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This is Part Three of a four part answer to Laid Back Bride's question.

A couple days ago I tackled the availability issues with peonies and ranunculus. Today, I actually want to address where some of this conflicting information might be coming from, and use anemones as an example of misinformation.

Please keep this in mind that this is coming from a floral designer based in San Francisco. What I say is based on the information that I've learned, experienced and discovered during my journey as a wedding floral designer. The information below does not apply to other parts of the world or different areas of the country.In life and in everything, take things with a grain of salt.

Having said this, let's dive in.

Laid Back Bride's question about certain flower availability started possibly from misinformation that is out there. It's not wrong information; it just isn't a complete story. When I touched base with LBB, she was able to tell me the source of the confusion which stemmed from the current website of CCFC (California Cut Flower Commission). This is one of many floral resources which gives information on monthly flower availability. I spoke with Kasey Conquist, Executive Director and Ambassador of CCFC, on Thursday, August 13th. During the conversation I pointed out a couple issues that I have with the website's availability information.

For example:

1) Concerning availability (especially that of anemones):

Statement: CCFC.org currently states that anemones are available from October through July from California growers.

Reality: It was nearly impossible to find good quantities of anemones in the market place for most of July, October, and November.

You could find less than 5 stalls in the entire SF market who actually had more than a few buckets worth of anemones in July. I have rarely seen anemones in the market in October, though it is possible in November. This is one flower that I personally cannot seem to find good quantities of.

CCFC position: Since the information is from growers, CCFC.org does not know how much the grower is growing and they don't confirm the information. Kasey recently took over the job and he understands that consumers might misread the information and is addressing this.

Trying to locate anemones for this bride is becoming a real full time job. And the mystery continues. Honestly, I can't solve this which leads me to believe that if a floral designer can't locate it, it is as if it isn't available.

Going forward, the CCFC is willing to change their website's format since it is due for a redesign. The future website could have a “disclaimer” so that LLB (laid back bride) and other consumers won't have misinformation.

2) Concerning colors:

Statement: CCFC.org also states that white, pink, red, blue, purple anemones, and some with contrasting centers are available.

Reality: During most of the spring, it was very difficult to find white with black center anemones. One week you could find reds and blues, other weeks you could only find purple. And many weeks it was extremely hard to find any whites at all. The white with black center is one of the hardest flowers to find in good quantities (over 100 stems). The color available for anemones is very widely inconsistent.

Kasey acknowledged the shortcomings of the system and noted that it doesn't specify which colors are available and it doesn't have the format to list which colors per month. Once again, CCFC will consider adding a disclaimer that will encourage end users to always check with their retailer supplier for exact color and availability.

I want to personally thank Kasey from the CCFC for willing to make changes to their website so that future consumers like Laid Back Bride don’t have misinformation. It's the reactions from organizations like this that I applaud. They are willing to admit the system's shortcomings and they are not afraid to change it. Thank you CCFC. I look forward to a new website and new information in January 2010.

In the meantime, if you use CCFC.org, please understand that the information on availability may be based on grower's availability, but that doesn't mean a retail or wholesale business can actually find the product.

Bottom line: Always check with a reliable and knowledge floral designer, floral shop, or florist for what they can find.

As for anemones growing from other parts of the world. If you read about ranunculus, anything is possible. With countries in the Southern Hemisphere jumping into the American floral market, the future looks bright but until I see it, I can't say that you will find anemones in October. From experience I would say December through May are the best months, but in very limited colors and quantities. Good luck, Laid Back Bride.

To be continued…. What's next - dahlias?

Top image from Martha Stewart
Bottom image from Brides.com