From saving lives, to tying up border patrol, flowers found themselves at the center of several major news stories in the month of May.

1. Mothers Day Flowers Create Chaos at Customs

For every exotic flower, Thai orchid, or imported rose delivered this Mothers Day, there is a tired Customs and Border Patrol agent who had to inspect it for pests and disease. In preparation for Mother’s Day, the Los Angeles CBP agricultural specialists had to inspect countless flowers before allowing them into the country.

According to a news release, the Los Angeles International Airport is top three in the nation for flower imports. Each bloom has to be inspected by an agricultural specialist for intrusive species, pests, and disease. Last year  specialists across the country intercepted the entry of 166,727 pests into the United States.

2. Survivor Champ Credits Flowers With Curing Cancer

Ethan Zohn, winner of “Survivor: Africa,” was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2009. In an article written by Zohn for CNN, he credits the rosy periwinkle, also known as Madagascar periwinkle for saving his life. Zohn, who often turned to plants for health and nourishment during his time in Africa, was not surprised when he learned that one of his chemotherapy drugs, vincristine, was derived from this tiny flower.

In fact, Zohn said many important drugs today, including those that treat cancer and HIV, are derived from plants. Nearly 87 percent of all known diseases are treated using natural sources. This has lead Zohn to work with the Alliance for Global Conservation to protect lands around the world where many of these live-saving plants grow.

3. New Law Prevents Floral Gatherers From Advertising as Local

As of August 1, 2010, call centers and floral gathers cannot advertise online or in the Yellow Pages as local businesses in Minnesota without first providing a physical address. According to the Rochester, Minnesota-based Post Bulletin, several examples of the deceptive advertising that will be illegal under the new law can be found in the local Yellow Pages.  For example, many nation-wide floral delivery services posted local telephone numbers; however, a call by the paper was answered by someone in Utah rather than Minnesota.

According to the paper, local florists report losses of up to 20 percent after they are forced to sell arrangements dictated by the national retailers. Consumers also suffer, said the florists, because the retailers after add additional costs for delivery and service. Because the florists are taking such a hit, they are often forced to sell lower-quality flowers and arrangements.

Instead, local florists getting in touch with their consumers directly using the phone or internet.  And for those companies who falsify location? Florists will soon be able to take action against fake local floral companies using the new law.

Editor’s Note: This is why Flower Shop Network is made up of only local, brick-and-mortar florists. Call one of our many, talented shops, and you will speak to a florist, not a call center.

4. Hydroponics: Gardening of the Future?

Florists may one day grow their own flowers on their rooftops.  A new technology called hydroponic gardening is being tested in New York City, as well as the high seas, to see if this efficient, soil less gardening can produce substantial amounts of food and plants. According to CNN, a cross-pacific expedition aboard the Plastiki turned to hydroponics to grow fresh produce. However, a dip in rainfall, the crew’s only source of drinking water, led them to abandon the experiment due to its heavy water requirements.

However, despite its burial at sea, hydroponics are far from dead. Aboard the Science Barge on the Hudson River, scientists are growing plants using the technology. This prototype of sustainable agriculture has captured the attention of environmental activists who are interested in rooftop gardening within the city. Instead of hauling fruits, veggies, and flowers great distances, creating waste and pollution, city dwellers may soon be able to head upstairs to retrieve their favorite plants.

Flowers are always making their mark on the news due to their miraculous uses and emotional connotations. Wherever there is something noteworthy occurring, flowers are sure to be there!