Colorado Horticulture Industry Focuses on Sustainability
Leaders share new strategies for flower consumption and professional growth to support the future of the regional industry.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Landscaping
Live Poll
Do you find the broader health and environmental benefits of flowers encourage you to buy them?
The Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association recently held its annual Women in Horticulture Luncheon to discuss industry trends. Anna Caroline Ball, CEO of Ball Horticultural Company, led the session focusing on career growth and the industry's long-term evolution.
Why it matters
Engaging the next generation in horticulture careers is critical for the industry to maintain sustainable growth. Broadening the public appreciation of flowers beyond their aesthetic value is a key strategy for ensuring continued market success.
The horticulture sector has recorded six decades of growth in flower consumption. Ball Horticultural Company brings 120 years of experience to these industry-wide efforts.
The players
Anna Caroline Ball
The Chairman and CEO of Ball Horticultural Company, a firm with 120 years of experience in the floral and plant industry.
Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association
The regional trade organization that facilitates professional development and industry networking for Colorado plant and flower businesses.
The details
Industry leaders are shifting their outreach strategies to communicate the benefits of flowers beyond simple decoration, utilizing initiatives like That Flower Feeling. Businesses are also refining operational sustainability by reducing facility-level waste, while Sustainabloom provides the necessary research to support these environmentally conscious practices.
Timeline
The Women in Horticulture Luncheon was held on October 26, 2026.
The Home Front
The industry's push to diversify the value proposition of flowers follows a multi-decade trend of rising consumer demand. This shift toward sustainable practices and broader appreciation marks a departure from traditional gift-focused marketing.
Homeowners interested in sustainable landscaping can look for resources provided by groups like Sustainabloom to reduce their environmental footprint. Consider how your plant choices contribute to local biodiversity as the industry continues to emphasize eco-friendly gardening practices.
The takeaway
The horticulture industry is evolving to prioritize long-term sustainability and broader consumer appreciation for plant life. Readers can support these trends by seeking out nurseries that utilize sustainable waste-reduction practices for their home garden projects.
Further reading
Learn more about local plant cultivation and floral trends at the Landscaping page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Perishable News.
Live Poll
Do you find the broader health and environmental benefits of flowers encourage you to buy them?
