This week, my guest’s story began with a high school internship that led her down a surprising path into farming vegetables and a personal interest in the beauty of flowers and the joy of sharing them with others. Somewhere along the way she became flower obsessed, growing well over one hundred different varieties. At Whipstone Farm, Shanti Rade and her partner, Cory have found a love of farming in Arizona. Shanti is the go-to person for crop planning, seed starting, and all things related to flowers. In addition, she plays a crucial role in managing the farm's office and marketing efforts, although her heart truly lies in the great outdoors, where she'd rather be hands deep in the soil. Join me now as we explore the floral journey of Shanti and the intricacies of farming, from understanding local demand to managing labor costs and balancing passion with profitability. Learn more about Shanti 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

Meet our guest of the week, Lauren Uhlig of FlorxEight! Join us as we dive into her incredible journey as a full-time architect turned passionate rose enthusiast. Since planting her first roses in 2017, her urban Maryland backyard is now blooming with nearly 200 rose plants. Sharing the love with local florists, Lauren is also fostering a sense of community around her favorite flowers and inspiring others to embrace the joy of growing roses. I hope you are encouraged by Lauren’s journey into roses and although it’s not a large space or full time career (yet!), if you love flowers find something that will grow in your area and give it a go! Lauren will soon be launching her online course, Ready, Set, Roses. If you are a beginner thinking about growing roses or an avid grower looking to add roses to your farm, Lauren’s course will cover from the basics of roses, planning and planting your roses, to pre and post harvest care and maintenance, Visit our guest page at theflowerpodcast.com and follow the link. Lauren is offering 20% off for the first 50 people. And don’t forget is the perfect time to plant your roses so they can get established before winter and have earlier blooms next spring! Visit www.HeirloomRoses.com and take 20% any rose order today with code FLOWERS20 now through October 31, 2023. It's time to start growing roses the way nature intended, on their own healthy root systems at HeirloomRoses.com . Learn more about Lauren 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 Heirloom Roses  

If you have a deep desire to craft vibrant weddings and intricate designs, then you're in for a captivating discussion with Dawn Weisberg. She's the visionary behind Tularosa Flowers, located in Southern California, where she curates opulent wedding experiences and designs. With a rich background in costume design for theater and film, Dawn seamlessly translates her passion into beautiful floral artistry. A quote from Dawn says it all: "Tularosa Flowers is the maximum expression of what happens when wild, seasonal, delicious tapestry of color, texture, and scent are all interwoven together to produce extraordinary designs that are loaded with heart, passion, and her artistic vision." I'm thrilled to share this chat where Dawn candidly shares her insights, serving as a wellspring of inspiration and much more on this week’s episode of The Flower Podcast. In this episode Dawn highlighted how she was able to grow her business through styled shoots, that showcases her work and creativity in designing and planning weddings or events. These style shoots can serve as a portfolio and a way to attract potential clients who are looking for similar services. Dawn also emphasized the significance of exceeding her customers' expectations when it comes to luxury weddings. Over-delivering on the clients' visions means going above and beyond to make sure their dream wedding or event becomes a reality, even surpassing what they initially imagined. This attention to detail and commitment to providing exceptional service can lead to happy clients, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and a solid reputation in the industry. Overall, Dawn's insights suggest that she's passionate about her work, and she understands the value of creativity, hard work, and customer satisfaction in the world of weddings floristry.  Learn more about Dawn 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 Farmer Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop

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, violas, and bearded iris. That’s not all that she grows, but are definitely some of her favorites. Learn more about Brenna 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 Alaska Peony Cooperative

This week’s guest started her floral studio as a little flower shop with the sole inspiration to make people happy via beautiful flower arrangements. With minimal flower experience, a passion for flowers and determination, The Hidden Garden has become a phenomenal design studio with a strong presence in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. How inspiring is it to know that a business began with a desire to simply make people happy. Well,I am truly happy to share the floral journey of my guest, Amy Child Marella this week on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Amy 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 Alaska Peony Cooperative

This week’s episode is with Galena Berkompas and the name of her business says it all, Micro Flower Farm. Just a few years ago she began with the goal of trying to fill her property in Vancouver Washington, with all the flowers she could which then morphed into a business selling her flowers and helping others do the same and this week she’s sharing her journey on The Flower Podcast. It was great to chat about: Prioritizing what you grow and focusing on high value flowers. The importance of good quality compost. Benefits of no till growing in a small space. Finding multiple streams of income. Learn more about Galena 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 Alaska Peony Cooperative

