Home Floret Workshops Workshop Praise
Workshop Praise
In their own words
Floret workshop students share their experience as participants in our online & on-farm workshops
We’ve watched flower lovers from around the world use what they’ve learned in Floret Workshops to create abundant cutting gardens, launch new businesses, or simply discover the joy of growing and sharing seasonal blooms. Read on to hear more from our students, as they share how the workshop has impacted their lives, communities, and careers.
“The Floret Online Workshop includes so many resources that I can use on my own schedule. I know I can go back and have everything at my fingertips and in one place, and I don’t have to research a lot of different places. I revisit the workshop content every single year, and that has been a game-changer for me.”
“The workshop for me meant taking something that I dreamed of and making it a reality, something that I feel incredibly grateful for and proud of.”
“I want to share just how useful, fulfilling, and constructive your workshop has been. The efficiency of your infrastructure and farming practices, all the knowledge, tips, and tricks you shared—you’ve definitely saved me at least 10 years of trial and error! It has been one of the most comprehensive learning experiences of my life to date, and the fact that I can go back again to refer to it feels very, very special.”
Milli Proust
West Sussex, United Kingdom
“I can tell you that I am absolutely grateful for this experience. I have taken other workshops and learned from other florists that I admire and love, but Erin is an open heart—and that is priceless. This workshop speaks to the heart more than anything else. Thank you for sharing your human struggle with us, for teaching us—not only how to grow flowers and the technical side of business—but for sharing your fears and your weakness and your strengths.”
Gabriela Salazar
Mexico City, Mexico
“In 2015, when I attended the Floret Workshop, I was a gardener, gardening columnist and writing professor. The workshop changed my life: I joined Instagram, grew my following to 75k in 4 years, and now have a book contract for Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style. Erin has been instrumental to my developing my floral career. I cannot express the joy and serendipity I feel everyday. Thanks Erin, Jill, Chris, and Team Floret!”
CHRISTIN GEALL
British Columbia, Canada
“I can’t say enough kind words about the hospitality from Erin and Team Floret. Simply put—the workshop experience was superb! From seed starting and soil health to small scale farming best practices they covered a wide range of topics ideal for both beginning farmers and experienced ones alike. They took this timid farmer and gave me the inspiration to explore my creativity. Erin’s knowledge, approachability, authenticity, and motivation were just what I needed.”
Felicia Alvarez
California, United States
“There is a lot to be said for learning to do what you want to do from someone who is already out there doing it successfully. Whether it was the importance of succession planting and pinching, tips for quick bouquet making, the importance of marketing, sharing favorite supplies, or simply telling the stories of been-there-done-that successes and challenges, the workshop was a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business.”
Grace Topp
Hawaii, United States
“Not only did I get EXACTLY what I was promised—I got MORE! I was left speechless to witness the level of integrity and care found in this course and within Floret. I have LITERALLY (in the actual definition) been given everything I could possibly need to start this venture.”
Andrew Martin
Colorado, United States
“I really love that we have lifetime access to the workshop. When I was taking the workshop in 2021, I had no intention of selling flowers or starting a business. I thought I just wanted to learn how to grow beautiful flowers like Erin. Everything I thought wasn’t relevant to me became such crucial information when I decided to start a business. I go back to the workshop and have read the text book many times. I am sure it will be like that every year.”
Hiromi Waring
Victoria, Australia
“I have now taken a couple of other online courses. Although each has useful information, I have found that Erin in front of the camera has kept my interest in the information she is sharing. I feel as though she is standing in front of me rather than just listening to someone drone on about a photo on the screen. Thank you for taking the extra time and effort to make these short films! It sure helps us visual learners.”
Carol L deSousa
New York, United States
“I spent most of my life as a nurse and a mother, so now at age 62, this is the first time in a long time that I can focus on my gardening dreams. I enrolled in this workshop to advance my gardening skills, but I left the class pondering a whole new set of possibilities! You handed me a set of keys to so many opportunities, and gave me the most wonderful box of tools to make it a reality!”
Liz Petersen
Iowa, United States
“The Floret Workshop was an inspiring, informative, and very well-rounded experience. I left with a newfound energy and direction. I look back on the workshop with such fond memories for the people I met, the warmth and guidance of the Floret team, and, of course, the flowers!”
Antonio Valente
Ontario, Canada
“Thanks to the Floret Workshop, I have the right tools, knowledge, and confidence to start and run my flower business. I am now sharing the beauty of flowers with my community. I’m so glad I signed up for the workshop, and I feel so much joy and gratitude in having gained all of this knowledge from the course.”
Natalia Nunez
Södermanland, Sweden
“I am so happy that I invested in myself. Each week filled me up with even more confidence to make flower farming a business. I’m so excited for the snow to melt so I can get out to the garden and put everything that I’ve learned to use. I felt a connection with Erin and Jill and really felt their way of teaching was exactly what I needed to go forward.”
Annie Gilbert
Ontario, Canada
“I lost my Mom unexpectedly and was buried in grief. She loved flowers and would always have them on the table if she could. When I learned about the classes you teach, it really sparked something in me. I began planning to take the course and I haven't looked back since. I can't thank you enough for the gift of sharing your knowledge and encouragement with the world. With your help, I have found my "why" and I can't wait to see what this season brings!”
Emily Campbell
Grace Gardens
Colorado, United States
“After the workshop, I was able to turn my small edible flowers farm into a fresh-cut flower farm. Now I am equipped to successfully plan the layout of my flower farm, grow beautiful flowers organically, effectively plan my crop rotations and, select the perfect flowers to grow in my climate.”
JENELLE HILLS
South Trinidad and Tobago
“Attending the Harvard of Flowers taught me so much. It was jam-packed with learning, and I walked away with the tools and the network to begin my professional flower journey. Most importantly, the experience gave me permission to dream. There are many flower paths, and the workshop set me off on the trail that has led me to where I am now—a path I didn't really know existed until I was encouraged to imagine it.”
