As we reach the midpoint of 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the milestones, relationships and opportunities that have shaped the first half of the year.
At Gardens America®, growth isn’t measured only by new products or new customers. It’s measured by the partnerships we strengthen, the conversations we have, the knowledge we gain and the ways we continue to support the floral industry.
From celebrating our history to investing in our future, the first six months of 2026 have been filled with meaningful moments that reinforce who we are and where we’re headed.
Celebrating Our Legacy
This year marked one of the most significant milestones in our company’s history as Gardens America celebrated 50 years since incorporation, representing more than 57 years of serving the floral industry. What began in 1969 as a family business importing Colombian chrysanthemums has grown into a third-generation company trusted by wholesalers and floral professionals across North America.
While our business has evolved over the decades, our foundation remains the same: building lasting relationships, sourcing premium fresh-cut flowers from trusted growers around the world and helping our customers succeed.
A Fresh Look for a Trusted Brand
This year also marked an exciting evolution for our brand.
We introduced a refreshed visual identity and updated our website and marketing materials to better reflect who Gardens America is today while honoring the legacy we’ve built over generations. Every update was made with one goal in mind: creating a clearer, more consistent experience for our customers and partners.
Adding to that momentum, Gardens America officially became Gardens America® with the registration of our trademark.
While the ® is a small symbol, it represents something much bigger. It reflects decades of trust, consistency and relationships built throughout the floral industry. It is a milestone that protects the brand we’ve worked hard to establish and reinforces our commitment to serving floral professionals for generations to come.
Investing in Industry Leadership
At Gardens America®, our commitment extends well beyond sourcing exceptional flowers. We believe in investing in the future of floriculture and supporting the organizations that help move our industry forward.
This August, Gardens America® President Kristin Gilliland will be inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) during the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) Annual Convention, one of the floral industry’s highest professional honors. The distinction recognizes floral professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and dedication to advancing the industry.
In addition to this special milestone, Kristin will represent Gardens America® during the SAF Supply Expo, connecting with floral professionals, growers and industry partners from across North America.
Leadership has always been about more than representing our company. It’s about giving back to the industry that has given so much to us.
Staying Connected Through Industry Events
Nothing replaces face-to-face conversations.
Throughout the first half of 2026, our team remained active at industry meetings, conventions and educational events across the country. These gatherings allow us to strengthen relationships with growers, wholesalers, designers and fellow floral professionals while staying current on emerging trends and innovations.
Some of this year’s highlights included:
- January: American Floral Endowment Board Meeting
- February: SAF Next Gen
- March: Illinois State Florists’ Association Show
- June: Florida State Florists’ Association Convention in Orlando
- July: AIFD Symposium in Orlando
The momentum continues this August as our team participates in the Society of American Florists’ Annual Convention and Supply Expo, Chrysanthemum Week in Medellín, Colombia, where Camilo will represent Gardens America®, and the H-E-B Floral Show, where Renee will attend as part of our partnership with them.
Throughout the year, we’ve also enjoyed onsite customer visits, strengthening relationships and collaborating on ways to better support their floral programs.
Whether attending industry conferences, visiting customers or spending time with our grower partners, every interaction helps us stay connected to emerging trends, discover new opportunities and continue providing the products and service our customers expect.
Looking Ahead
While we’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far this year, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead.
We’ll continue expanding our relationships with trusted growers around the world, introducing premium floral varieties, supporting industry organizations and providing the dependable service our customers have come to expect.
As a third-generation, family-owned company, we know our success has always been rooted in relationships. Those relationships continue to inspire everything we do.
Thank you to our customers, growers, partners and friends for being part of another exciting year.
Here’s to a strong second half of 2026 and to continuing to grow together.