Sarah Winward is a floral artist and event designer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in destination weddings. Her work, known for its seasonal, nature-inspired designs, has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, Martha Stewart, and she has been named a top florist by Vogue. Sarah’s floral arrangements evoke the beauty of nature, often sourced locally or foraged near event locations to seamlessly integrate with the surroundings. Passionate about flowers, Sarah collaborates closely with clients to create unique, memorable designs that reflect the season and environment. She believes in prioritizing key floral elements within a budget, planning for delicate blooms, and using mock-ups to ensure a flawless result. Above all, Sarah encourages embracing creativity, trusting your instincts, and allowing your designs to evolve as you grow. Learn more about Sarah and today’s show notes with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! When you select an app be sure to subscribe to receive the episodes automatically. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Lisa Mason Ziegler, cut-flower farmer, author, educator and founder of The Gardener’s Workshop is returning to The Flower Podcast. Since 1998, she has cultivated her three-acre urban farm in Southeastern Virginia, producing thousands of flower stems weekly for florists, supermarkets, farmer’s markets, and her members-only on-farm market. Lisa has authored several books, including Cool Flowers, and she is the creator of Flower Farming School Online, which has expanded to include courses for both flower farmers and florists, in addition to starting two podcasts, Field and Garden and Seed Talk. I’m really excited to have Lisa back for a personal year-in-review for flower growers. It’s been several years since our last episode, and I always learn something new from my conversations with her. In this episode, Lisa shares some of the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way, many that are at the heart of what she teaches in her courses. We talk about the importance of setting clear goals and truly understanding your market. I appreciate how she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to tackle challenges with confidence while keeping customer convenience front and center. Her practical advice on building a solid foundation for success in flower farming is incredibly helpful, and she also offers a realistic perspective on business and the importance of continually moving forward. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow in the industry!  Be sure to listen Lisa’s other episode on The Flower Podcast and also search The Gardener’s Workshop on our YouTube Channel to watch my chats and an instagram Live with Lisa.  Learn more about Lisa and listen to her first episode with today’s show notes and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more!  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast The Gardener's Workshop ASCFG  Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

My guest this week is Sarah Jo Eversole, owner of Everbloom Fields in Lancaster, TX. It might be a micro flower farm, but she produces not only exceptional quality blooms but high volume as well. She shares many of her experiences as a grower especially decisions on what to grow to be more profitable. There’s a wealth of growing and business tips in this episode, and it’s our hope that you’re inspired and encouraged that no matter the size of your business, it’s yours and has every opportunity to succeed.  Learn more about Sarah Jo and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

I’m excited to share that Charlotte Smith is our guest again on The Flower Podcast. Charlotte teaches farmers the skills they need to make money on their farms and live calm, balanced lives through mindset coaching. Going against what most of us have been taught, Charlotte coaches in 13 countries to build successful profitable farms while also getting out from feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. In 2016, Charlotte was named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Women in the World in Food and Agriculture by the non-profit, Food Tank and she is giving us a little dose of her coaching today on The Flower Podcast.   The great thing about this kind of coaching is that it’s good for any kind of business. So this episode isn’t just for farmers, it’s also for florists, educators, or anyone that’s an entrepreneur with a business. Today we chat about the importance of having and growing an email list for your business. In addition, we chat about hiring and putting systems in place to help encourage and strengthen your team and the importance of charging enough for your products so that you can cover all the expenses of hiring extra help, plus paying yourself. Listen to our first episode with Charlotte Smith. Learn more about Charlotte Smith and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Ready to talk Dahlias? This week my guest is Kristine Albrecht of Santa Cruz Dahlias. Known for her award winning dahlia hybrids and her book, Dahlia Breeding for the farmer florist and the home gardener, Kristine is sharing her flower journey along with numerous tips and insights on her hybridizing process, cover crops, soil testing and more. She is the president of the Monterey Bay Dahlia Society and travels with her blooms to local and national dahlia shows and today we get to step into the world of dahlias with Kristine. So get your notebooks ready, we’re talking dahlias, now on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Kristine and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, IG Lives, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

I’m in Ecuador this week so we’re replaying our episode with my guest Kimberlee Mitchell owner of  Botanica Floral located in Atlanta, Ga. She has been a part of the floral community for over 20 years and has been fortunate to grow her business to include 5 star hotels and work within the film industry. Kimberlee has been working on many major films including the recently released new HBO movie of Father of the Bride as well as several TV series many of which can be found on Netflix. We had a great chat about how she buys her flowers for her hotels and movies, she also shares tips for helping flowers last longer, and the importance of perseverance. Learn more about Kimberlee and all of our past guests on TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, IG Lives, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast Farmer Bailey Accent Decor Real Flower Business Rooted Farmers ASCFG The Gardener’s Workshop