Cynthia Zamaria
Ontario, Canada
“I have better clarity of what direction the farm is heading, and a better roadmap of how to get there. I’ve also gained friends and peers through the workshop who are on a similar journey. We’re all trying to change the world one stem at a time.”
MICHAEL CARD
New Hampshire, United States
“The workshop is a treasure trove of data I needed so much. But the real discovery of the course is ... people! Erin, Jill, the team, and all my kind and responsive classmates from the Learning Community. Thanks to all these people I've never felt alone on my way.”
OLGA KARPENKO
Prosta Kvetki
Brest Region, Belarus
“I love that you encouraged us every step of the way, reminding us to start slow, especially the moms with small children. Erin, you are truly an inspiration not only for your knowledge as a flower farmer but for being willing to share that knowledge and cheering us on so we can be successful as well. You are a kind and generous soul! I’m so sad the class is over but grateful for the course materials and that I can access the videos anytime.”
Patricia Camp
Georgia, United States
“Not just this week, but every week of this course, has been such an uplifting, joyful time in my busy days as a stay-at-home mom! I look forward to every day when there is quiet time and I get to sit down with these videos and dream away!”
Angela Nieto
Indiana, United States
“I'm grateful the program is lifetime access. I've been able to pour through the instructional guide and begin to plan a garden sanctuary for my daughter and me. I hope to apply this knowledge in assisting others with horticultural therapy and providing fresh-cut flowers to accompany my pottery.”
TRACI WARD
Plant + Vessel
Texas, United States
“I am so glad I trusted my gut and signed up for the Floret Online Workshop! My husband and I are so grateful we were able to take the class. It is exactly what we need and we are learning so much. There have been so many breakthrough moments. We spent hours last night looking at the ¼ Acre Cutting Garden Plan and I am going to be messing around with the Seed-Sowing spreadsheet all week. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Amy Shearer
Four Flowers Farm
Illinois, United States
“The workshop was great for giving me a jump start on getting my flower business going. Flower farming has been an exercise in patience, careful study, and personal growth. It’s difficult but fulfilling, and my goal is to grow flowers year-round. You guys have been an essential part of this journey, and I am so grateful.”
AKI NAKAMURA
California, United States
“I never thought it was possible to grow my own flowers, but the detailed modules made a huge difference and completely changed my perspective on what is possible for me as a florist. I see my business and my life moving in a different direction I never would have dreamed of now and most of all, I can actualize my beliefs in locally grown cut flowers.”
Kathryn Jeanette Chavez
Bloom Entwine
Washington, United States
“Winning the scholarship made us feel more confident right away. Floret reminded us how important it is to follow your heart and use your head to analyze things carefully. We saved so much time and money by avoiding mistakes. The workshop was simply terrific.”
DINAR AND JULIA MUKHAMADEEVA
Juliette Flowers
Ryazan, Russia
“Thank you so much for such an inspiring and motivational course. I already knew how to grow
flowers, but have learned so much about growing to sell. I wasn’t sure about signing up for the course but it’s the best thing I have done for myself in many years. Being invited to Erin’s farm every week has been such a treat and I have loved every minute. I am so glad I can revisit the videos whenever I want to.”
Elizabeth Dean
Kent, United Kingdom
“I loved the thoroughness of the course. I knew the workshop would be extremely well done when I signed up, but I was so impressed by each module. I like learning all the details, especially since I've gardened for most of my life. I wanted to know what growing flowers looked like on a commercial scale. The workshop helped me understand the day-to-day work required over a year, or years, to have a successful flower business.”
Cheryl Gutierrez
California, United States
“I want to say how greatly I appreciate your generosity in sharing what you have learned, while also making it so accessible. The stress you place on going at your own pace with the course and flower farming, in general, has allowed me to give myself the grace and courage to keep working at all. I've been looking for something I could do that would be fulfilling and flexible so I could continue to be present for my young kids, and after watching episode 1 of Growing Floret, I have found a direction.”
Leigh Jirges
Minnesota, United States
“Even after 45+ years as an organic grower, I have learned so much and continue to learn and grow. Because of the Floret Workshop, my dreams are becoming a reality! I’ll soon be 73, with a lovely small business that gives me pleasure, profits and wonderful new friends.”
SUSAN WALSH
Minnesota, United States
“I am an alumnus from 2019, and watching your videos each year I see something I missed in the beginning. I would highly recommend that students continue to watch the lessons each year. Every year as we have grown, we have found that we needed different information. We love your course!”
Susie Stuvland
Oregon, United States
“I know I will be returning to all of these amazing videos and materials while commencing the first year of larger-scale flower farming! I made new friends with so many fellow flower farmers! Thank you for creating such an amazing, eye-opening educational online workshop for people from all around the world. Thank you is not nearly enough!”
Marysia Wieckowska
Warsaw, Poland
“I confess, I actually teared up when I finished the last module. From the bottom of my heart: thank you, a gazillion times, Erin & Team Floret! With each seed, rising set of leaves, blooming petals, and snip of each stem … as each bouquet and arrangement is carried away by a smiling face, I will be thinking of and thanking you endlessly! I'm excited beyond words to embark on my flower journey!”
Sandi Heilaman
California, United States
“Floret inspired me the most regarding the sharing of information. The workshop is so rich and embraces so many aspects of flower farming that after 6 weeks you feel that you have everything you need to start your own business. I instinctively encourage aspiring flower farmers to take the workshop, to read the books—because the results are real.”
ANA MARIA SPINU
Fluff Flowers
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
“Thanks so much for all the planning, time, and effort that went into making this course! I'm loving it and learning so much! I realized this week that I'm a happier and better human being because of it. I’m nicer to my family and happier to get up each day to tackle the ordinary stuff of life. I’m also having more positive interactions with people in general. It makes a difference!”