This week my guest is Erica Penn located in Portland TN. She’s been growing flowers for several years, but recently relocated from the Philadelphia area to my back yard and it’s been a pleasure to get to know her and her beautiful flowers, especially dahlias. Her business is called Fleur Paws Flower Farm where she cultivated flowers with the help of her Golden Retrievers. Seeing her flowers first hand on a regular basis, I’m thrilled Erica’s my guest this week. In this episode, Erica shares about moving her flower farm to the South, the importance of soil testing, and growing dahlias in heat and sun pressure. Learn more about Erica 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 Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop  Alaska Peony Cooperative

Our guest this week is Craig Scott of East Coast Wildflower located in the NSW Central Coast of Australia. Craig began farming with his father in 1984 growing both cut flowers and foliages for florists. Their wholesale business distributes floral products through the Sydney Flower Market. East Coast Wildflowers is one of Australia’s leading wholesalers specializing in Australian wildflowers and South African Proteaceae. They source cultivated flowers and foliage from many states in Australia. In this episode we chat about: How they started East Coast Wildflowers The importance of growing wildflowers Care of Banksia, Protea, and Grevillea Growing Ptilotus and Actinotus Learn more about Craig 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 Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

In this episode, we dive into the world of flower care, exploring products to ensure the well-being of blooms before they reach our valued clients. My guest has an impressive career spanning nearly forty years in the horticultural industry. Dennis Wheeler currently serves as Sales Manager with Chrysal a global leader in post-harvest care for the past 29 years. Dennis embarked on his professional journey at a renowned greenhouse grower, where he dedicated himself to refining his expertise in the field. Working in production, Dennis acquired invaluable hands-on experience and developed a profound understanding of the intricate processes involved in the cultivation and nurturing of plants. Dennis then transitioned into the world of sales where he spent three years with a prominent fresh cuts importer from Colombia, which provided him with the opportunity to expand his knowledge of the flower industry and cultivate key relationships. Dennis has become a trusted expert, consulting growers, wholesalers, and retailers on post-harvest care and handling. So, let's get started, we’re talking all things Chrysal, and learning how to unlock the full potential of our flowers! Learn more about Dennis and Chrysal, 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, IG Lives, and video extras.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

My guest this week is a 2nd generation grower carrying on the family tradition of embracing innovation and sustainable growing practices to ensure the highest quality Phalaenopsis orchids are produced. Now growing and selling over 4 million orchids a year, Toine Overgaag of Westerlay Orchids is sharing his family’s flower journey from roses to orchids, tips on growing Phals, and what’s next as their business continues to grow and innovate. Learn more about Toine and Westerlay Orchids, 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, IG Lives, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

This week’s guest is Dr. Alicain Carlson she is the head to technical services for Syngenta Flowers. Her story begins with flower farmings and floral design work at Lynnvale Studios while in college. She received her masters and PHD at North Caroline State University in the cut flower research program with Dr John Dole where she also co wrote the book Postharvest handling of Cut flowers and greens. Today we’re talking about the process of creating new cut flowers, growing mums, and what new flowers are coming for 2024 and it’s all happening this week on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Alicain and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com You can subscribe to The Flower Podcast 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 Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

My guest is Mandy Benoit,owner of Trillium Floral Designs. A full service flower shop located in Ottawa, Canada, Mandy has over 20 years of experience and in 2020 took over the family business shortly after the pandemic started. Using her background in multimedia design and writing for a Canadian florist magazine, Mandy pulls from all of these and adds a personal touch to the established business.  She continues to find ways to grow Trillium and help other small businesses in her community. This week,  Mandy shares her floral journey and we dive into an area not usually discussed on The Flower Podcast, Employees. Mandy shares her hiring process and creating a dynamic floral team pulling from each others strengths and areas to improve. Learn more about Mandy 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 Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

Karl Vahrmeyer Jr. is our guest this week. He is part of the second generation that’s continuing the family legecy at Green Park Nurseries on the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, Canada where they grow and sell branches. Karl Sr. started the nursery in 1980 where he grew trees and plants for garden centers and nurseries. In the early 2000s, they started growing only cut branches for the floral industry. So, this week we're talking about everything from pussy willow to 9 bark on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Karl 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 Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

I'm always surprised by how flowers can find people and change their lives for good. This week, Kim Kachougian is my guest. She is the owner and lead creator of a flower design company in New York City called Mac and the Mushroom. Flowers found her through the set design on the one and only Saturday Night Live, where she has been for over 10 years. Kim has won 4 Emmy Awards for her attention to detail and ability to work under pressure, and I'm excited to share her story on this week’s episode of The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Kim 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 Plugs Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

