From September 15 through October 15, the U.S. celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to acknowledge the rich contributions of Latin America, including its floriculture. Without Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Americas, we wouldn’t have sunflowers, dahlias, anthurium, roses, and much more. Since ancient times, many Latin American countries have been tending to and harvesting some of our most beloved flowers and plants, coaxing them to life using methods developed over hundreds of years. Billy Heroman’s Flowers & Gifts honors the heritage and culture of Latin America, which is alive and well here in the U.S., thanks to our Hispanic American community.

As the world’s third largest importer of cut flowers, South America’s Ecuador is especially known for its roses. Most rose plantations are high up in the Andes, and it’s that altitude–along with the year-round sunshine–that the roses love so much. Ecuador produces the long-stemmed variety with large heads, the ones that offer the most dramatic impact when they’re arrayed in a vase on your table. Our Dozen Mixed Roses are a beautiful example of the high-quality blooms Ecuador gives us. In festive colors and with just a little baby’s breath for texture, these beauties make a real statement.

Celebrate Hispanic culture in all of the ways that you can this month through food, music, art, books, and flowers.