Sarah Flint
Farm on Third
Illinois, United States
“The workshop was a game changer for me. It provided me with the confidence to grow as a business, and to grow on a personal level. It also offered me the encouragement, guidance, and insight to take my business to the next level.”
JOANNA LETZ
California, United States
“In this third season, we are crushing it. We have a 3000 stem order for a designer tomorrow, a standing order for a designer weekly in Portland, customers asking when our bouquets will be coming to our two local stores every week and buying multiples! We have over 50 weddings booked this season for our à la carte menu ... None of this would’ve been possible without your course. You have helped us to achieve a lifelong dream!”
Jennifer Joray
Maine, United States
“Signing up for the Floret Workshop has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I cannot express how much I have learned from all of your videos and the workbook and also about myself. You ladies are phenomenal and I’m not the first to say this (won’t be the last either) but it feels like we know you. We laugh with you, and to be completely honest, have also cried with excitement, nerves, and passion during the last six weeks.”
Carly Owczarczak
New York, United States
“The Floret Workshop was exactly what I needed. The way it is outlined made it super easy, fun, and addictive to learn. The most noteworthy for me, was learning the efficiency of the day-to-day tasks done at Floret. It’s changed the way I think about and approach my business.”
KATIE KOCH
Flower Mama
California, United States
“The Floret Online Workshop is the first online course I have ever completed in full! The workbook, videos, learning community, support, and additional resources allow you to just scratch the surface or dive into the deep end head-first. Erin and her team gave this brand-new grower confidence and a road map for curating the best season possible. Slowing down to invest in yourself and your learning will hands-down be the best investment for your new farm. This course is addicting in the best way possible!”
Emily Fitzpatrick
Ontario, Canada
“The workshop changed my life. The information in the course gave me a huge head start, and honestly made this dream possible. I am 57 years old and flower farming is an encore career, so I can’t afford much trial and error. The Floret Workshop easily saved me 5 years of mistakes, and gave me the jump start I needed to be successful in year 1. I am so happy to spend my days on our beautiful farm making others happy with flowers.”
Colleen Taugher
Idaho, United States
“I can’t say enough about how impressed I have been with the entire course. I love how it is set up and how easy it will be to go back and reference and watch parts when I need a refresher. I was able to borrow land from a neighbor that is an ⅛ acre and I am so giddy excited. Thanks for all of your amazing, meticulous work and for sharing your years of experience!”
Erin Shepherd
Utah, United States
“Receiving a workshop scholarship was one of the most validating and exciting experiences of my florist life. Starting a new business is challenging, and can often feel lonely and never-ending. The workshop was a breath of fresh air—to be able to press pause, enjoy being surrounded by so much beauty, and learn some valuable skills.”
MAGGIE SMITH
North Carolina, United States
“The Floret Workshop gave me the confidence to grow a greater diversity of flowers on a larger scale. The material was easy to digest (I did the course while caring for my fourth baby), and the information was comprehensive. The workshop had specific protocols—like working backwards through steps of a project to see if it’s feasible—that helped me increase my productivity and my bottom line, and has helped direct my choice of projects.”
Melissa Cameron
Ontario, Canada
“I thought I would be intimidated by Erin, Jill, and the other flower farmers because I've looked up to and admired them for so long, but everyone was so friendly and down-to-earth. As I watched the videos, I felt like they were right here with me, not just teaching me but also cheering me on. I was so thankful for the knowledge they provided, but even more so for the support, because it gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my dream. And for that I will always be grateful.”
Dawn Hubbell
New York, United States
“My business is very different now, thanks to the Floret Workshop. I know my strengths and I play to them. Sometimes I forget, and things get tense and stressful again, so I go back to what I learned from Erin, and I re-adjust.”
GRACE ALEXANDER
Somerset, United Kingdom
“The wisdom, honest sharing, and care that I received at the Floret Workshop has contributed directly to me and my family being able to follow our hearts, and set out on the path to experience our dreams.”
CHARLOTTE CHASTAIN
Floralore
California, United States
“I have more business than I could have ever imagined. I’m turning away florist and wedding work because I’m always sold out. The workshop gave me the courage to leave a lucrative career to follow a dream. I have never been happier than I am now. Taking the Floret Workshop was one of the best decisions I have made. I feel so supported by the entire Floret community. This wasn’t just a workshop, it was an invitation to be part of a kick-ass group of people who will be lifelong friends.”
Jaclyn Baschmann
California, United States
“Thank you so much for this well-organized, informative, and inspirational course! Every time a new module was released, it felt like sitting down with good friends that share the same passion. I’ve learned so much and had so many questions, which I always found asked and answered within the workshop learning community. I’m excited to apply all of this new knowledge, and grateful I now have this resource to refer to. Cheers to lifelong learning, growing flowers and friends, and sharing all that is beautiful!”
Amye Foelsch
Virginia, United States
“Attending the Floret Workshop encouraged me to never give up on my passions. It also strengthened my desire to farm and give back to the community. My goal is to focus more on helping others and to give back the education and inspiration that was so kindly given to me.”
JAMIE SAMMONS
California, United States
“The Floret Workshop experience not only provided tons of information, but also exposed me to other amazingly hardworking, driven, talented, and creative women who boosted my self-confidence and reinforced my hunch that I was indeed on the right path.”
FLORA BROWN
Maine, United States
“Through skills acquired from the workshop, I was able to plan, grow, and sell my product in my chosen market and do it within a time frame that worked for my life. One of the most encouraging parts of the workshop for me was the consistent message to take things at your own pace, learn through your mistakes, and share your gained knowledge with others.”
SHANNON KIMMEL
Idaho, United States
“Previous to taking the workshop I only grew a few varieties. I now grow almost 100 different varieties. The workshop inspired me to move forward, to expand, and to seek out customers. My flowers are sought after by florists and local customers/subscribers. My last subscription offering sold out in less than four hours. None of this would have been possible had I not been inspired to dream, and been provided with the tools to make it happen.”
