own transportation to the farm (about 20 minutes from downtown). We’ll also provide participant information to organize carpooling.