My guest this week is Natalie Geehr and her business is theflowerfarmer.com located in Fresno, California. She grows in her backyard in addition to the 1/4 acre that she leases. Her big dream has allowed her to grow into doing weddings and events. Community has been an important part of her journey with growing flowers which let her to become one of the founding members of the San Joaquin Flower Collective that supplies local florists and shoppers with flowers that are grown in their own town. Learn more about Natalie Geehr and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

We’re excited to have Marryn Mathis from The Farmhouse Flower Farm on The Flower Podcast this week. She shares how she’s grown and adapted her business to work with her family schedule while maximizing her product reach. Dahlias and Sweet Peas have become two of her main crops. Today, with the launch of her new book, we’re diving into growing sweet peas again. Hopefully we cover some challenges that will help you with producing this iconic cut flower. Learn more about Marryn, plus all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more!  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

We're excited to share this NEW and second episode with Brenna Estrada!!  Scroll below to connect with her page and listen to her first episode with The Flower Podcast. Home gardeners, flower farmers, and florists are always looking for flowers to help set them apart in their offerings and esthetics. My guest this week found her way to growing cut flowers eventually on Camano Island, Washington. Brenna Estrada and her business Three Brother Blooms takes pride in growing a wide variety of stunning, pollinator-friendly plants. She is passionate about growing several flowers, but especially pansies and violas. It was great to have Brenna on the podcast as a guest again. We took another dive into her world with pansies. We chatted about the long history of this family of flowers, how they’ve been used as cut flowers for centuries, how to take cuttings, overwintering them, and so much more. Oh and Brenna’s new book that’s available for preorder right now. You can listen to Brenna's first episode here. Learn more about Brenna and her exciting world of Pansies with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Rick Davis of Amaryllis Design in Landover, Maryland is our guest this week on The Flower Podcast. Featured in publications such as Town & Country, Southern Accents, and listed as one of the Top Wedding Florists in the nation by Martha Stewart, Rick shares his transformation story that has made Amaryllis a premiere wedding and event company. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and share!! Learn more about Rick and Amaryllis with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

During a recent visit to the Monroe Blooms Flower Show in Monroe, GA., I met Ashley Blackstone and Samantha Kramer from Wellspring Flower Farm. What stood out were their vibrant flower varieties and color palettes. In this episode, they discuss their farm's growth from a small plot on a horse farm to a flourishing 3-acre operation, with plans to expand further. We explore how they've optimized their space and resources, their success in serving florists across Monroe, Athens, and Atlanta, and their use of platforms like Rooted Farmers. This conversation is filled with insights on business growth, client engagement, and the creative use of farm space. A must-listen for anyone looking to expand their flower farming or floristry business! Learn more about Ashley, Samantha, and Wellspring Flower Farm, plus all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Last week when we released our episode with Henk Onings I mentioned at the end that we continued the conversation about Ranunculus, Anemones, and the Tulip bulb crop this year. So be sure to go and listen to Part 1 of our chat with Henk. So to recap, my guest this week is Henk Onings and soon after graduating school he moved to Pompeii, Italy for a couple of years to learn the floral industry with the family business. Then the opportunity to start Onings America brought him to the United States where he developed a business selling and suppling lily bulbs to North America. 27 years later they have grown to so much more and I’m excited to share my conversation with Henk this week on The Flower Podcast. It’s really good to chat about growing this special flowers and the time that it takes to hybridize, grow inventory, and then release new varieties of these Italian beauties. Learn more about Henk, Onings America, and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com You can listen to Part One with this Link.  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.  We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

This week’s guest was born in the Netherlands into a family that started their business in 1935 and now 3 generations later, soon to be 4 generations Onings Holland is known for distributing a wide range of flower bulbs, tubers, and seeds around the world. My guest is Henk Onings and soon after graduating school he moved to Pompeii, Italy for a couple of years to learn the floral industry with the family business. Then the opportunity to start Onings America brought him to the United States where he developed a business selling and suppling lily bulbs to North America. 27 years later they have grown to so much more and I’m excited to share my conversation with Henk this week on The Flower Podcast. We chat about how the bulb sales and production is often determined by big box stores. Lilies can be an important part of your flower production. It was also great to chat about freesia, a flower that I wish was grown by more local farmers. Next week we are going to release part 2 of our conversation. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts to receive it automatically. Learn more about Henk, Onings America, and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

