ASCFG Awards Grant

Erin Benzakien has been selected as the recipient of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) Research Committee Grower Grant for 2006. Benzakien, an organic flower grower and owner of Floret, a small floral design business in Mount Vernon, Wash., has submitted two grant applications for this funding cycle.

The first project will study the production of ornamental grasses for the cut flower trade. Benzakien has already corresponded with experienced growers, garden designers and nursery owners to compile a list of grasses to be trialed, which include calamagrostis, miscanthus, molinia, panicum and other lesser-known cultivars.

The second project will examine several varieties of rosa for rose hips production. European growers have bred many new varieties with great potential.

These plants offer an extended season of harvest and disease resistance.

Results of these projects will be published in the Cut Flower Quarterly. The ASCFG Research Fund was established to promote research that benefits cut flower growers.

For more information, visit www.ascfg.org.