It’s been a busy few months for Gardens America®. From industry conventions in Florida to grower visits in Colombia, our team has spent the second half of 2026 connecting with floral professionals, strengthening relationships and exploring the flowers and ideas shaping the industry.
As a third-generation, family-owned floral importer, we believe that staying connected to the people behind the flowers is just as important as the flowers themselves. Here’s a look at some of our recent highlights.
Creativity Takes Center Stage at AIFD
In July, Gardens America® attended the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Symposium in Orlando, Florida, joining floral professionals for an event dedicated to education, creativity and the art of floral design.
The symposium provided an opportunity to connect with designers and see how distinctive flowers are being incorporated into contemporary arrangements.
From specialty varieties to creative combinations of familiar flowers, events like AIFD reinforce the importance of offering floral professionals a diverse selection of products that support their individual design styles.
Celebrating Leadership at SAF Amelia Island
In August, Gardens America® headed to Amelia Island, Florida, for the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) 141st Annual Convention, held Aug. 18-20.
The convention brought together floral professionals from across the industry for education, networking and conversations about the future of floriculture.
Gardens America® also participated in the SAF Supply Expo, connecting with industry partners and continuing the conversations that help strengthen relationships across the floral supply chain.
One of the most meaningful moments was the induction of Gardens America® President Kristin Gilliland into the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF), recognizing her leadership, industry service and dedication to advancing the floral profession.
Kristin’s recognition reflects the values that have guided Gardens America® for generations: building meaningful relationships, supporting the industry and helping floral professionals succeed.
Back to Our Roots at Chrysanthemum Week
Chrysanthemums hold a special place in Gardens America’s history.
Founded in 1969 with the importation of chrysanthemums from Bogotá, Colombia, our company has maintained a connection to this essential flower category for more than five decades.
In August, Gardens America® was represented at Chrysanthemum Week in Medellín, Colombia, an event that brings together growers and industry professionals to explore new varieties and developments in chrysanthemum production.
From distinctive colors to innovative flower shapes, chrysanthemums continue to offer floral professionals versatility across everyday arrangements, weddings and event designs.
The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen grower relationships and stay connected to the innovation taking place at the farm level.
Connecting With Retail Floral Partners
Our August schedule also included the H-E-B Floral Show, where Gardens America® was represented as part of our ongoing partnership.
Events like these allow our team to better understand the needs of floral programs, explore product opportunities and maintain the personal connections that are essential to dependable sourcing.
Whether we’re visiting a customer, meeting with growers or attending an industry convention, these conversations help us provide the right products and service for the floral professionals who depend on us.
Bringing the Flowers to Dillon Floral
The connections continued into September, when Tina Bertot represented Gardens America® at the 2026 Dillon Floral Open House Design Show in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
The event featured designer Donald Yim, AIFD, PFCI, of Vancouver, British Columbia, who shared his creativity and floral design expertise with attendees.
For Gardens America®, events like the Dillon Floral Open House are another opportunity to spend time with floral professionals, see our flowers put to work and stay connected to the people and creativity driving the industry.
From major industry conventions to local floral events, showing up and building relationships remains an important part of how we do business.
Growing Together
While the shows may be behind us, the relationships and conversations continue.
For more than 57 years, Gardens America® has built its business on trusted grower partnerships, premium fresh-cut flowers and dependable service.
As we look toward the final months of 2026, we remain committed to investing in our industry, exploring new product opportunities and helping floral professionals source with confidence.
Visit GardensAmerica.com to learn more about Gardens America® and our selection of fresh-cut flowers.