Sun Valley Floral Farms has won the 'Amistad,' the light pink double Oriental lily, which claimed the esteemed "Best in Show" title at the Society of American Florists (SAF) Outstanding Varieties Competition. This award was given out at SAF's 138th annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Held from September 6 to 9, floral professionals from around the world gathered to celebrate and compete.
Lane DeVries, President and CEO of Sun Valley Floral Farms, shared his excitement about this unexpected triumph, stating, "We are very happy with our best in the show," he said of the lily, which Sun Valley has grown for two years. "These just came out of regular production in the greenhouse. We didn't plan for it, we just picked it out of the greenhouse and went for it."
Judges at the Outstanding Varieties Competition were impressed by 'Amistad,' its strong, tall stems bearing four to six lightly fragrant and pollenless blooms. The lily was described as "elegant and classic," making it suitable for a wide range of floral arrangements, from everyday bouquets to wedding and funeral designs.
The Outstanding Varieties Competition featured a competitive field, with 249 entries from 28 renowned companies. Entries were meticulously evaluated by a panel of judges comprising three retailers, three growers, and three wholesalers. Their assessments were based on criteria such as color and commercial appeal, stem and foliage quality, bloom form and size, and overall presentation. There are ten categories, each has a 'Best in Class,' but our winner is judged 'Best in Show.'
Sun Valley Floral Farms thanks the Society of American Florists for this prestigious accolade. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to grow exceptional flowers for our valued customers and partners.
For more information:
Bill Prescott
The Sun Valley Group
3160 Upper Bay Road
Arcata, CA 95521-9690
Tel.: 707-825-580
[email protected]
www.thesunvalleygroup.com