Jodi Grayson
Alberta, Canada
“Back home, I was much more confident about the ways of doing things on both sides of flower farming—in the field and in the design studio. It has been in the many little details that I’ve noticed Floret’s tips popping out in my work all season long.”
CHLOE ROY
Quebec, Canada
“The Floret Online workshop gave me the confidence to pursue this as a career. I was able to turn an old, unused horse pasture into a very productive acre of flowers, foliage, and herbs. This course also gave me the tools to market and sell the produce that I grow. Floret helped me to farm in an efficient way. It also helped me to be a better grower and a better businesswoman overall.”
Jessica Miedema
British Columbia, Canada
“I liked that there was no set ending to the class. I am a 'solopreneur' and work seven days a week. I felt that I could finish the class on my own time and wasn't stressed out about it at all. It made taking the class more enjoyable.”
Marcia Ricchiuti
Hawaii, United States
“I’d encourage anyone who is passionate about growing and selling flowers to take this course and apply for this scholarship if financial assistance is needed. Share your story and speak from the heart. They heard me and supported me at a time when I needed it most.”
DEANNA PETIT-GAS
British Columbia, Canada
“The workshop has been a great foundation as I launch the cut-flower side of Sow Sow Farms. The many tools it provided have helped me focus my time and energy on starting small so that I am only taking on as much as I as one person can realistically handle. I have also been blown away by the incredible, generous community connected with the workshop.”
LAURA RUGGLES
Oregon, United States
“I think everyone, should you ask them, takes a little something different away from the workshop. For me, it was self-discovery, on a multitude of levels. I will never be the same.”
BECCA BLUE
Illinois, United States
“It was one of the best decisions I have ever made to take Floret's workshop, and it truly changed my life. The class was so comprehensive and excellent; it gave me the confidence to start my small flower business right away! I learned completely new skills, and tapped into existing ones, that together resulted in many successes—realizing that in order to grow, I will fail, and learn from my mistakes. I will always be grateful to Floret for making such a strong impact on my life.”
Margaret Stokes
Tennessee, United States
“I found the course (and Erin) to be very inspiring. It opened up my world to new ideas in regards to how to grow not only more and better flowers but also how to grow my business (and myself) in a direction that works for me and for my family. I have so many ideas and much more confidence in my abilities to put them into action.”
ERICA DOWNES
New South Wales, Australia
“Before taking the Floret course I had grown flowers and tried selling a few bundles here and there to people I knew, with very marginal success. I can't say enough about the course, it was hand-holding, confidence-boosting, educational, and inspiring. I would recommend it to anyone looking to establish themselves as a cut flower grower or farmer-florist.”
Tacy Call
Evermore Forest Farm
Minnesota, United States
"The Floret Workshop gave me encouragement to just get in there and do it. I've had several opportunities crop up since completing the workshop that are huge and scary. But I can hear Erin and Jill's voices in my head telling me to go for it, and that it will be okay."
SARAH DOLAN
Alaska, United States
“Not only did the Floret Workshop give me the information, skills, and structure I needed to form my business, it gave me the courage to develop boundaries with the opportunities I pursue, the prices I charge, and the choices I make about how I structured my business. Thank you for giving me what I needed to be successful—an example of courage, unapologetic boundaries, and well-deserved success.”
Laura Wheeler
Washington, United States
“My husband and two sons gave me the gift of the Floret Online Workshop for Christmas 2017. It was one of the best gifts I have gotten. The use of landscape fabric, being able to grow better flowers and foliage, and proper harvesting techniques have made my business double in the past three years. I can't believe how fast my business has grown and how much fun I am having!”
Sara Groeneweg
Washington, United States
“I am a landscape designer by trade, so my plant knowledge is strong, but I really lacked the confidence to start farming. Hearing Erin talk about her mistakes and knowing she started small really let me feel like this dream could be a reality. This class has given me the confidence to dream outside the box. I don't need a 9–5 office job. I can make a living doing something I love, and bring more happiness and joy into the world.”
Amie Barnes
California, United States
“As a woman who has always been passionate about design but never business, I dreaded all the administrative aspects of owning a company. Erin’s course taught me how to be more organized and how to see all of my projects through to the end. I feel as though my confidence has exploded because I have the knowledge to back it up! The course gave easy-to-follow videos and the text book was a wealth of invaluable knowledge. I’m so so happy I made the investment.”
LAUREN WUBS
British Columbia, Canada
“There is so much that the Floret Workshop has helped me to achieve! I have used the worksheets and workbooks to help me determine pricing and to create my website, forms, crop lists, and more. I have used the skills I learned or enhanced through the workshop to divide 100s dahlias and to teach others how to divide them, to make quick market bouquets, to design bridal bouquets and centerpieces, to make geranium cuttings, start seeds, and SO much more. The workshop gave me confidence—as a farmer and as a florist.”
Daniele Strawn
California, United States
“I’ve been involved in the horticulture/agriculture industry for almost 20 years, and this is by far the best and most complete presentation of material I have seen. The fact that it also allows those of us who cannot take a break from our lives to attend lengthy programs or become interns is a gift beyond measure. Truly, words are utterly inadequate to express my gratitude! I continue to return to the course offerings and continue to find them an invaluable resource as my farm evolves.”
CRISTINA MCCUTCHEON
California, United States
“As a farmer for many years already, the course helped me analyze my current process and make better changes to eliminate waste, time, etc. I feel more motivated to make a go of flower farming—take better photos, burn ground cloth, make faster bouquets, be choosy about my employees. Taking the course has given me more confidence, direction, and motivation. It taught me how to make a vision, look at the big picture, think really hard about my business, and take the steps to do it right.”