This weeks my guests are Leandra Gollob and Daniel Mench of Cocolani Gardens located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Both were born and raised on the windward side of Oahu, where they’ve grown up with a love for all things nature. Together with this love and gratitude, they farm one-acre of lush tropical land with over 50 varieties of ginger and heliconia! Some species include sexy pink heliconia, kawauchi, stricta, tagami, torch gingers and an assortment of beehive gingers amongst many others. They strive to push the boundaries of tropical floristry by searching for uncommon species of flowers, and using novelty plants and fruits found locally in their arrangements. From seed to table, they personally manage the entire process to ensure their clients are provided with the best possible blooms for the events they produce. Learn more about Leandra and Daniel and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

We are starting off our new season with Julia Keel, co-owner of Full Keel Farm in north central Florida. Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table as she specializes in cultivating specialty cut flowers while navigating the unique challenges of a hot and humid climate. She’s passionate about teaching, has presented and lectured at national conferences, and truly embraces the challenge of adapting production methods to Florida’s climate. This week, Julia shares techniques she uses like paper pot planters and releasing beneficial insects and other insights as a flower farmer that she hopes will help other growers in their own flower journey. Julia also shares about her expansion on their new property and we dive into growing spray larkspur, didiscus, and delphinium in her climate. Maybe a flower farm isn’t your first thought when you think of Florida but it’s a different kind of Florida fun and beauty and it all starts now on The Flower Podcast.   Learn more about Julia, Full Keel Farm, and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop  

One of the most exciting trends that I believe is here to stay is flower trucks. These mobile floral shops bring fresh blooms directly to communities, markets, and special events, offering a fun and unique experience for customers. Flower trucks also present fantastic opportunities for aspiring florists and small business owners. With lower overhead costs compared to traditional storefronts, entrepreneurs can focus on sourcing high-quality blooms and building their brands on a scale that fits more comfortably within a new business budget. I’m thrilled to introduce Mattie Bush-Martin, the creative force and founder behind Amelia’s Flowers. Inspired by her time in Paris, Mattie aimed to create a unique and artistic floral experience that Nashville had never seen before. In 2016, with just one truck, Mattie set out to bring this vision to life, and it quickly resonated with the local community.  Today, Amelia’s Flower Truck is a thriving company with three trucks, three brick-and-mortar stores in the Nashville area, one in North Carolina, and has expanded to nationwide delivery and subscription services.  Learn more about Mattie and Amelia's Flowers with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Welcome to The Flower Podcast, the podcast for anyone who grows or designs with flowers and even then, we talk about so much more. I'm your host, Scott Shepherd and I love chatting with guests about their stories, and uncover the beauty and challenges of working with flowers. I’m excited to share this special conversation this week. Several months ago, LuAnn Dickson Founder and CEO of EveryStem Software asked to turn the microphone on me for her members. We had a great time chatting about how the podcast began and diving into several questions surrounding floral wholesalers, her members had questions about ordering, pricing, credits, and more. So, I hope you find this chat helpful too. We’ve edited the interview down, but I know it was a lot of fun talking shop and hopefully helping to understand how to maximize your relationships with some of your flower suppliers. You can watch and listen to the entire conversation by visiting the YouTube channel of EveryStem Software. Learn more about all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

My guest this week is Heather Cain, owner of Petal Pink Flower Farm. From the urban life in San Francisco to the somewhat accidental purchase of a rundown farm in Eugene, Oregon, Heather shares about the family farm life, her incredible trip to Italy and seeing how they trialing the latest in Italian ranunculus. We are also discussing one of my personal favorite crops, hellebore, and much more. It’s a flower journey that takes us from Petal Pink Flower Farm to the greenhouses of beautiful Italy and it all begins right here on The Flower Podcast.  Today we chat about: Heather’s trip to Italy with other American growers to see the latest in ranunculus and anemones. We discussed growing Hellebores and what to look for when picking varieties. * We also chatted about Salpiglossis and growing it.  Finding ways to create boundaries to help manage time. Why it’s a good idea to take some business courses to help you as you grow your business. Learn more about Heather and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.  We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

From planning your planting schedule based on lunar cycles to predicting weather patterns that could impact your crops, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been a go-to guide offering invaluable insights into moon phase planting, weather prediction, and continues to evolve, meeting the needs of modern farmers and gardeners while staying true to its roots. Today my guest is Carol Connare, the 14th editor in the history of the old farmer’s almanac. Carol oversees this cherished publication to create a perfect blend of new, useful, and entertaining content. So I hope you enjoy the special episode as we learn more about what goes into the pages and uncover what makes this publication a timeless favorite.  Today we chat about: -How they approach weather predictions -Planting by Moon Phases -Container Gardening -New trends in plants Learn more about Carol and The Old Farmers Almanac with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more!  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

