|
|
The Furry Friends & Florals Photo Contest Returns!
|
|
|
|
|
Back by pup-ular demand, CalFlowers is excited to launch our second annual Furry Friends & Florals photo contest. We invite members to submit photos that celebrate the beauty of flowers and the joy our beloved animal companions (furry, feathered, leathered, or otherwise) bring to our lives.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A full registration to Fun ‘N Sun 2026 (excludes all optional events)
- A canvas print of their winning photo
- A featured spot in the 2026 Membership Directory
- And a very special honor: their pet crowned CalFlowers Employee of the Month!
Submissions are open through August 31, 2025, and the winner will be announced in mid-September. Learn more.
|
|
Bicolored Potted Lily Wins Retailers' Choice Award at Cultivate 2025
|
|
|
Growing Colors/2Plant International proudly took home the Retailers’ Choice Award at Cultivate 2025! Each year, garden center retailers vote for the best new plant introduction among entries from leading breeders and producers. This year’s winner was the Asiatic Lily ‘Tiny Massive’—a striking two-tone lily from Lilylooks that boasts abundant blooms per stem and exceptional shelf life. Perfect for home gardens and patios, this eye-catching lily is sure to make a bold statement. Read more.
|
|
|
|
Life in Bloom debuts new episodes on Create TV - with Flower Farms, Lei Day in Hawaii, Halloween, and even Bob Ross
|
|
|
“Viewers continue to relax with flowers, enjoying their health and wellness benefits in the process! And I’m beyond excited for them to enjoy the new season as it debuts on Create TV,” enthuses J Schwanke, host and creator. J Schwanke's Life in Bloom is a flower lifestyle television show seen in the U.S. on public television (PBS) stations nationwide, showing viewers ways to enjoy arranging flowers, and reinforcing the health and wellness benefits flowers offer. The new season will premiere on Create TV Tuesday August 19, 2025, at 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and Wednesday, August 20 at 4:30 a.m. (all times Eastern - check local listings for details). Free streaming access is available with PBS Passport, the free PBS App – for all devices including smart TV’s – and on PBS.org. Read more.
|
|
|
|
Do you have floral news you want to share with the CalFlowers community?
Please contact us.
|
|
Blooming Together: Highlights from Our 2025 Member Appreciation Meetings!
|
|
|
This summer, CalFlowers gathered our floral family for two unforgettable events filled with connection, creativity, and community spirit!
July 25 – San Francisco
At the iconic San Francisco Flower Market, members enjoyed gorgeous blooms, lively networking, delicious bites, and a night cheering on the Giants—NorCal style!
August 1 – San Diego
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront set the stage for inspiring updates, interactive roundtables, and amazing raffle prizes (including a Fun ’N Sun 2026 registration!). The evening wrapped up with a fun walk to Petco Park for a Padres game.
Relive the fun:
Save the Date!
Join us for the Fun ‘N Sun Convention in Pasadena, CA, August 5–8, 2026 at the stunning Langham Huntington — packed with floral exhibits, LA flower market tours, workshops, and more.
Thank you for helping our floral community thrive!
|
|
|
FedEx Updates & Service Disruptions:
With the Summer season here, hot conditions nationwide are upon us. It's an essential practice to check for service delays or alerts before shipping. Knowing to what to expect before you ship can limit any unexpected delays and headaches.
|
|
|
For those of you that haven’t heard, FedEx is spinning off its Freight (pallet) business. Most FedEx Freight accounts are stand-alone agreements, as is ours, but those with integrated Freight accounts will see some changes. How does this affect CalFlowers? No changes as of today but more information will be coming. We foresee that we would simply sign another stand-alone Freight agreement hopefully with higher discounts and the move should be fairly seamless to shipping members. More details.
|
|
|
|
FedEx International Shipping:
See here for an excellent resource from FedEx that walks shippers through the process step by step. First time international shippers inherently have questions on the process and paperwork required. If you'd like to talk to someone in person whether on the phone or at FedEx office, assistance available when needed.
Additional Reminders:
Although FedEx First Overnight is available to any FedEx customer, it is HIGHLY recommended that you do not select this service unless it is absolutely necessary and you fully understand the pricing. FedEx First Overnight (8am) is a remarkable service but please understand FedEx does not discount this option. Rates are VERY expensive and cannot be re-rated once shipped.
Did you know that our Priority Overnight rates (10:30am delivery), typically are only a few dollars more than Standard Overnight? The Standard Overnight delivery commitment is around 5 hours later (3:30pm), which can make a difference with many varieties in terms of arrival condition. Take a look - you will be surprised how close these rates are.
|
|
|
Your shipping platform may not allow you to book a shipment to arrive on Saturday. To get around this, shippers need to go to FedEx.comand book it manually. This will allow Saturday delivery zones and times to show up.
You can have your shipments held at your nearby FedEx Office instead of being delivered to your door. Having shipments held at your local FedEx office can help with temperature management since your boxes will be stored in a temperature-controlled office rather than riding in a truck all morning. It’s also true that you can drop off your shipments at your local FedEx office. This can be an advantage for some parts of the country where having your packages standing by in a FedEx office is preferable to being in a truck for hours.
|
|
 |
|
For those wanting to know who your FedEx representative is, or if you want to be contacted by FedEx, please email Chris Johnson with your FedEx account number and he will respond with your FedEx contact. It’s a good practice to establish a relationship with your FedEx representative. They can be of great assistance when needed.
Find the latest news from FedEx here.
Call (877) 339-2774 for FedEx’s tech support team, who can help with many tech-related issues including guidance regarding on-line shipping platforms.
|
|
|
Surcharges & Claims Resources:
For those members looking for general information on Surcharges and Claims, the following resources can be helpful.