MARA LAWRENCE
Washington, United States
“The Floret Workshop gave me all the tools I needed to start my farm. It was the most comprehensive course I’ve ever taken, and has totally influenced the next phase of my professional life. It opened my world up to connecting with other growers and artists around the world, and to seeing the value in social media, blogging, and photography. Everything I do today is guided by what I learned in the workshop. It gave me the foundation for strong field work, successful sales channels, and marketing tips that put me on the map.”
Gina Schley
Colorado, United States
“The workshop changed my life, my farm, and made my dreams come true! I had always dreamed of selling at the farmers' market, grocery stores, etc. After taking the workshop it literally felt like the red carpet unfolded in front of me. I was able to plan my farm out for the whole year, schedule farm tasks and deliveries, and at the end of the day, be able to spend more time with my family and be there for my twin boys when they need me.”
JESSICA DEFAYMOREAU
California, United States
“As an already established grower I must admit I was a little worried as to what the course could teach me, but I am so impressed. I learned a lot, even about weddings which I have worked in for over 20 years. The growing advice, planning tools, etc., have revolutionized how I grow flowers. It’s an amazing course. It gave me the confidence to go for it and really develop and grow my business, plus the inspiration to really up my game on the growing side.”
CLARE ASHCROFT
Lancashire, United Kingdom
“Because of the workshop, I now am able to offer my seasonal market-style bouquets not only to independent high-end stores, but also mainstream stores in Ireland. This is life changing for me. I’m dyslexic, and up until your incredible workshop I struggled to make sense of other information on intensive farming methods and scaling up. The thoughtful presentation, down-to-earth, practical advice and instruction will help change the face of flower consumption in Ireland for the better.”
MAGS RIORDAN
County Cork, Ireland
“Floret taught me everything I needed to know. As I was taking the course, I’d only begun growing. I owe it all to the workshop for providing me with the jump start that catapulted my flower business to where it is today! I used all of the information in the coursework: infrastructure, wedding bookings, post-harvest handling, vase life estimations, field planning, and sowing seeds. Most of all, it gave me confidence and the 'I can' attitude that keeps me going.”
KARIN SMITH
Covington Bloomery
Louisiana, United States
“The Floret Workshop gave me the confidence to take the leap! It provided me with the structure to properly plan out my business. I was crippled not knowing where to start, but the program broke it down into digestible morsels that I could spend time on without being overwhelmed. Flowers bring me back to what I care about —they center me, connect me to beautiful people, and inspire joy and gratitude for life. It's amazing that the simple act of planting something and watching it burst into life can bring you back to 'you.'”
HANNAH BRIGGS
Ontario, Canada
“I've been to other flower farmer workshops, and have traveled all over touring farms and meeting with designers and other farmers. Nothing has compared to my Floret Workshop experience. I KNOW that I never could have planted a peony farm without it! Erin and her team cover EVERY aspect of the business. I revisit my material monthly and I really appreciate that Floret adds new content every year and that I get to benefit from that. It feels like I'm growing and learning along side Erin and Floret.”
BRANDIE ORCHARD
Wyoming, United States
“Before the Floret Workshop I ran on intuition, but now I run on education. The course gave me the confidence to put myself and my business out there. I was able to land several great florist accounts, as well as a weekly country club account for dining and events. Weddings are on the books, and people are placing orders for bouquets weekly. I feel like I’m on a treadmill trying to keep up with demand. Floret helped me find my passion, and myself. I found my purpose in life—what I was called to do.”
CASSANDRA KUBIK
Iowa, United States
“The Floret Online Workshop had a major impact on my business in so many ways. I am awful at documenting and bookkeeping, and the worksheets helped me be organized and keep proper records. The sales and marketing unit helped me in a million ways. The information was clear and easy to translate into my own business model and needs. The biggest impact was learning directly from Erin—I felt like she was talking directly to me. There isn’t anything fake or flashy about who she is and what she does.”
ANGELA GRANDGEORGE
Sweet Seeds Organics
Illinois, United States
“Two years ago, I dug five rows out of our front lawn and planted them with flowers. Last year, I took over half of the vegetable garden and turned it into my flower farm. I took the Floret Online Workshop and it helped immensely with growing my business. I currently have a spring and summer bouquet subscription service and sell weekly to florists all over town. My business and farm have absolutely grown because of all the wisdom I gleaned from the course. Worth every penny!”
HEATHER CAIN
Oregon, United States
“My entire business model is based on what I learned in the Floret Workshop. The biggest goal I achieved was becoming more efficient and goal-oriented. I’m a creative person, but not naturally organized or efficient. The skills I acquired from the class really helped me maximize my time and reach financial goals. The workshop helped me take a dream and form it into a tangible reality.”
JESSICA BROYLES
Kentucky, United States
“My mom always said, ‘bloom where you’re planted.’ I spent years being very successful at other people’s dreams. I was turning 40 when I signed up for Floret's first online workshop. I gained the confidence to contact clients, build my pricing sheet and weekly emails, and establish a ‘voice’ for my brand. The Floret Workshop has given me the skills to pursue this dream and share my creation with the world.”
LIZ WARDLAW
Missouri, United States
“There are countless ways I’ve benefited from the workshop. Tulip growing was simple thanks to the course outlines. I was able to order plant, harvest, and store for my tulips appropriately because of the modules. I’ve had an incredibly successful year and plan to expand. I love making connections, and flowers provide the most pure and simple way to assist people in making a meaningful connection.”
CLAIRE ALDERSONG
Oregon, United States
“The Floret course gave me confidence to try new ways of growing, be the face of my new biz, connected me with broader support and community, and gave me a frameworks for growing my dream and literally growing my plants. It is so joyful to tend seeds, watch them grow, and marvel in the beauty of the blooms they produce. It is how I connect to this planet and cultivate that divine connection for others—through flowers.”
