In a method and apparatus for packaging a horticultural product, especially cut flowers, for transportation, one or more stems are inserted through a flexible foam block formed from a low density, low compression force material disposed in an opening of container such that the foam is compressed. A first hook and loop-type fastener is secured to the top side of the main body for coupling with a corresponding material covering a backside of the sandpaper. Variable selection data indicating a subset of the one or more variables included in the data set may be obtained for the data set.