This week we're replaying our episode with our guest Sandra Sigman, award winning floral designer, owner of Les Fleurs, and author. She launched her first book, French Blooms, last year, which is a beautiful book displaying the design principles she learned from her favorite Parisian florist. Get ready to be transported to a world of elegance and creativity as we dive into the story behind this French inspired floral journey. Sandra moved to France in her early 20’s working as a professional ice skater and fell in love with Paris. The daughter of a floral designer and influenced by her childhood love of flowers, she came back to the states and founded Les Fleurs, a French inspired flower shop. We thought that Sandra's journey, which began with her Mother would be great episode to replay with the Mother's Day holiday this week.  Learn more about Sandra and Les Fleurs along with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Anna Jane Kocon is the owner of Little State Flower Company. A sustainable 5 acre flower farm based in Tiverton, Rhode Island that produces cut flowers almost year round. Anna Jane has been professionally growing and selling cut flowers for 18 years by pushing the boundaries of her seasons through the use of heated greenhouses, companion planting perennials and diversifying her market based on the time of year. All while maximizing her small and rugged farm space to its utmost potential. Little State Flower Company focuses steadfast on environmentally-friendly growing in an effort to create local, exciting, and creative options for its thriving farm-stand and the wedding and event industry in and around Rhode Island.  On today’s episode we chat about how she pieced together parcels of land to produce her flowers, how she packages her flowers for her different customer bases, growing foxglove, growing gerbera daisies, and a little about growing in crates. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this packed episode. Learn more about Anna Jane and Little State Flower Co. along with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

My guest is Dundee Butcher, a florist, educator, artist, and advocate for sustainability. After training with the premier London florists of Jane Packer Flowers and McQueens, Dundee established the Russian River Flower School in California. Her journey didn't end with education; in 2016, she took a significant leap by co-founding what would become Phoam Lab. Dundee and her team at Phoam Labs are pioneering the development of next-generation floral foams that are not only biobased and non-toxic but also designed to safely break down in a more environmentally friendly way, setting new standards for our industry. Learn more here about Accent Decor’s Guide to Foam Free Design with Sue McLeary. Learn more about Dundee and Phoam Labs with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

I'm thrilled to welcome my former professor, Dr. Allan Armitage, to this week's episode of the Flower Podcast. Dr. Armitage, a revered expert in cut flower production and a key figure in horticulture, has profoundly impacted the field worldwide We are discussing* his latest project, A Field Guide for Specialty Cut Flowers co-authored with Kelly Garcia. This guide represents Dr. Armitage's extensive expertise and provides essential insights for anyone interested in growing cut flowers and gardening. We'll explore the valuable information in this new book and learn from Dr. Armitage, who remains a mentor and source of inspiration in the horticultural community. Tune in to this week's episode of the Flower Podcast where we're joined by Dr. Allan Armitage, a distinguished expert in cut flower production and horticulture. We delve into his latest publication, "A Field Guide for Specialty Cut Flowers," co-authored with Kelly Garcia. This guide is a treasure trove of expert knowledge and practical tips for anyone passionate about gardening and growing cut flowers. Dr. Armitage, a mentor and leader in the field, offers insights that promise to inspire and educate gardeners of all levels. Don’t miss this enriching discussion on one of the most comprehensive resources in cut flower cultivation. Learn more about Dr. Allan Armitage with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Today we tackle an increasingly critical and sometimes controversial topic within the floral industry: sustainability. Amid growing concerns about environmental impacts, the conversation on how the floral industry can adapt and evolve is more relevant than ever. Leading the charge is Rita Feldmann, founder of The Sustainable Floristry Network. Rita's floral journey began in her childhood at her family's flower stand in Melbourne, Australia, and her passion for flowers, combined with a solid background in botany, eventually led her to establish a successful wedding and events business. However, it was her pioneering #nofloralfoam campaign in 2017 that marked a significant shift towards sustainable practices in floristry. This initiative laid the groundwork for The Sustainable Floristry Network in 2019, a platform dedicated to educating florists on eco-friendly practices. In this episode, we discuss Rita's journey from a local flower stand to spearheading sustainability in floristry, including the network's first training program, Foundation in Sustainability. Join us as we explore how sustainability is reshaping the future of floristry with Rita Feldmann.  Learn more about Rita Feldmann and the Sustainable Floristry Network and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more!  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers The Gardener’s Workshop Real Flower Business Accent Decor

