Here’s how Slowflowers began . . .

1. Here’s how Slowflowers.com began . . .

2. There is an obvious need to help consumers connect with American Grown flowers Flower consumers do NOT know where the flowers they purchase come from. They do not know who grew them or how to identify American Grown Flowers at the supermarket or florist* *CCFC study, 2013

3. A snapshot of the state of American grown flowers* *Courtesy California Cut Flower Commission

4. When given a choice, more consumers say they would prefer American Grown flowers* Do you want THIS? Or a SUSTAINABLE flower option? 35 planeloads of flowers being flown to the U.S. on a weekly basis? American-grown flowers from local farmers in your community? *CCFC Survey, 2013

5. MY RESEARCH:I wrote two books about American flower farming, eco-floral design and the “field-to-vase” movement

6. I have given dozens of interviews with national and local media about American-grown flowers and the “Slow Flowers”movement Even The New York Times* asked: “How can you tell if the flowers at your florist are local and sustainably grown? *The New York Times 3/29/2012

7. Audiences at my lectures and demonstrations learn, too! “Debra's amazing approach to local sourcing of flowers and stories of people and their flower farms was so wonderful “ . . . each person left with a gorgeous bouquet, and a lot more knowledge about going local, even in their backyard.” --Cheryl Simmons, Washington Athletic Club Programs

8. The SLOW FLOWERS Podcast with Debra Prinzing The show features timely interviews with flower farmers, florists and influential floral industry experts Episodes have been downloaded Nearly 5,000 times on iTunes “5 STARS: As a floral designer in Philadelphia who strongly promotes the use of local flowers, I love Debra Prinzing’s SLOW FLOWERS podcasts . . . (she is) documenting a pivotal moment in our history. If you are interested in joining the growing local flower movement, or if you just love flowers, these are the podcasts for you,” --danflowerman – October 2013 (iTunes reviewer)

9. People want to connect with LOCAL flowers They just don’t know how to do so!

10. Here are a few ways to find American-grown flowers You might be lucky to find a Seasonal U-Pick Flower Farm

11. You might find bunches & bouquets with identifying labels at some supermarkets

12. But typically, the people who design with and sell flowers do NOT identify the origin of those flowers This sight is uncommon

13. The GOOD NEWS:There ARE florists and retailers who supply locally-grown flowers and the Slowflowers.com web site will help consumers find them!

14. Here’s how I brainstormed the site:

15. The Slowflowers.com HOME PAGE Will look like this . . .

16. More Brainstorming: “Meet the LOCAL Floral Designer” page

17. The Slowflowers.com Featured Florist page & sign-up page (sample)

18. My idea for a PLEDGE logo Now looks like THIS:

19. But there’s so much MORE to do before I can launch Slowflowers.com and connect American Consumers with American Flowers, the Flower Farmers who grow those blooms and the Floral Designers who create beautiful American-grown Bouquets!

20. Please support the Slowflowers.com Kickstarter Campaign. With your pledge, We can put more American Grown Flowers on every table – one vase at a time!