SDSU Extension will host a daylong camp for aspiring and current cut flower farmers and florists on April 11, 2026, from 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Campers will learn and engage in hands-on activities that will increase their knowledge of operating a sustainable farm and business.
Location
SDSU West River Research and Extension
711 North Creek Drive
Rapid City, SD 57703
Contact
Kristine Lang, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist
Hands-on activities include extensive floral design experience which includes step-by-step instructions while allowing for creativity in the process. Networking is at the heart of this event, and all campers will be encouraged to engage in discussion, ask lots of questions, and share ideas with the group. Educational topics will include the basics of floral design and handling flowers, how to get started in cut flower farming, and hands on design experience with three unique designs.
Cut Flower Camp will feature multiple South Dakota experts as workshop presenters. Floral design sessions will be held by Jenny Behlings of J. Ellen Design and Market. Jenny has a wide variety of design experiences from large to small events, has experience using local flowers, and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others! For an inside look at cut flower farming in South Dakota, three local flower farmers will share their experiences via a panel presentation. Attendees are encouraged to ask any questions related to starting a farm, the details of growing flowers, and best practices for marketing. Interested participants can learn more about the 2026 Cut Flower Camp schedule below.
Schedule
- 8:30 a.m. - Event check-in
- 8:45 a.m. - Welcome! and Why Cut Flowers?
- 9:15 a.m. - Pricing and Marketing Farm Fresh Flowers
- 10:00 a.m. - Native Plants are Naturally Cut Flowers
- 10:30 a.m. - Break and Snacks
- 11:00 a.m. - From Field to Market: Local Flower Farmer Panel Discussion
- 12:15 p.m. - Lunch with Flower Farmers and Florists
- 1:00 p.m. - From Market to Customer: Local Florist Panel Discussion
- 2:15 p.m. - Floral Design Basics
- 3:00 p.m. - Break and Snacks
- 3:15 p.m. - Vibrant Vases
- 4:00 p.m. - Harmonious Hand-tieds and Wonderful Wrapped Bouquets
- 4:45 p.m. - Design a Delightful Dish
- 5:30 p.m. - Final Questions, Evaluation, and Safe Travels Home!
Registration
The registration cost is $140 per person and includes two snack breaks, lunch, and all floral design materials for participants to take home three completed designs. If you have a favorite pruners or shears, you are welcome to bring them, but tools will be provided. Special thanks to North Central and South Dakota SARE for supporting this event and helping us reduce registration costs.
Due to catering and material planning, no refunds will be issued if a registered camper is unable to attend. However, you may send another person in your place if you are unable to attend. By registering for this event, you acknowledge this policy. Workshop space is limited, and registration will close when sold-out or at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026. Youth ages 12-17 are allowed to register for this event, but MUST be accompanied by a paying adult (18+).
Cut Flower Camp Counselors
- Kristine Lang, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist
- Nick Volesky, SDSU Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Field Specialist
- Robin Buterbaugh, SDSU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist
Floral Design Counselor
Jenny Behlings, AAF AIFD CFD PFCI SDCF, has been in love with flowers from the very beginning! She studied Floral Design and Greenhouse Management at the University of Minnesota - Waseca, followed by founding Jenny's Floral - Custer SD in 1987. During her 35 years of business, she was active both locally and nationally in the SD Florist Association, Society of American Florists, American Institute of Floral Design, Professional Floral Communicators International and the American Floral Endowment. Behlings enjoys teaching and mentoring new florists through these organizations as well as FFA, SAF Next-Gen, SD Specialty Producers, SD Master Gardeners and SDSU.
Panelists
Carly Gilmore is the founder of The Dusty Petaler, a micro flower farm providing seasonal blooms and experiences around flowers to the Rapid City area. Her prior education and experience is in professional writing, marketing, and wildlife biology—an interest stemming from a childhood on a South Dakota cattle ranch. This business blends these passions into work cultivating connection and education in the community.
Carrie Moore, AAF, PFCI, SDCF, journeyed into the floral world as a holiday helper at the flower shop next door. She later started working at Jenny’s Floral, eventually becoming manager. In 2022, Carrie purchased Jenny’s Floral and in April 2025, the business transitioned to a flower/bookstore called Petals & Pages. Carrie is a South Dakota Certified Florist and a member of the American Academy of Floriculture and Professional Floral Communicators International. Carrie is also vice president of the South Dakota Florist Association and has presented programs at a state level. She is also involved in her community, using flowers and horticulture as an educational tool to local school groups, FFA and 4H students and other organizations.
Sarah Schwede owns and operates Joyful Blooms Flower Farm, is a first-generation, family-owned u-pick flower farm located in rural South Dakota. In its third year of farming, Joyful Blooms offers u-pick flowers, workshops, and seasonal experiences rooted in community and connection. Focused on sustainable growth, the farm is expanding to include a pumpkin patch—rooted in a love of seasons, family, and gathering on the farm.
