Speaking

Dee Hall Goodwin speaks nationally on floriculture, equity, and ecological restoration, bridging the worlds of sustainable flower farming, native plants, and community organizing. Her presentations combine personal narrative, practical knowledge, and a vision for more inclusive and regenerative growing practices. Available for keynotes, workshops, panel discussions, and garden club presentations.

Speaking Topics

Building Equity in American Floriculture

How do we create pathways for growers of color in an industry where they've been historically invisible? This presentation explores the founding of Black Flower Farmers, the challenges facing Black flower growers today, and practical strategies for building more inclusive networks in the floral industry. From access to land and capital to representation in industry spaces, Dee shares both the structural barriers and the grassroots solutions emerging from growers themselves.

Ideal for: Floral industry conferences, agricultural conferences, diversity and inclusion initiatives, botanical gardens, universities, flower farming organizations

Native Plants

The Giving Garden: Cultivating Native Plants to Transform Your Garden and Community Native plants aren't just an aesthetic choice, they're an ecological necessity. This presentation explores how thoughtful plant selection can support pollinators, restore habitat, and connect gardeners to the ecology of place. Drawing from her work as a National Wildlife Federation certified grower, Dee shares practical strategies for incorporating native plants into cut flower production, home gardens, and community spaces.

Ideal for: Garden clubs, native plant societies, environmental organizations, horticultural conferences, Master Gardener programs

Sustainable Floriculture: Growing Flowers Without Floral Foam

The floral industry has a sustainability problem. Floral foam, pesticides, and imported flowers dominate an industry that could be regenerative. This presentation explores the movement toward seasonal, locally-grown, foam-free floristry, and how growers and florists can build profitable businesses while prioritizing ecological health. Dee shares the practices behind Mermaid City Flowers and the growing network of sustainable growers reimagining American floriculture.

Ideal for: Floral industry conferences (ASCFG, Slow Flowers), sustainable agriculture groups, flower farming workshops, design conferences, florist associations

From Seed to Celebration: Building Community Through Flowers

Flowers are the medium, not the message. The message is community, equity, and ecological healing. This presentation traces Dee's journey from her grandmother's garden in St. Lucia to founding Black Flower Farmers and serving on the board of Norfolk Botanical Garden. It's a story about how growing flowers became a vehicle for building networks, preserving history, and creating space for others—from seed to celebration.

Ideal for: Women's groups, nonprofit organizations, community foundations, fundraising events, cultural institutions

Custom Presentations

Dee also develops custom presentations tailored to specific audiences and themes. Topics can be adapted for:

  • Keynote addresses (45-60 minutes)

  • Workshops (90 minutes - half day)

  • Panel discussions

  • Fireside chats

  • Garden club presentations (60-90 minutes)

Past Speaking Engagements

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society – "The Giving Garden: Cultivating Native Plants to Transform Your Garden and Community"

Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) – Conference presentations on sustainable floriculture

Slow Flowers Society – Conference presentations and workshops

Garden Club of America – Chapter presentations across the country

Slow Flowers Worldwide Summit (2026) – Co-host with founder Debra Prinzing

Northwest Flower & Garden Festival (2026) – Featured speaker

Booking Information

Speaking fees vary based on event type, location, and format. Dee is available for:

- In-person presentations

- Virtual presentations

- Multi-day workshops

- Panel discussions

To inquire about availability and fees, please contact:

dee@mermaidcityflowers.com

(757) 895-0723

For press and media inquiries, please visit the Contact page.