Welcome everyone to a new episode of The Flower Podcast. I love uncovering personal stories from the heart of our industry and today, we're taking a slightly different route to shine light on a very special journey of flower farming and how this journey intertwines with nurturing the soul and creating a space for recovery and rejuvenation in the healing process. Flowers, with their beauty and symbolism, have long been a source of comfort and connection and in this episode, we’re talking about how cultivating flowers can be a powerful tool for therapy, personal growth, and community connection. My guest today is Brianne Womack, founder and director of Fields of Grace Flower Farm. Brianne and her family have embarked on a remarkable journey of flowers, love and faith in Shiloh, George. The farm is much more than a business; it's a platform for meeting new people, sharing their passion for flowers, their community and serves as a peaceful retreat for women who have faced trauma of all kinds and also a place to care for the caregivers. It’s about growing flowers, a designated pick your own space, workshops, second chance blooms and most importantly creating a space for healing and helping others, and it's my hope that you'll finid this episode special. Learn more about Brianne and Fields of Grace Flower Farm and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor Gardener's Workshop

It’s all things dahlias this week with Steve and Sarah Pabody of Triple Wren Farms on The Flower Podcast! Steve and Sarah are here to share their journey, from choosing the perfect dahlia blooms to finding joy in the balance between passion and life. From understanding about dahlia seeds to their Dahlia Legacy Program and the Novice Hybridizer Program, its’s a conversation filled with learning, laughter, and of course our shared love of flowers. Link to their past episode.  Link to YouTube IG Live  Learn more about Triple Wren Farms and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more!  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

This week we’re replaying a favorite episode from 2019 in Season 2 with Françoise Weeks. Françoise Weeks, floral artisan and teacher, is this weeks guest on The Flower Podcast. Françoise is a master of the Woodland Design and Botanical Couture. Her passion for nature, materials, and mechanics will ignite your own curiosity to create with an inspired botanical vision. In this episode, Françoise shares how she started her business and the advice she was given, how curiosity and perseverance have been so important to her journey, and how this natural design style continues to inspire her and others. Learn more about Francoise Weeks and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

I am pleased to welcome back Jennie Love of Love’n Fresh Flowers to The Flower Podcast. Jennie continues to inspire us with her commitment to flower farming and her obvious love of flowers. Her work is a testament to her dedication to no-till farming, supporting local growers, and her approach, not only nurtures the soil and local ecosystems with nature but also brings the unique beauty of each season through her flowers. Today we had a lot of fun discussing the importance of No-Till practices, not spraying anything but various inputs, creating habitats for wildlife to help with pests, and so much more. Join me as we catch up with Jennie and learn how her passion for natural practices and community support is shaping a greener future for the floral industry right in the heart of Philadelphia.  Learn more about Jennie Love and Love’n Fresh Flowers with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Jennie Love's past episode on The Flower Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! If you like to watch our podcast subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

My guest this week is Kim Delgado, the Owner and Creative Director behind Mary Stuart Flowers, a bridal floral design enterprise that prides itself on capturing the unique narrative with her couples through the charm of local, seasonal blooms. In this episode, we’re discussing a lot about sourcing local flowers and how she has this conversation especially when booking weddings. Kim shares her partnership with the Connecticut Flower Collective to ensure her designs reflect the beauty and energy of the local blooms. We also discuss using Rooted Farmers software as a sourcing tool for sourcing many of the flowers she uses. Today’s about creating a community where local growers and floral designers can thrive together, embracing the rhythm of the seasons for your clients. Let’s embark on this floral adventure together where every bloom has a story waiting to be told. It’s all happening this week with Kim Delgado on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Kim Delgado and Mary Stuart Flowers with all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Listen to our episode about collectives, specifically the Connecticut Flower Collective and River City Flower Exchange.   Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

This week we’re exploring another specialty crop that has its unusual roots here in North America where it’s a botanical native. But first, our guests are Steve and Margo Galic from Stanwood, Washington. Their business is Fox Leaf Farm and they specialize in growing and breeding Sarracenia also known as pitcher plants. After seeing these cut stems in person last summer, I knew then I wanted to ask them to guests someday. We’re always looking for new flowers to use in our floral designs and especially those that can be grown here in the United States. It’s great to learn about how these plants are grown and all of the breeding efforts that Steve has been working on. I look forward to seeing all of the amazing varieties he has to release in the future. On this episode we discuss the differences in the main varieties, care and culture of taking care of sarracenias, starting them from seed, and what we can expect from them as cut flowers. This is a major step in sustainability and responsibly growing this plant for cut production. Learn more about Fox Leaf Farm and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

In this week’s episode we are diving into the world of retail floristry with Abby Chick. Although mainly speaking about the florists side of flowers, I encourage you to listen because so many of the points we cover apply to all businesses. Starting from her early days at a traditional flower shop to becoming the successful owner of Blakemore’s Flowers in 2012, Abby Chick is more than a florist. She is passionate about continued education and was honored to be named a 2023 Mayesh Design Star and a proud collaborator with Holly Chapple Flowers and Flower Clique to bring educational resources to the floral market. So, whether you're here looking for tips on connecting with clients, curious about the latest trends in floral design, or seeking motivation to take your business to the next level, you're in the right place. Let's get started and learn together from Abby's experiences, drawing valuable lessons that apply across the board in the world of flower business today on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Abby Chick and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

