Blooms and Beyond - Season 1, Episode 2Episode Title:“Growing Together: Inside AFE’s Mission for Floriculture”Episode DescriptionWhat happens when a music major moves to North Carolina and falls in love with plants? In this episode, Dr. Ping Yu sits down with Laura Barth, Research Coordinator for the American Floral Endowment (AFE), to explore how this nonprofit organization supports the entire floriculture industry—from funding research to awarding scholarships.Discover what AFE does for growers and researchers, why the floriculture industry is “surprisingly friendly,” and how trends like AI, drones, and e-commerce are shaping the future. Plus, Laura reveals her favorite flower (hint: it looks like a craft project made of tissue paper!) and both hosts share how flowers can boost your mood—that’s plant power!Listen Time: ~27 minutesIn This EpisodeFeatured GuestLaura Barth — Research Coordinator, American Floral EndowmentFacilitates AFE’s research programs and outreachFormer AFE scholarship recipientBackground in music performance and horticulture science from NC StateMain TopicsLaura’s Journey to Horticulture (First degree in music performance in WisconsinMoving to North Carolina sparked her love of plants“All I wanted to do was be outside and garden”Discovered NC State’s horticulture program in Chapel HillThe Connection Between Art and Floriculture (Creativity in floral design and landscapingArtistic side of creating outreach materialsFamous plant paintings: sunflowers, iris, water lily, pear blossomWhat is AFE? (501(c)(3) nonprofit organizationFunds research, internships, scholarships, and educational programsAn endowment: “the money isn’t going anywhere”Industry-funded, resources go back to industry for freeBoth Ping and Laura are former AFE scholarship recipientsFloriculture Industry Status (Cut flower production: field, greenhouse, hoop houseYoung plants, finished plants, all stages of growthPerennials, bulbs, foliage, and succulentsGrowing interest in locally grown cut flowersU-Pick Farms and Georgia’s Floriculture (Rise of small cut flower farms with u-pick optionsGeorgia’s floriculture history: 2008-2009 recession impactIndustry gradually recoveringHard Goods (AFE board meeting visit to Floral Mart in Peachtree Corners, GeorgiaThe Garcia family’s floral materials for weddings and moreHigh-quality floral products, ribbons, and wireIndustry Challenges (Labor shortages (potential solutions through internships, automation, AI)Thrips, botrytis, spider mites, Lewis mitesInflation impacting consumer gardening purchasesUncertainty with federal funding for floriculture researchLong-term impacts of funding cuts may not be visible for 5-10 yearsE-Commerce Impact (Brick and mortar florists losing businessMiami import hub: arrangements assembled for e-commerceYounger generation interested in online plant shopsSocial media driving houseplant trendsSustainabloom (AFE launched Sustainabloom resource hub in 2022Resources for all industry segmentsYoung consumers researching product sustainabilityEurope has more regulations; US industry staying ahead of trendsSustainability in Practice (Biodegradable containersReducing chemical leachateImplementing IPM practicesConsumers willing to pay extra for sustainable productsFavorite Plant: Ranunculus (Laura’s current favorite: ranunculusSaw stunning varieties at ProFlora in Colombia“They look like a craft project—rows of tissue paper stuck together”Favorite flower changes with mood and seasonPlant Power and Mood (Plants can influence your mood“Go out for a walk and see plants… they can make you feel happy again”Even just looking at flowers brings peaceFlowers as Lifestyle (Ping’s love of Trader Joe’s flower sectionWeekly bouquet as affordable self-careThe Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre DumasEuropean fresh markets and flower cultureEmily in Paris lifestyle: grab a bouquet, wander the cityFuture of the Industry (Increased sustainability effortsAI integration in all aspects of productionDrones with AI/machine learning for disease and nutrient detectionDispensing biological controlsAutomation, SOPs, and tool developmentMore research proposals involving AI and machine learningE-Commerce Future (Next generation opening online storesGrowPro webinar with Melinda Knuth on younger consumer purchasingDifferent crop types for e-commerce: niche succulents, houseplantsAdvice for Young Growers (Use free AFE resourcesAttend conferences, go on toursReach out to local Extension offices“You don’t have to spend a ton of money to reinvent the wheel”Industry is “surprisingly friendly and surprisingly open”Competitors willing