KIM ZIMMERMAN
Colorado, United States
“The biggest thing I took away from the Floret Online Workshop was efficiency of tasks like harvesting and mixed-bouquet making. It’s SO easy to spend WAY too much time messing around, looking for tools, jumbling up stems during harvest, taking extra steps back and forth from barn, and more. At this point, I have cut my time in half. I’ve now got a great following of bouquet subscribers, made some great connections with florists in my area, and have become in demand for weddings. It’s so exciting!”
CYNTHIA ALVAREZ
Colorado, United States
“Being involved in the Floret Workshop was incredibly inspiring and opened my eyes to the possibilities of what my property could bring to me and my family. It gave me the confidence to take on and deliver my first wedding, and from there, consistently book weddings that are completed with a wide range of native Australian and other garden flowers. The workshop's attention to detail inspired me to offer a similar experience to those wanting to learn about the farmer-florist movement.”
HELEN LEIGHTON
Albany, Australia
“Every bit of the class was and is like gold. I have greatly increased my sales and outlets for sales because of the Floret Workshop. I have rewatched the videos multiple times, and still feel like I will get years and years of use from them. I was able to create a whole new growing system for my seedlings along with new irrigation. I saved a ton of work thanks to the resources for supplies, advice on specific seeds and by using the excel spreadsheet on seed sowing and succession planting. The list goes on and on.”
Brooke Seitz
Wyoming, United States
“I wish you could see what we’ve accomplished! The course was amazing. Seeing a productive and profitable flower enterprise in detail, from end-to-end, before we started was empowering. We regularly revisit videos and support materials. The planning tools are the basis of our season. We are both impressed with how complete, attainable, and adaptable the systems shared in the workshop are.”
KATIE HAACK
Wild Canary Farm
Washington, United States
“The number one thing I gained from the Floret Workshop was confidence. From growing to harvesting, to marketing (yes it is OK to charge that much for flowers), planning, and buying basic tools for efficiency, plus things like putting my first low tunnels up. I knew exactly what I needed to do to make it happen and that following spring I had flowers IN APRIL! I was able to start selling to the local bakery about 6 weeks earlier and even had flowers for Mother's Day!”
ALEXIS SHEFFIELD
Kentucky, United States
“The level of excitement increased with each module because I felt more and more informed on what would be required to be a successful flower farmer. Since taking the workshop, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve referred to the course workbook and videos. It’s like having a support team at my fingertips. I think the best part about going on this journey so far has been the amazing community of growers, both small and large, that have reached out to encourage me and share their growing tips.”
SHELLIE WATKINS RITZMAN
North Carolina, United States
“The Floret Online Workshop gave me the big-picture story of a truly successful farmer-florist business, in the most honest and candid way. The course is so complete and thorough, definitely worth the investment. It’s been a core factor in helping me really look at the range of possibilities and to focus on what works for me now, and what I can work toward—to realize I can shift, change, and grow in this business.”
KIRSTEN BOSNAK
Kansas, United States
“Implementing all I learned on my farm was a dream, from bucket washing, bouquet making, and planting techniques to time-saving tips. My operation is running smoother than ever, which in turn has boosted my confidence to grow more flowers. My revenue grew over 350% from last year! I know every time I implement a tried technique from Floret magic happens.”
MISTY VANDERWEELE
Alaska, United States
“I signed up for the Floret Online Workshop in a fleeting moment of clear trust in myself. I didn’t ask permission and I didn’t apologize, even when I was embarrassingly caught vision boarding. I dutifully followed the course—I chose the trusted (and tested) varietals suggested, made a template for burning fabric, laid drip line, pinched the bejeezus out of seemingly healthy, thriving starts, and even hacked together a compost tea brewing system that I attribute to keeping both my flower and vegetable starts happy and healthy.”
ROBIN HOLLAND
New York, United States
“The quality of the workshop and instruction material is unsurpassed. I use the workshop workbook religiously and will be getting one every year. I was like giddy kid when I received the new updated one this year. I can’t tell you how many times I have watched the workshop videos. I believe that Erin truly cares about the people that take her course and wants them to succeed.”
PAMELA DIBASILIO
Tennessee, United States
“The class has helped me take my hobby to the next level. This year I set goals, succession planted, had less weed pressure, more organization in the garden and better planning. We own 5½ acres, but do not currently have the time to turn it all into flowers. My 1/4 acre of flowers, trees, and perennials is providing enough flowers to meet our current goals, and I can look out on the hay field and imagine it full of blooms some day.”
KELLIE SCHMIDT
Washington, United States
“Floret’s Online Workshop is the reason my farm has succeeded this year. It is the MOST inspiring, MOST comprehensive course on farming cut flowers you could ask for. When I signed up last fall, I viewed it as an investment, and over the course of my first year, it’s proven to be just that. If you really want to dig deep into growing cut flowers, take this course.”
SARAH ADAMS
Alberta, Canada
“The information in the workshop has impacted us deeply. It has given us a very clear roadmap for how we want to run our flower farm. It has taken out so many frustrations we faced, and created a more organized, logical, manageable, and productive way of doing a large project. In turn, it has deeply impacted our relationship with each other. It has bonded our relationship as we work together in this business knowing exactly what needs to be done next.”
SUSAN BANDOR
Indiana, United States
“Floret gave me the confidence to start my own business. Without the knowledge learned through the workshop I wouldn’t have been able to get started. The information provided in the course sped up the process and it put me years ahead of where I would have been had I done it on my own. I finally took the leap and went after my dreams because of the breadth of information provided.”
ROBIN TODD
Wilder Flowers
Iowa, United States
“I was a city girl who had never owned a garden or had any knowledge about flowers. I’ve learned so much this last year and I’ve loved every minute of it! I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without the Floret Workshop. It gave me a chance to live my dream. I literally used all the advice, from the width of the beds, to which kind of flowers to grow, to irrigation, succession planting, pinching, mulching, at which stage to harvest etc. I open a Floret book or excel sheet every day to find the information I need.”