This week we're replaying our episode with our guest Felicia Alvarez of Menagerie Farm and Flower. She shares her love of fragrant garden roses through her sustainable farming practices, her specialty farm nursery, and helping others through online learning and in person workshops through the Menagerie Academy. Today’s episode is packed full of growing tips , how-to’s and why’s from Felicia. Learn more about Felicia and all of our past guests on TheFlowerPodcast.com Visit Felicia's Page on our website. Also 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 Alaska Peony Cooperative

My guest is Sandra Sigman, award winning floral designer, owner of Les Fleurs, and author. She has recently launched her first book, French Blooms 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're excited to have Sandra share her journey into the world of flowers and many of the lessons that has brought her success in her business. Following her passions, love of flowers, and willingness to never give up she has grown her brand and grown her community of clients that appreciate her love of France.  Learn more about Sandra 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 Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

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. Visit our latest guest blog post 2022 Year In Review from Rooted Farmers. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

My guest today is Jen Vazquez, Founder and CPO, Chief Pinterest Officer, of Jen Vazquez Media. Jen worked as a Division Director for a Fortune 500 company and continued on to create her wedding photography business and then, Pinterest arrived on the scene. Her world changed because of Pinterest and today, some refer to her as the Pinterest queen, she started Jen Vazquez Media where she helps others market their business using this visual platform. Pinterest is a social media platform where users can discover, share, and save ideas for various interests and projects. With a visually appealing interface, Pinterest allows users to browse through millions of images and videos, create personalized boards, and connect with others who share similar ideas and interests but how do we use this great platform to market our business. Jen shares in this episode many tips and techniques to help grow your business using Pinterest. You might want to grab some paper or take notes on your phone. Flowers and Pinterest go hand in hand reaching clients for your flowers, weddings, and events. Learn more about Jen and all of her links to her websites, podcast, and social places in addition to 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. Check out The Flower Podcast Pinterest Page. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

This weeks guest is Daniel Schavey Co-Founder of Petal Pickers Flower Co., began in 2017, as a small farm operation specializing in growing fresh and fragrant, often heirloom, varieties of specialty cut flowers.  They supply fresh seasonal cut flowers, distinctive bouquets, and botanicals to retail establishments and floral studios in the greater Greenville, SC area. It was great to connect with Daniel and chat about many topics surrounding flower farming and his journey with flowers, especially growing flowers. Our conversation covers the importance of on-line learning, connecting with your customers, building relationships with other farmers in your area, and a ton more.  Courses mentioned by Daniel: Floret The Gardeners Workshop The Tulip Workshop Learn more about 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, 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.  Visit our latest Blog post 2022 Year In Review from Rooted Farmers.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

Our guest this week considers herself self-made and having bootstrapped her business with no funding from anyone, she got very creative. Well it was with that attitude, fortitude, and $200 that started out as a daily delivery service based out of her small apartment and grew into a bicoastal, floral studio. She hustled and eventually was doing events and speaking gigs all over the country! Carly Cylinder, owner of Flour LA, Inc a florist that conducts business in LA, NYC, and Nashville now. Her first book The Flower Chef was published in March 2016 and named Best Books by Amazon. She is the host of The Flower Kitchen on Bluprint (NBC Universal). Vogue named Carly and Flour LA as one of the best flower classes in the country and she is here today to discuss business, changing your thinking, and her key to success and this week she’s on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Carly 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 Chrysal  Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

This week our guest is David Beahm and we’re talking all about the wow factor and making dreams into realities. David is an expert at transforming venues both in the United States and throughout the globe. His destinations collection features some of the most luxurious and exclusive properties in the world, setting the stage for any event a client can imagine. He truly makes a client’s dream a reality. It is a motivating lesson about putting yourself out there, blocking out the negative self talk, and having the courage to simply do it. You really must give it a go. It's all about taking an experience to the next level, and this week it's a David Beahm Experience. Learn more about David 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.  Visit our latest guest blog post, 2022 Year In Review from Rooted Farmers.  Sponsors of The Flower Podcast  ASCFG Farmer Bailey Chrysal Rooted Farmers  Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative

A conversation about flower farming wouldn’t be complete without discussing pricing. Having a pricing structure is vital not only for profit success but as we have discussed many times over the years, pricing can be a major source of stress but with proper structure in place, pricing doesn’t have to be a dreaded part of your flower farm. This is part 2 of my chat with Kimby Decker of Millsap Farm but now we are joined by Amelia Ihlo, Founder of Rooted Farmers to discuss their approach to pricing and how it has evolved over the years. Amelia will also share a little about the new pricing tool and its functions and why they saw a need for it in the flower market. I know these aren’t always the most fun conversations, but I love Amelia’s helpful attitude and her continuous efforts to make our flower lives more efficient and certainly easier to source and sell flowers. You can listen to Episode 207 with Kimby by visiting her guest page. Rooted Farmers has a special offer for our listeners. This year, they are offering $75.00 off any plan you choose. Simply Use the code: TFP23 and enjoy the savings and the flowers. Go to Rooted Farmers and choose the plan that works for you. Visit our latest guest blog post 2022 Year In Review from Rooted Farmers. 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, 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 The Gardeners Workshop Alaska Peony Cooperative    

I'm still amazed at how flowers are being used in so many inventive ways! Flowers can be used to create beautiful and one-of-a-kind pieces in everything from fashion and design to art and decor and even edibles. It's exciting to see how one natural element can be used in different ways, and my guest today is known for creating lavish floral designs that look like they were lifted from a classical painting, but with a unique difference...handmade sugar flowers that truly look like real ones. Natasja Sadi, a well-known floral artist, designs flower arrangements and sculpts sugar flowers from her studio in Amsterdam. She travels the world teaching floral design and sugar flower artistry, and she is now sharing her floral journey on the flower podcast. So let's get started and learn how a quest to pursue nature and a birthday cake sparked her interest in sugar flowers Learn more about Natasja 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. If you're looking for a flower farmer in your area try LocalFlowers.org!! Sponsors of The Flower Podcast  ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Chrysal Real Flower Business Alaska Peony Cooperative The Gardeners Workshop

The shift from growing vegetables to flowers, or even just adding flowers to your farm's inventory, may appear to be an insurmountable challenge; however, flowers may prove to be an invaluable asset to your growing business. My guest for this week is going to share with us her experience with expanding the farm to include flowers, as well as what this expansion has meant for the company's sales and their connection to the community. Kimby Decker, the farm manager at Millsap Farm located close to Springfield, Missouri, is talking about her experience growing flowers on the farm and the natural progression of those flowers into the market. We also have chat about a wonderful addition on the farm, the Pizza Club. The farm’s mission is to grow food and flowers that connect people to community and creation. On this week's episode of the flower podcast, yes, we will be discussing flowers, farming, and pizza. Learn more about Kimby 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 Rooted Farmers Chrysal Real Flower Business Alaska Peony Cooperative  

Today my guest is Emily von Trapp and her business is von Trapp Flowers located it Waitsfield Vermont. Emily is the third generation to grow and cultivate on her family’s land and has been selling sustainably grown flowers in Central Vermont for over 25 years. I have to admit that I was amazed at the amount of flowers she produces and I’m thrilled to have Emily this week on The Flower Podcast. Emily von Trapp is a year round flower farmer and this year she will sustainably grows over 175,000 specialty winter tulips, in addition to many varieties of annual and perennial cut flowers in Waitsfield, Vermont. The daughter of a horticulturist and self-taught master gardener, she grew up surrounded by her parents' gorgeous gardens and blooms at the von Trapp Greenhouse. She has been selling sustainably grown seasonal flowers in the form of Market Bouquets to markets in Central Vermont for over 25 years. Emily sells her flowers to 15 markets and shops throughout Central Vermont and also through a Winter Tulip Bouquet CSA.  Learn more about Emily, von Trapp Flowers, and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Visit LocalFlowers.org to find flower farmers and ASCFG members in your area. 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 Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Chrysal Alaska Peony Cooperative

As members of the floral community, we can help and inspire one another to grow as individuals and in our respective fields. This week's guest is a great example of the floral community. I had the chance to catch up with Sue McLeary this summer, and now that the publication of her new book is just around the corner, I'm thrilled to have her back on The Flower Podcast. We are discussing The beauty of flowers, the strength of curiosity, the influence one may have on others, and much more. Sue McLeary has been a guest previously, and I invite you listen to her episodes especially our bonus episode. Links below: Susan McLeary: Her Passion with Flowers Foam Free Design Bonus The Art of Wearable Flowers Learn more about Sue 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 Chrysal Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor Alaska Peony Cooperative

Many flower farmers are expanding into the wedding industry as well as florist that may not have been offering wedding design. I invited Alison Ellis to return to the podcast. Alison is the founder of realflowerbusiness.com, creator of Flower Math, and author of Falling Into Flowers, A step-by-step guide to today’s modern wedding business. She’s a floral designer and educator who teaches florists around the world how to increase their income and find more freedom in their small business with honest, actionable strategies and step-by-step courses. We're discussing how you can use weddings to help supplement a floral farm's income or even become the primary source of revenue for those looking to establish themselves in the wedding industry. Learn more about Alison 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! We're also on YouTube!!  You can 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 Chrysal