This first resource offers information regarding surcharges and fees. Keep in mind that the CalFlowers program offers members MANY surcharge and fee reductions that are significantly lower than these standard surcharges, however it’s still a good reference point and has some clear definitions on what each fee/surcharge is. If you would like a summary of your program surcharge/fee discounts and waivers, please check our website or email Chris Johnson for a copy.
The second resource is very helpful when you need to file a claim for damaged or lost product. Keep in mind, a product claim is different from our Money Back Guarantee, which applies to shipping charges and is handled differently. Product claims are more involved and can be confusing, but this resource helps navigate the process.
FedEx New Member Resources:
New members who are just starting with FedEx shipping can utilize the “Customer Training” service that is available upon request. This service offers shippers direct one-on-one assistance from FedEx covering many of the questions new shippers may have. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Chris Johnson. Visit this webpage for excellent information for new shippers and a summary of FedEx's offerings.
|
|
We would also like to remind members to stay current with their FedEx Express shipping invoices. FedEx payment terms are 15 days. All members shipping on FedEx Express are expected to stay within the FedEx payment terms. Failure to stay current with FedEx risks your account being delinked from the program. For more information on this issue, contact Chris Johnson, Director of Transportation. To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.
|
|
|
GLS Updates & Transit Map:
In case you missed it, We’ve introduced NEW GLS Ground rates exclusively for our members. This service covers the entire domestic U.S. and is ideal for non-perishable items, though perishable goods can also be shipped. Our rates are highly discounted and available to all shipping members.
For complete pricing and additional details, please email Chris Johnson.
The CalFlowers GLS program is one of our popular, most value-priced offerings, with discounts well over 70% off standard rates. GLS offers later pick-ups and earlier deliveries while providing express door-to-door services covering CA, AZ, NV, OR, WA, NM, UT, and ID. Members who want to ship on GLS must sign up in advance. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes. Please contact Chris Johnson for more details at (760) 533-5580 or chris@cafgs.org.
|
|
|
Check out the GLS interactive Time-in-Transit map. Plug in your ZIP code and a handy map will show you your 1-day, 2-day transportation options.
GLS Program Improvements:
GLS has been very receptive to our requests for program improvements. They have added the following features to our program for members to utilize when shipping Priority.
|
|
|
|
GLS will now honor product claims. If GLS is at fault (acts of God, not included) and the product arrives damaged, significantly late, or just missing, members now can file a claim. We highly recommend member shippers to indicate the correct Declared Value to be covered.
GLS will credit 100% of shipping costs if your shipment is not delivered on the day promised. Bad weather is excluded. Members will need to request this within 48 hours at customerservice@gls-us.com.
|
|
|
|
GLS has given our account access to a special premium team of Customer Service agents. This high-level group was designed for fast response and problem solving. Please contact Chris Johnson for access to this important resource.
GLS has a new website. Additionally, try this handy Delivery Rates & Times Calculator to view delivery dates and estimated time of arrival.
|
|
|
Alaska Air Cargo Program:
As you may know, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are merging. Due to this merger, Alaska has asked us to pause adding new shippers to our program while they combine operational systems. This pause is temporary, and we will notify members when we get the “go ahead” to add shippers to this signature program.
Alaska has also been keeping shippers up to date on the progress of the merger. Click HERE for the latest in booking and information.
If you've been using our new CalFlowers/Alaska Airlines shipping program, you’ve likely experienced its exceptional value. This program provides outstanding rates to numerous regions nationwide, including shipments from California, Portland, Seattle, and Alaska.
For 2025, we have renewed our contract with Alaska Cargo and are pleased to announce no change in pricing! Look for more information coming soon and be sure to explore all program details on our website.
Did you know Alaska Airlines provides one of the most comprehensive intra-California services, with San Diego serving as its largest hub in the state? Even better, through our exclusive partnership with Alaska Airlines, we offer truly exceptional rates that you won’t find anywhere else. Click HERE for the latest Alaska Air Cargo Zone Map.
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the latest News & Updates please visit the Alaska Airlines webpage.
For the latest in Alaska Cargo News see here.
|
|
|
|
Alaska Air commonly asked questions.
For questions about our Alaska Air Cargo program, please contact Chris Johnson, (760) 533-5580.
|
|
|
|
|
Air Canada Cargo Program:
In case you missed it, we now have Air Canada rates available to our membership! They can be viewed on our website. These are the standard Floral Rates from Air Canada, and they offer good value. However, we are currently working with Air Canada with the goal of securing exclusive rates for CalFlower members. More information to follow.
|
|
Member Spotlight
Shaw Lake Farms
Shaw Lake Farms is a family-owned and operated greenery farm located in Pierson, Florida. What began 34 years ago with just a few loyal customers has blossomed into a thriving farm spanning over 50 acres. Remarkably, some of those very first customers still shop with Shaw Lake Farms today, a true testament to their commitment to quality and service.
|
|
|
|
|
Save The Date - CALIFLORA 2025
November 7 - 9, 2025 | CAL EXPO/SACRAMENTO
Join us for:
- CCF Testing
- Hands-On Design Workshops
- Brilliant Design Shows
- Student & Top Ten Design Competitions
|
|
|
CalFlowers has partnered with Constant Contact to save members 30% off any monthly subscription. Constant Contact is a leading email marketing service provider, offering a user-friendly platform to create and send professional emails, newsletters, and surveys. With this benefit, you can easily connect with your customers and promote your business at a fraction of the cost.
New users can click sign up for a free 30-day trial and discounted subscription. Existing Constant Contact users can contact us for instructions on how to apply the discount to your current account.
|
|
|