MARIEKE WULMS
Cevennes, France
“The value that the Floret course has had on our business, our growing abilities, our land management practices, and our own interpersonal relationships with one another has been immeasurable. In our first season growing for production and we sold out at all 6 of the markets we attended, we booked 7 weddings, we hosted a farm tour with Young Agrarians, and were asked to run a session and speak at the 2019 Organic Alberta conference. Yes, we have put in work, but honestly, without having taken the Floret course, we would be lost.”
ANGELA HALL
Alberta, Canada
“The expert advice and secret tips that Erin and Jill reveal and share in this workshop are so wide that every single day on my flower farm, I have at least one ‘Floret moment’—be it remembering how to optimally harvest a certain type of bloom, or how to deal with business-related anxiety. Daily, if not hourly, I experience how the accuracy and pertinence of this course deeply shaped and informed the way I work, on a technical level, as well as an emotional level.”
MASAMI LAVAULT
Paris, France
“The Floret Online Workshop empowered me to pursue my lifelong dream of being a flower farmer. It instilled a confidence in me that I didn’t believe I could achieve. I love this whole process of adult learning and am embracing this opportunity. I have been an RN for 30 years. I love my profession and feel extremely grateful that I am now able to focus on my life on our farm. Thank you to Erin and the entire Floret team for giving me the tools and information to be a successful flower farmer.”
KATHY CAMPBELL
Campbell's Hollow Ranch
Kentucky, United States
“It would be no exaggeration to say that this course has changed our entire perspective and outlook on growing flowers and how to approach our business. Erin has guided us to look deeply and with intention into every aspect of flower farming—from our dreams to farm layout to strategy to the nitty-gritty of day-to-day work on the farm. She doesn’t gloss over the difficult parts but really cuts through to the heart of what it takes to build a productive, thriving farm.”
ROSIE AND OSCAR WINTER
Picadilly, South Australia
“This online workshop was so beneficial to our farm. We tripled our growing space this year, added employees, and our revenue is on track to triple too. Our crops are having longer stems, more blooms, and fewer pests (love the compost tea!). We can now make our market/grocery bunches in less than 1 minute each compared to 10 minutes each last year.”
MAGGIE TAYLOR
Illinois, United States
“Before the Floret workshop, I had a general idea of what I wanted: to be a successful farmer/florist. The workshop planned out for me, in concrete steps and in no uncertain terms, exactly what it would take to make that happen. Since the workshop, I’ve been able to grow beautiful flowers, create an income stream through regular co-op bouquets and a CSA, cultivate outlets for excess blooms by selling some wholesale to florists, and provide flowers for weddings.”
SARAH JO EVERSOLE
Texas, United States
“The Floret Online Workshop helped me calmly, and confidently navigate my way through my first year of business as a farmer-florist. To say, ‘I can’t imagine where I’d be without this course,’ is a total understatement. Erin shares her marketing strategies, all of her growing techniques, and more, in an accessible, uncomplicated way. I feel assured every day because Erin generously shared her successes and failures.”
SARAH MACALPINE
Nova Scotia, Canada
“A year ago my husband and I bought our dream 12 acres. It’s a very raw piece of land, ready for anything. I took the Floret course and we got to work in the spring, unlike ever before. We couldn’t have done it without all the knowledge and inspiration from Floret. The Floret Workshop changed my entire approach to growing. I feel empowered by all the skills I learned, and backed by the support of the community I’ve gotten to know through the course.”
BETSY BROCKETT
Pennsylvania, United States
“Erin and her team have inspired so many people, and being able to delve a little deeper into their success, strategies, and knowledge was like winning a golden ticket—but better! Having the ability to interact with Team Floret was so valuable. The positivity and encouragement from both the members of the Floret team and other participants were just what I needed. If growing flowers is your passion, or you think it could be, the Floret Workshop is the very best place to start.”
CHRISTY RALPHS
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
“The Floret Online Workshop taught me how to plan, be organized, and successfully sell my flower harvest to customers. I learned how to get the most out of my plants by properly starting seeds, fertilizing, pinching, and harvesting. What I learned has led to a beautiful crop that almost sells itself! Sometimes we need encouragement, especially when we start to get worn down from the hard work. Erin is always there, reminding you of the bounty to come.”
DANIEL SCHAVEY
South Carolina, United States
“The Floret Workshop helped me understand the nitty gritty of building a flower farm based business. This course is profound—it took me a good year to understand the quality of the information here. It takes doing the actual work on the farm, implementing the ideas the workshop offers to see what works and what doesn't work for your own farm. This course also gave me an amazing support system, where idea sharing is the norm and where competitiveness is not really an issue.”
EMILY NEKL
Fuggles Flowers
North Carolina, United States
“The Floret Online Workshop inspired me to begin selling flowers this year, when the plan had been to begin selling in about 5 years when I retire from teaching. We started very slowly, but we now have a small but successful flower CSA and farm stand in Virginia. We’ve sold more flowers than we ever dreamed of, and the Floret course gave me the courage and information I needed to get started.”
CINDY FARRISH
Virginia, United States
“I don’t think it’s an understatement to say the workshop launched my business. I’ve not only met the modest goals I mapped out for myself during module 1, but I’ve already surpassed them, which is totally insane to be able to say because our season started only 8 weeks ago! The Floret Online Workshop has given me the knowledge, confidence, and access to be successful. It’s a testament to the quality, knowledge, and skills the workshop offers.”
TENILLE ENGER
Michigan, United States
“This is my first year being a flower farmer and I can’t even tell you the enormity of how much this workshop has helped me. I continue to say that the workshop was worth every penny! I’d never started anything from seed before, and I currently have 30 beds full of a variety of flowers I started from seed! I created my own website and I feel confident about marketing my business. I’ve gotten numerous compliments on how everything is so well-done and how long my flowers last. This is all thanks to the Floret Workshop!”