I am excited for this week's episode of The Flower Podcast, where I chat with the Alla Olkhovska of Linden Grove Gardens from Kharkiv, Ukraine. When Erin Benzakein of Floret shared Alla’s story with me, and I visited her website, I discovered Alla's incredible garden of flowers especially her amazing work with clematis. Alla’s not just a gardener; she's a treasure chest filled with knowledge. Her digital book and seed collection open a window to the vast and varied world of Clematis, (and other flowers) revealing species and varieties that I promise will have you at hello.  Let’s embark on this exciting journey to uncover the secrets of Clematis and more with Alla Olkhovska.  Learn more about Alla Olkhovska and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more!  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Erin Benzakein of Floret, one of the country’s most influential farmer/florist and trailblazing a remarkable path to growing cut flowers. From prestigious awards, including the Martha Stewart American Made award, to her New York Time’s bestselling books and an Emmy-nominated documentary series called "Growing Floret," Erin's contributions to the world of flowers are nothing short of inspiring. Erin's passion for cultivating beauty has led her to embark on a groundbreaking project, "Floret Originals." In this episode, Erin is sharing about the highly anticipated seed release of her first collection of farm-bred flower seeds.  Unlike most commercial flower varieties, Floret Originals champion fragrance and are more adaptable for local growing. Join us as we uncover the challenges and triumphs of Erin's seven-year journey in mastering the art of seed saving and breeding. The Floret Originals project promises to revolutionize the floral industry by putting power back in the hands of growers and gardeners of all sizes. Tune in to this episode and be inspired by Erin's dedication to creating a sustainable and vibrant future for seasonal flowers and supporting local flower farmers and the entire floral community. Learn more about Erin, Floret, and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Erin's First Interview Ep 68 2020 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Plus follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

Mountain Flower Farm is synonymous with stunning blooming branches and beautiful peonies. Our guest this week is Walt Krukowski and his flower farm is located in Warren Vermont. Walt and his team grow more than flowers, he also grows roots for peonies which is where everything begins. Today we’re talking about what to look for when selecting peony varieties to grow, we touch on growing lilacs and clematis, and of course no conversation could be complete without talking about soil. Learn more about Walt, Mountain Flower Farm and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Plus follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

Today, we're starting the year off with a burst of color and creativity, as we're joined by none other than Simon Lycett. Simon's journey with flowers began in his youth which continues to bloom today with beautiful floral creations. A familiar face on TV and radio, Simon has graced the airwaves with his floral expertise and charming persona. He's the author of the captivating book, 'The Flower Market Year', where he shares a year's worth of floral insights and inspirations from the New Covent Garden Market. As if that weren't enough, Simon also lights up the screen as on of the hosts and judges of HBO's hit show, 'Full Bloom', where his expertise helps guide and inspire aspiring floral artists. In addition, he’s designed for movies including, ' Where Angels Fear to Trend' and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'. Behind the scenes, Simon is the creative force behind Simon J Lycett Ltd, a business synonymous with floral fabulousness. His designs aren't just arrangements; they're artworks, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with petals and leaves. From royal weddings to dazzling events, Simon's work is nothing short of breathtaking. Today, he's here with us to share his story, his passion, and about his new course with the BBC Maestro called Decorating with Flowers. So, get ready to be inspired, as we dive into the blooming world of Simon Lycett, right here on The Flower Podcast!” Learn more about Simon Lycett and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast Farmer Bailey  Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

