Open Flower Network
Helping women and gender diverse farmers connect, scale and succeed in the specialty cut flower sector. françaisFinal Report
Over the past three years, the Open Flower Network has been helping women and gender diverse farmers to connect, scale, and succeed in the specialty cut flower sector. As this important work draws to a close, we’ve summarized the project’s highlights, achievements, and challenges in a short and accessible final report.
information, support, community
What is the open flower network?
Presentations & events
informational resources
A curated repository of resources, crowd-sourced from experienced flower farmers across Canada.
community building
Peer-to-peer support networks that let flower farmers share challenges, questions and solutions.
research & advocacy
Building knowledge within and beyond the sector by gathering industry data and strengthening its voice.
Freshly cut
Newest Resources for Flower Farmers
Email and Social Media Marketing for Flower Farmers
Open Flower Network: Putting Flowers on the MapEmail and social media marketingJuly 3, 2025 In today’s digital world, growing beautiful blooms isn’t enough—flower farmers also need to grow their online presence. Whether you're selling bouquets at the farmers market or...
Marketing without Social Media
Open Flower Network: Putting Flowers on the MapMarketing without social MediaJune 25, 2025 Are you sick of social media? While social media can be a valuable marketing tool for many flower farmers, it's not the only way! In this video, Theresa Schumilas of Garden...
Plugging into Flower Plugs
Open Flower Network: Channeling OptimismPlugging into Flower PlugsJun 25, 2025 Do you use flower plugs on your farm? Plugs are very small seedlings, sold by the tray in a wholesale fashion. In this video, Theresa Schumilas of Garden Party Flower Farms talks about the...
Hosting a learning or networking event for specialty cut flower farmers? We’d love to share it!
bridging the gaps
education & support topics
Resources to help early-stage farmers clarify goals and understand essential elements of running a successful business.
Knowledge and guidance to help you maximize the season and build a successful farm business
Information, ideas, and tools to help you promote your business and connect with others, online and offline
Discover resources and strategies to help you manage stress and find balance–in your work and life.
Find information and guidance to help you expand your business and find success in the valuable wholesale market.
Gap Analysis Report
As a starting point for the Open Flower Network, we gathered survey responses from almost 200 Canadian flower farmers at all scales, along with running a series of focus groups. This gap analysis report synthesizes those results to describe the sector as it is today, highlights opportunities, and identifies barriers to growth. The report also outlines the resources and programming the Open Flower Network program will begin developing to bridge these gaps.
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Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
