URI cut flower trial August open house to welcome growers, put spotlight on summer blooms

KINGSTON, R.I. – August 3, 2026 – A field of flowers is growing more than just beautiful blooms at the University of Rhode Island’s Agronomy Farm.

As part of a two-year cut flower variety trial, URI researchers are evaluating snapdragons and dahlias to help strengthen the cut flower industry across Southern New England.

The farm welcomed visitors to see snapdragons in July for the trial’s first season; dahlias will take center stage this August.

The next Cut Flower Open House takes place on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the URI Agronomy Farm, 30 Thirty Acre Pond Rd, Kingston. Eight-hundred bed feet of dahlias will be in bloom, offering an opportunity for local flower growers to view dahlia varieties in the field, compare performance, and connect with other growers.

Tricia Lourenco Boucher is overseeing the cut flower variety trial at URI’s Agronomy Farm.

The project will provide growers with valuable information on variety performance — including bloom timing, stem length, and vase life — while creating opportunities for local farmers to connect, learn, and share ideas.

The open house is open to farmers and community members looking to grow flowers for profit. The public is also welcome to attend to learn more about research and programs happening at the URI Agronomy Farm. URI entomologist Lisa Tewksbury, from the URI Biocontrol Lab, will be present to discuss insect pest pressure on cut flowers and will also offer a ‘pest walk’ through the cut flower trial.

The program is overseen by Tricia Lourenco Boucher, with support from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The trial aims to identify high-performing varieties that can help diversify small farms and support our region’s agricultural economy. The Cut Flower Trial is supported through the USDA – RI DEM Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Open house

Guests can park at URI’s Skogley Turf Research Center building or in the Plains Road Parking Lot across from the URI Agronomy Farm (look for the solar panels). Meet with the group outside the front of the ⁠Skogley building. Guides will meet attendees to escort the group to the cut flower trial fields. Come prepared for a short walk.

This research is held in partnership with URI’s Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology and the University’s Cooperative Extension.

Farmers and commercial cut flower growers interested in learning more can call Professor Rebecca Brown at 401-874-2755 or email Tricia Lourenco Boucher at telourenco@uri.edu.

To get on the email list for URI Cooperative Extension programs, visit uri.edu/coopext/ and click on “join our mailing list.” Follow @uri_cels for more updates from the URI Agronomy Farm.