Hello everyone! This is a special episode of The Flower Podcast. Often during this time of year we replay past episodes of our podcast, but this year I would like to share something from our family’s archives. My Dad for many years has collected a wide range of old time radio shows. His collection is made up of over 30,000 different shows and of course there are several Christmas specials. Since Christmas is one week away, we thought it would be fun to share this condensed version of Charles Dickens Classic, “A Christmas Carol,” The book was originally published back in 1843 and has been a holiday classic for many years. This radio show was aired on Christmas Day back in 1949 starring Lionel Barrymore. We’ve included some of the original commercials thrown in for fun. This week isn’t about flowers, but the holiday’s, family, and friends. We’ll be taking a break for a several weeks as we prepare for our new season in 2024. Until then I hope you enjoy this special episode. Everyone at The Flower Podcast wants you to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Today, I’m calling this a holiday edition as we talk about one of my favorites…. Foliage and this time of year I especially love Christmas greens. So I am excited to welcome an expert in the world of floral greenery, F.J. Trzuskowski, Vice President of Sales at Continental Floral Greens. F.J.'s journey in the floral industry, from his early days in Holland to his current role at Continental Floral Greens, positions him perfectly to offer invaluable insights into these seasonal favorites. With a career that has spanned several notable companies and a rich educational background in Botany and Landscape Architecture, F.J. brings a unique blend of practical experience and scientific knowledge to the table. Today we are touching on foliage, but really focusing on the best practices for choosing, preparing, and maintaining Christmas greens to ensure they remain a vibrant and fresh part of your holiday decorations. Plus we having fun chatting about several other greens that CFG supplies for a large portion of florists everywhere like leather leaf and salal. So, this week we truly are on a floral journey of decking the halls and it starts now on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about FJ, Continental Floral Greens, and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Lennie Larkin, the founder of B-Side Farm, took her passion for flowers from a background in adult education to establishing an educational farm. Lennie's experience extends from managing educational farming programs to contributing as the West Coast Director for the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers and teaching at Santa Rosa Junior College. This week we’re going to learn about Lennie’s research that’s led to her new book called Flower Farming for Profit: The Complete Guide to Growing a Successful Cut Flower Business. In addition to her business curriculum for flower farmers, she also provides coaching, business advice and continues her grant funded research to help more flower farmers become more profitable. In this episode, we discus how she started her flower farming business where she had six-figures in sales from her farm stand. She also discusses the importance of growing profitable flower crops and creating more processes and efficiencies to help everyone at the farm level with production. Lennie also shares about her research focusing on helping farmers become more profitable and her new book that’s available for preorder now. Lennie’s link for the Freebie! Order Flower Farming for Profit pre-order on Amazon. Learn more about Lennie Larkin and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Chrysal

Today, I'm particularly excited because we're joined by someone I've had the pleasure of spending some time with during a trip to California – the incredibly talented Cathy Hillen-Rulloda. A true legend in the floral industry, Cathy’s dazzling career spans over 40 years. Not only is she a phenomenal designer whose work captivated audiences at the 1984 Olympics, but she's also a trailblazer in floral artistry, winning top honors in major competitions and inspiring audiences at over 300 industry events worldwide. Her stunning creations have not only graced top magazines but also earned her unique accolades, such as having a new Anthurium named "Cathy Rulloda" in 2022 in her honor. Beyond her artistic achievements, Cathy is a significant influencer and leader within the floral community. Her work and guidance have shaped and inspired countless individuals within the industry. It was great to take some time and chat about how she involved in a large florist chain of stores involved in the Olympics, dealing with floral allergies, creating a cohesive story for your customers, women influencing design stages, setting yourself apart from the competition, and the importance of truly connecting with your customers. Learn more about Cathy Hillen-Rulloda and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

I am thrilled to have a familiar face rejoin us – Steve from Sunflower Steve Seed Co. Many of you might remember Steve's inspiring story from his previous visit on The Flower Podcast. It all began in 2007 with a rogue, multi-colored, double-flowering sunflower in his cut flower field. Since their early days in 2000, Steve is at the forefront of creating unique and captivating sunflowers for cut flowers.  The journey from those 12 seeds planted in 2008 has led to an astonishing range of beautiful sunflowers that continue to captivate and inspire. Today, we are catching up with Steve and hearing more about his latest developments and his dedication to cultivating distinct sunflower varieties. Steve reminds us all of the impact one can have by following a passion with heart and creativity. So this week on The Flower Podcast we’re getting an update from the world of Sunflowers Steve.  Learn more about Sunflower Steve and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, IG Lives, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

After spending this week with the flower growing community of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, also know as ASCFG, I’ve come away more inspired and encouraged to see more growers and especially so many first time attendees to this very full conference. I’m Scott Shepherd and this is The Flower Podcast, where I love to chat with florists, floral designers, and flower farmers all over the world. Today I’d like to stress the importance of connection, connection between grower and designer or floral entrepreneurs. The ASCFG conference was very special this year as they celebrated their 35th anniversary, while also celebrating Judy Laushman which has been a part of the ASCFG since the very beginning and this year she’s retiring. When you see an organization like this and the tremendous impact it’s had not only on the flower farmers and growers, but on the entire floriculture community all across North America and continues to reach around the world. What started with Dr. Alan Armitage and Judy Laushman at the University of Georgia 35 years ago has sent ripples out and impacted lives of growers and florists for years to come. Learn more about the ASCFG and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Imagine growing up among tulips and lilies in the Netherlands, and then taking that green thumb all the way to building the first Dutch Glass greenhouse in California. From managing the growth of flowers to CEO and President of Sun Valley Floral Farms, Lane DeVries has forged a path as a grower and is a reflection of his devotion to his craft. Over the years, Lane has served the floral community in a variety of positions such as Board of Directors at SAF, trustee for the American Floral Endowment, Chairman of the Board for the California Cut Flower Commission and serves on the Board of Directors for the Certified American Grown coalition. today we are talking about growing flowers, especially tulips and one of his favorite projects growing and hybridizing Ilex. In this episode, we chat about Sun Valley Floral Farms production of tulips, Ilex, Rosehips, and their newest crop butterfly ranunculus.  Learn more about Lane DeVries and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor

