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Rising Star: Joshua Dick, University of Rhode Island, Named 2025 Paul Thomas Intern of the Year

Each year, one rising star in the horticulture and plant sciences fields is recognized as the Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year for his or her exceptional performance during internships provided by the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program administered through the American Floral Endowment (AFE). The 2025 Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year is Joshua Dick of Coventry, Rhode Island. As the winner, Josh will receive travel funds as needed and paid registration from the Vic & Margaret Ball Fund to attend Cultivate ’25, AmericanHort’s annual convention for the green industry. This year’s event will be held in July in Columbus, Ohio, and provides opportunities for networking, tours, workshops and learning more about industry trends. Joshua will also receive free registration…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Herman Meinders

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has announced a Memorial Tribute to honor the life and contributions of Herman Meinders, a visionary entrepreneur, devoted philanthropist, and esteemed leader in the floral industry. Herman passed away on March 30, 2025, at the age of 87. This tribute was established by AFE Past Chairman Red Kennicott of Kennicott Brothers, a longtime friend of Herman’s, in recognition of his profound impact. Born and raised in Pipestone, Minnesota, Herman’s journey from a small farming community to a leader in the floral industry is a testament to his determination and vision. With just 20 cents to his name, he set out on a path that led him to establish American Floral Services (AFS) in 1970 in Oklahoma City. Under his leadership, AFS became one…

From the Field: Fresh Growth, Fresh Insights

Spring is officially here—finally! After a long winter, there's nothing quite like the promise of fresh growth, longer days, and, of course, spring flowers in the landscape and garden centers. At AFE, it also marks the start of a new season of travel, grower visits, and industry events, which I love because it brings me back to my roots. (Another thing I love - plant puns!) Before joining AFE, I spent years in university extension, helping translate research and scientific information into practical resources. In many ways, I still do the same thing at AFE —just on a broader, national scale. With our funded research, monthly Grow Pro Webinar series, Sustainabloom, and more, I often think of AFE as Cooperative…

The Node Knows: Cracking the Code on Faster Growth

For greenhouse growers, the speed at which plants develop new nodes (where the leaves, branches, buds, and new growth emerge) plays a crucial role in efficiency and profitability. Faster-growing plants mean quicker turnaround, higher cutting yields, and better adaptability to different growing conditions. Recent research from Michigan State University, supported by the American Floral Endowment, has uncovered new insights into the genetic regulation of growth rate in petunias. These discoveries could have far-reaching implications for breeding faster-growing, more energy-efficient ornamental plants across the industry. Faster Growth Means More Profits The speed at which a plant grows—specifically, how quickly it produces new leaves and branches—has a big impact on greenhouse production. A faster-growing plant can mean: Shorter production times, allowing for…

AFE and Seed Your Future Thank New Bloom Solutions and Sponsors for Providing for the Next Generation

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) and Seed Your Future (SYF) extend their heartfelt gratitude to New Bloom Solutions and all the sponsor collaborators whose generous contributions will help inspire and educate more students about the rewarding career opportunities within floriculture. Their support ensures that young people nationwide are introduced to the diverse and dynamic world of flowers and plants, fostering the next generation of horticulture professionals. In addition to supporting student education, these contributions will further AFE's efforts in funding vital research, scholarships, and educational resources to strengthen the floral industry. This marks the third year that Seed Your Future has received funds from this event, allowing the organization to expand its reach and impact. Through these contributions, Seed Your Future has also established new…

On the Road to Educate: Bringing Our Programs to the Industry

Spring is kicking off as a busy season for the AFE team! From Board Meetings, to industry events, our team has been hard at work spreading the message about AFE and our latest programs, like Sustainabloom, with the industry. Meeting with professionals from across the nation also helps us to hear about current challenges, needs, and areas where AFE programs can help. Pre-Valentine’s Day Miami Experience First up, Michelle Van Norden, Manager of Development and Donor Engagement, took a trip to Miami with Rob Shibata, President of Mt. Eden Floral, ahead of Valentine's Day to see the flower operations during the busy holiday rush. Rob, with his many years of experience in the industry, invited Michelle, who is relatively new…

Cultivating Future Leaders: Graduate Students Shine at 2025 NFF

AFE programs strive to continuously empower young professionals in our industry, and provide them with educational and networking opportunities to grow their experiences and careers in floral. Recently, 10 floriculture graduate students from across the nation were provided the opportunity to attend the 2025 National Floriculture Forum (NFF) with grants from the Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund! The NFF is an annual event that brings together researchers, industry leaders, scientists, and faculty to promote communication, advancement and unity in the floriculture community. AFE sponsors this event each year with an educational grant. The Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund, which supported the students’ attendance this year, awards grants for research and educational projects in floriculture and related fields at…

New Demaree Family Floriculture Advancement Fund Established to Support Industry Innovation

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is proud to announce the establishment of the Demaree Family Floriculture Advancement Fund, designed to support special projects or programs that address critical and timely challenges facing the floral industry. This new annual grant program will provide funding to projects that are creating innovative resources, education, and advancements. This new fund builds on the legacy of the Del Demaree Family Fund, originally established in 2014 by Del Demaree, Jr., to support the Business Internship program. To better meet the immediate needs of the industry, the Demaree family has repurposed this funding to allow for greater flexibility and responsiveness. AFE continues to offer two paid internship programs, the Mosmiller and Vic and Margaret Ball intern scholar…

Tim and Nancy Galea: A Series of Transitions Builds Success in Floral Industry

From an eager delivery boy to the retired owner of one of the most notable flower shop companies in Michigan, Tim Galea has built a flourishing career in the floriculture industry navigating transitions.  He was just 14 years old when he would hop in the car with his father who would deliver flowers on holidays for some extra money. His father would drive, and Tim would head for the door, greeting the recipient and getting his first lessons in customer service. By the time Tim could drive at age 16, he got himself a job at the same florist and set out on his own, earning money and learning more about the industry. He spent the next 15 years at…

Marigold Magic: A Natural Solution for Thrips Management

Managing thrips populations can be a persistent challenge for greenhouse growers, but an innovative guardian plant strategy using marigolds offers a simple, cost-effective solution. AFE-funded research from our Thrips and Botrytis Campaign has shown that yellow marigolds are highly attractive to western flower thrips, often drawing them out of crops two weeks earlier than traditional monitoring methods like sticky cards. By integrating marigolds into pest management programs, growers can lure thrips away from their crops and even further target them with other biocontrols before they become a serious problem.  A slow-release sachet containing predatory mites (Neoseiulus cucumeris) is attached to the marigold to attack thrips adults and immatures on the foliage. All of this information and more is available online…

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