News
Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Summer in Alaska
August 20, 2026
Elia Vaclav, a student at Texas State University, is wrapping up her three-month AFE internship at Alaska Perfect Peony in Homer, Alaska. What began in May as an exciting opportunity to experience flower farming in one of the most beautiful places in the country has grown into an unforgettable hands-on learning experience.
Our farthest internship, yet! If you missed our first spotlight on her, you can read it here. Since our last update, the peony harvest season has officially begun, and Elia has been right in the middle of the action. She has been helping harvest peonies in the fields, carrying flowers to the processing area, organizing stems by variety, and preparing bunches for shipment. She has also learned the careful bundling process that ensures each bouquet arrives fresh and ready for customers around the world.
“We’ve enjoyed having an intern who truly enjoys horticulture in all its many forms. Elia has shown a willingness to be wherever she is needed, and she approaches every task with great enthusiasm,” said Rita Jo Shoultz, owner of Alaska Perfect Peony.
Working alongside Rita and the Alaska Perfect Peony team, Elia has experienced every step of the process from field to shipment. She has gained valuable knowledge about post-harvest handling, quality control, and the attention to detail required to produce premium Alaska-grown peonies. Seeing the flowers go from the field to carefully packaged boxes has given her a true appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes.
Throughout her internship, Elia has embraced every opportunity to learn. Whether helping prepare the botanical gardens earlier in the season, maintaining the fields, or now participating in the busy harvest, she has experienced the many different responsibilities that come with operating a successful flower farm. She has also enjoyed the incredible scenery, wildlife, and close-knit community that make Alaska such a special place.
Reflecting on her experience, Elia shared how grateful she is for the opportunity to learn from Rita and the entire Alaska Perfect Peony team. She has developed new skills, built lasting friendships, and gained a deeper appreciation for specialty cut flower production.
Elia would like to thank her professor, Dr. Tina Cade, for introducing her to the American Floral Endowment internship program and encouraging her to apply. She would also like to thank her Nana and her mom for inspiring her passion for horticulture and always supporting her journey.
AFE would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rita and everyone at Alaska Perfect Peony for opening their farm, sharing their knowledge, and providing Elia with an incredible internship experience. Partnerships like this help prepare the next generation of horticulture professionals through meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities.
As Elia’s internship comes to an end this month, we congratulate her on everything she has accomplished over the past three months. We know this experience will have a lasting impact on her future, and we look forward to seeing where her career in horticulture takes her next.
Congratulations, Elia, on an amazing internship. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