For those who might have missed their previous visit to our podcast, let me quickly reintroduce this great duo. They're not just flower farmers; they're visionaries in flower farming, dedicated to being the most sustainable flower shipping option in the U.S. Their mission of "Principles before Profit" has guided their journey from the beginning. Steve and Mandy O ’Shea’ s story of 3 Porch Farm is one of shared passions – for sustainable living, renewable energy, and of course, beautiful, farm-fresh flowers. Today, we're catching up with them to chat about their newest offerings —heirloom Chrysanthemums. Mums have taken a new spotlight in the last couple of years and it’s exciting to see an older flower can come to life again. We're chatting about it all including their new partnership with Farmer Bailey. I’m grateful to have Steve and Mandy share their journey through the pandemic, completely reorganizing their business model, and through it all finding new ways to encourage and inspire other flower farmers and florists with their ideals and flowers. Learn more about Steve and Mandy and 3 Porch Farm, their past episodes and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Listen to the original and bonus episode with Steve and Mandy O'Shea. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

A fourth-generation florist, J Schwanke is a flower expert, content producer, and professional speaker, and has not only made an mark within the flower community but has become a trusted voice and a source of inspiration for flower enthusiasts worldwide with a career that encompasses various facets of the floral industry. He is the host, creator, and producer of Life in Bloom, CEO of UBLOOM, and his company J Schwanke productions produces videos and books and he is here this week We're thrilled to have him as a guest on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about J and all of UBloom content, plus all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

My guest this week is a Horticultural Sales & Marketing strategist with a remarkable 30-year career journey, he has navigated through the world of retail, wholesale, import, and export, licensing, sales, and marketing and more. He has established three horticultural businesses, oversees operations in Australia and California, serves 300+ clients globally, and distributes flowers from over 200 local and oversees growers. I am chatting with Adrian Parsons from Helix Australia, an Australian owned and operated business specializing in the breeding, marketing and licensing of Waxflower and Boronia varieties. An industry favorite, Waxflower has become a major filler flower across the globe and Helix Australia is committed to supplying exciting varieties year around. Join me today in welcoming Adrian and a great discussion on growing and distributing the beautiful waxflower.  Learn more about Adrian and Helix Australia, plus all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

I am excited to introduce Bex Partridge of Botanical Tales in the UK. Specializing in creating sustainable, everlasting designs with dried flowers, Bex skillfully takes them through their lifecycle, from seed to breath-taking displays. We’re diving deep into the mesmerizing world of dried flowers, exploring the magic and technique of designing with these timeless beauties. We will also be chatting about Bex’s new partnership with Create Academy and her course that launched earlier this year called, “How To Create Forever Flowers”. Stay tuned for an episode filled with inspiration, creativity, and the beauty of nature, captured forever in awe-inspiring designs with dried flowers. Learn more about Bex, plus all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

Today’s guest is John Mark Sharpe and his business John Mark Enterprises is located in Germantown, Tennessee outside of Memphis. In 2009, with Gran's encouragement, John Mark took the leap and started John Mark Enterprises. He began by selling mesh wreaths, reaching out to retail booths, holiday shows, and anyone in his family and friend circle. John Mark has come a long way since those wreath-selling days and has nurtured his business for 14 years, and he believes they're just getting started on an exciting journey. It was great to chat about how he grew his business, he mentions the different facets he focuses on, hiring employees, and so much more. Learn more about John Mark, plus all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

In this episode, we'll introduce you to a seasoned flower farmer who has not only cultivated breathtaking blooms but has also opened the gates to their "Pick Your Own Flower Farm.” My guest is Nikki Bartley of Cross Street Flower Farm and she shares her insights and experiences, offering a glimpse into the joy and challenges of her floral haven on preserved town-owned farmland at the 300-year-old Jacob’s Farm in the beautiful, New England town of Norwell, Massachusetts. But there's more to it than just picking petals. We'll learn about the meticulous care, sustainable practices, and the connection with nature and the community that comes with managing a flower farm with CSA’s, wholesale customers, and yes “Pick Your Own Flowers” and there’s even a barn shop on the property too. So we hope you enjoy this heart felt episode this week.  Learn more about Nikki and Cross Street Flower Farm, plus all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live’s, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop