Jan 20, 2006

FPO and Bridget Behe Offer Flower AdviceSource: Flower Promotion Organization

For Valentine’s Day, it is estimated that more than 180 million stems of roses will be bestowed upon sweethearts around the world, according to the Flower Promotion Organization (FPO). While Cupid is busy keeping love alive, it may take a flower doctor to help prolong the life of the blooms. Throughout the month of February, those puzzled by floral preservative or stumped about cutting stems can receive answers to cut-flower care and handling questions by logging onto www.flowrmd.com or calling the (888) FLOWRMD hotline, hosted by the FPO.

In addition to flower-care tips and design ideas, those looking for a prescription for flower preservation can get answers directly from the flower doctor, Bridget Behe, a professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University and an expert in horticulture. She will respond to each of the www.flowrmd.com inquiries via E-mail and together with her team of flower experts will answer calls at (888) FLOWRMD on February 13 and 14, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.

“Each month we receive numerous questions via the Web site and are excited to have Dr. Behe on staff to accurately address each and every inquiry,” said Will Carlson, managing director of the Flower Promotion Organization. “Her expertise is unparalleled, and we are thrilled to offer individual advice from a flower doctor during the busiest flower-giving season of the year.”

Throughout the year, Behe hosts a question-and-answer section on www.flowrmd.com called “Ask Bridget” where she has helped remedy thousands of flower-care dilemmas. She draws from her experience as a professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University where she teaches horticulture courses. She also is a member of OFA and the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association and is a Michigan Certified Florist.