LINDSAY MILLARD
Iowa, United States
“The Floret training has enabled us to identify the priorities and steps in starting a new farm and it has helped us avoid chaos! Everything is growing like mad and the excitement is building and we know where we’re heading. I have found my calling. I’m more energized and happier than I’ve been in a long time. I know that this is the path I was meant to be taking. I’d highly recommend the online workshop as it was well worth the money and I refer to it all the time.”
CHARLOTTE PEMBERTON
Whangarei, New Zealand
“First off, the workshop was the beginning for me. Other than being a gardener, I had no flower business experience. In December, January and February I practiced seed starting with all kinds of seed varieties. I discovered a popular restaurant in town needed a new source for flowers. I did a Mother’s Day pop-up at the restaurant as well. The experience was a lot of fun and a big learning experience. Bottom line—I could never have made this progress and felt ANY sense of confidence without the Floret Workshop!”
MOLLY PICCHI
California, United States
“After the Floret Online Workshop, we felt so prepared for our second season and were excited to get out there and make some significant changes in the way we run the farm. The course has been a wonderful investment for us and we are forever grateful for all we’ve learned. Thank you for all the work you put into helping others grow. We continue to marvel at how the confidence we feel has increased our productivity since our first season. Sincerely grateful.”
LYNN WINDMEYER
Missouri, United States
“Our biggest challenge has been having flowers consistently. The online course helped us a ton to understanding succession planting and now have flowers on a consistent basis. It’s been life changing! The Floret Workshop helped me understand crop planning and so much more. Since starting our farm in 2015, we’ve built so many lifelong flower lovers! People appreciate our story, just like we did when we heard the story of Floret.”
MINDY STATON
Ohio, United States
“I have been growing herbs and edible flowers for a while, but cutting flowers are relatively new to me. The course gave me enough confidence to kick-start the flower growing part of my business. I achieved my not-so-ambitious goals so far in terms of sales of bouquet shares and weddings, and have a waiting list of 21 (!) florists (mostly start-ups) in the capital region of Brussels. The course gave me a strong backbone so I was able to make some bold choices with confidence.”
YO DE BEULE
Duizenblad
Ternat, Belgium
“We tell people that going to Floret in our second season was a real game changer and probably put us ahead by 3 seasons. We learned so many tips and tricks to farm more efficiently and also a ton about designing and running a small farm business. Erin, Jill, Chris and the entire Floret team were all so nurturing and inspiring. They opened up so many of their hard-earned secrets to us, and introduced us to so many other great flower farmers around the country that we continue to learn and be inspired by.”
NIKKI BARTLEY
Massachusetts, United States
“I am a complete newbie and took the Floret Online Workshop to give me the basics to even start. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone back and watched specific videos over and over. My course book will be falling apart before this first growing season ends! I now have a better knowledge base of what flowers will work for me and how to get them from seed to market. Without the workshop I would not have even started this.”
CAROLYN CAVECCHE
California, United States
“The Floret Online Workshop helped motivate and inspire me to rebuild my tiny flower farm in a whole new location. The weekly videos helped me visualize my goals and turn them into something achievable. Without the course, I probably would’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of work I had to do. I didn’t know where to start! My new nursery is now starting to look like the place I’ve been dreaming of.”
JACOLIEN CLEVERINGA
Ravenswoud, Netherlands
“The Floret Workshop gave me perspective, confidence, improved technical skills, and a network of other designers to lean on for questions and concerns. I left the Floret Workshop with clear, actionable goals and I feel very strongly that without that experience—my shop and current success would not have been possible. Whether it be for a special birthday or a hospital stay, I’ve seen so many beautiful stories and feel so honored to be representing my customers in such a meaningful way.”
MOLLY DILMORE
Washington, United States
“Erin, her family, and team truly exude passion and in-depth knowledge of both growing flowers and designing stunning florals. Erin’s definition of 'brand' was so enlightening to me. I learned that every one of us has a love story behind our businesses—a story of passion and purpose and being true to yourself!”
LYN CHAPMAN | FLOWER ARTISTRY
Alberta, Canada
“The Floret Workshop has made a tremendous impact on my experience as a new flower farmer and floral designer. I rushed to apply as many of the things I learned as possible to our farm in the Adirondacks. Our weather and soil couldn’t be any more different than Floret, but that didn’t matter. Now, several months after my Floret course, I know that the advice I received has made all the difference in the growing success of my new business. I apply the things I learned there every day.”
LINDA D'ARCO
New York, United States
“This was one of the best investments I have ever made. I had struggled for a good amount of time with the value of growing flowers versus food. I felt somehow that my overwhelming desire to grow flowers was not entirely acceptable. That I was not feeding the community and therefore wasting energy and space. To be around other people who have completely given their lives and loves to flowers was a moment of realization for me. I am helping to feed people’s souls.”
ERIKA STEPHENS
Washington, United States
“Signing up for your workshop was at once the most exciting and scary thing I’ve ever done. Since then, I’ve made progress, connections, and plans that I never would have made—at least not with the efficiency and confidence that I’ve found. While fear still creeps in, and I know it will be back to visit each time I explore a different direction, it no longer paralyzes me. I can’t tell you how huge that is.”
MELISSA HESSNEY MASTERS
Vermont, United States
LOAD MORE
“The courses have been akin to doing a Ph.D. in flower farming! The sheer scale of the advice and information was BEYOND anything I could have begun to try and learn on my own.”
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Don’t miss out on your chance to grow the garden or business of your dreams. Email [email protected] to learn more or sign up now to be notified of our next workshop enrollment.
Floret Online Workshop Waitlist
Sign up to be notified when Floret Online Workshop registration opens.
Have a question? Be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Stay in the loop with our updates
CloseJoin Us
Join the Floret newsletter and stay in the loop on all the exciting happenings here on the farm