Black Flora: Profiles of Inspiring Black Flower Farmers + Florists

by Teresa J. Speight, Dawn M. Trimble (Illustrator), Myriah Towner (Epilogue)

There is a rich, beautiful, complex, and diverse narrative being told by African Americans and other persons of color in the floral marketplace. It is long past time to recognize their excellence and contributions to cut flower farming and floristry. Garden writer, podcaster, and blogger Teresa J. Speight of Cottage in the Court shares her interviews and profiles with leading pioneers and explores their lives rooted in the floral world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Gardening

144 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2022

Reviews

[Orla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous book, gorgeous pictures, this book introduced me to so many florists, flower artists and farmers I would otherwise have missed out on and for that I am so grateful!

I really enjoyed the profiles and the beautiful pictures. My Instagram feed is brighter, bolder and more fabulous due to all of the people I found through this book!!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs and people. I'm so glad this book exists!

[Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book. Beautiful artwork and stunning floral arrangements. I love the combination of floral artists, flower farmers, and other floral based businesses. Looking at the variety of Black artistry and talent in the flower industry, and the stories of how different people get into the field makes for a lovely read. If I have any complaints it is that I wish there were even more photos. This book would make a stunning addition to any flower lovers' coffee table. I was disappointed that the artists' social were not included in the book, but was happy to see mention of the book itself having a website where links to those socials would be kept current. I appreciate that detail, however at the time of this review I was unable to connect to that website.

The prologue and epilogue provide important points of the history of Black farmers and gardeners in America, and help to elevate the book beyond simply being pretty pictures with pleasant stories.

Thank you to Netgalley and Timber Press for access to this ARC.

[Sarah Monheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope there's a volume II; I really enjoyed reading these profiles.

[Susan Eubank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nominated for the 2023 Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries Annual Literature Award