to share knowledgeFinding Resources (endowment.org for AFE research reports and GrowPro webinarsCooperative Extension for local support“We’re here to help”Key HighlightsLaura’s Journey: Music performance degree → Move to North Carolina → Fell in love with plants → NC State horticulture programAFE Impact: 501(c)(3) nonprofit funding research, scholarships, internships, and educational programsSustainabloom: AFE’s 2022 resource hub for industry sustainability effortsIndustry Challenges: Labor, pests (thrips, botrytis, mites), inflation, federal funding uncertaintyFuture Trends: AI, drones, machine learning, e-commerce, sustainabilityIndustry Culture: “Surprisingly friendly”—competitors share knowledge openlyPlant Power: Flowers boost mood and represent a lifestyle choiceKey Quotes“I’m trying to write this essay about why I want to do this, and I’m like, ‘You know what? I really just kind of want to be outside.’ Hmm, maybe that’s my answer.” — Laura Barth“I absolutely think there is a connection between art and horticulture. And especially in floriculture, when you’re seeing floral designers and some of the landscaping, I think there really is creativity to a lot of our industry.” — Laura Barth“The best thing about AFE is that it is an endowment so the money isn’t going anywhere. We’re supported by the industry through industry funds and everything we put out goes directly back to the industry for free.” — Laura Barth“You don’t have to spend a ton of money to reinvent the wheel. And also I would say our industry is surprisingly friendly and surprisingly open with how much knowledge we’re willing to share.” — Laura Barth“I call it plant power, and it can really influence your mood. If you don’t feel well or if you feel upset, go out for a walk and then see all those plants outside… they can make you feel happy again.” — Dr. Ping Yu“I think that’s the reason that our whole industry thrives… Because if we’re all eating, it’s better for everybody.” — Laura BarthEducational HighlightsWhat is AFE (American Floral Endowment)?A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the floriculture industry through:Research fundingScholarships and internshipsEducational programs (including GrowPro webinars)Resources that go back to the industry for freeWhat is Sustainabloom?Launched by AFE in 2022, Sustainabloom is a resource hub where people from all segments of the floriculture industry can find resources to help them become more sustainable, no matter where they are in their journey.What is Floriculture?The segment of horticulture focused on flowering and ornamental plants, including:Cut flower production (field, greenhouse, hoop house)Potted plants (young plants to finished)Perennials, bulbs, foliage, and succulentsHard goods (faux flowers, ribbons, supplies)What are Hard Goods?In the floral industry, “hard goods” refers to non-living floral supplies including high-quality faux/artificial flowers, ribbons, wire, containers, and other materials used in arrangements.Resources & LinksAmerican Floral Endowment:Website: endowment.orgResearch ReportsGrowPro Webinar SeriesSustainabloom Resource HubCooperative Extension:Contact your local Extension office for floriculture resourcesBlooms and Beyond:Website: bandbpod.comShow notes and additional resourcesAbout Blooms and BeyondBlooms and Beyond is a podcast that covers plant history, culture, and management through the lens of science. Whether you’re a commercial grower looking for management solutions, a student exploring horticulture careers, or someone who just loves plants and their stories, you’ll find something here for you. Hosted by Dr. Ping Yu from the University of Georgia, each episode features interviews with experts who bring enchanting stories, pioneering research, and practical wisdom from the world of horticulture.About the GuestLaura Barth serves as the Research Coordinator for the American Floral Endowment, where she facilitates research programs and outreach. Her journey to horticulture began unexpectedly—after earning a degree in music performance, a move from Wisconsin to North Carolina opened her eyes to the beauty of plants and flowers. She went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in horticulture science from North Carolina State University. As a former AFE scholarship recipient herself, Laura understands firsthand the impact of AFE’s programs on the next generation of horticulturists.CreditsHost: Dr. Ping YuGuest: Laura Barth, American Floral EndowmentProducer: Rich BramanEpisode Release Date: November 30th, 2025Episode Length: ~27 minutes“Till next time, stay healthy and go plants!” 🌱🌻🌿