We’re starting our season with Megan Hurley as our very first guest of 2023. Being an entrepreneur may be challenging, particularly when we launch our company out of a deep-seated passion for a particular field, such as flowers, growing, or even the planning of weddings and other events. Megan has the unique blend of a chief operating officer's (COO) brains and a chief executive officer's (CEO) heart. She started off as a wedding coordinator, but quickly expanded into a role that included much more. She specializes in process improvements, leadership coaching, and market innovation as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs. Megan shares her insightful knowledge and experience in business transformation this week on The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Megan 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 Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Society of American Florists

This is the time of year we’re all surrounded by people, decorating, shopping for presents, attending parties, and of course, spending time with family. This time of year may be quite tough for some people for a variety of reasons. This week, I contacted Holly Chapple. Holly is well-known for her wedding and events, her Chapple designer community, FlowerStock, her partnership with Syndicate Sales, and so much more. I'm honored that she's been on our podcast three times before, and this year has been really tough for Holly and her whole family with the loss of her husband Evan in June. Because so many people care about the Chapple family, I reached out to her to ask if she was okay with providing us an update on how they're doing and what's in store for them in 2023. Today, Holly discusses some of her experiences throughout this crisis, including the process of picking up the pieces and how they're attempting to move ahead. Today isn't so much about flowers as it is about life and coping with enormous loss. Thank you for being so courageous Holly. Learn more about Holly, her past episodes, 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

It’s always fun to host florists here on our podcast and I’m really happy to have Alex Vaughan and Quinn Kiesow of FLWR located in Nashville, TN. They both bring years of experience to their shop where Alex is creative director and Quinn works with operations, logistics, and is a general rigging guru. They have a retail flower business that services daily deliveries, wedding and events, and are now starting to grow some of their own products. I’ve first hand seen them in action and have found them to be a true lover of flowers and creators of beauty and I’m thrilled to have them on the flower Podcast. Learn more about Alex and Quinn 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference  

Who doesn’t love an awesome comeback! Although we may not think of a comeback in flowers, I am looking at the mum as the next big flower trend. In years past the chrysanthemum was the staple corsage for homecoming on the football field, and the inexpensive filler for florists. Today, our domestic flower farmers are working hard to preserve this beauty, and at the same time, they are increasing their production of new varieties and heirlooms. My guests this week, Jessica Hall and Stephanie Duncan of Harmony Harvest Farm share their latest growing season of mums, flower farming, floral frogs, and new mum varieties on the horizon. In today’s chat: * Mums are a perfect extension at the end of dahlia season * Heirloom garden mum, royalty free varieties, propagation * Keep in mind Early, midseason, and late blooming varieties for planning * Remember June 15th is an important date for planning because of day length changes. * Don’t let perfect stand in the way of good. Learn more about Jessica and Stephanie along with 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

I'm overjoyed that urban flower farming is becoming more popular. This week, we're talking with Mimo Davis and Miranda Duschack of Urban Buds City Grown Flowers in St. Louis about how they started on this amazing historic land, creating multiple revenue streams and community impact. In this episdoe we chat about: - How their flower journeys began - The history of the land they grow on - Pre-pandemic Sales Channels - Pivoting through the pandemic - Farmers Market Pricing -ASCFG - The importance of using grants   Learn more about Mimo and Miranda with 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Today we talking about cooperatives and collectives with two guests that represent a growing segment in our flower farming communities. We’re excited to have Jill Shea of the Connecticut Flower Collective and Justine McFarland of the River City Flower Exchange this week on the podcast. Both manage two different models where farmers are working together to reach their community and area with the flowers they grow. Both Jill and Justine share a their experiences and thoughts for those of you interested in starting a co-op or similar type of model, plus I think if you’re a florist it might give you some insight into how we can help support our flower farmers. Learn more about Jill and Justine with 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Hi Flower Friends!! This week we’re diving into The Flower Podcast archive to share one of our episodes from the past! Our episode with Laura Dowling was one our listeners favorites. Laura was the Chief floral designer at the White House from 2009 until 2015. As the creative director for flowers and decor, she managed White House floral design for thousands of official and private events, including state dinners, parties, receptions and large-scale installations like the iconic White House Christmas. Laura has written several books and speaks regularly at flower and garden events and this week she’s on the flower podcast. Learn more about Laura 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference  

I am thrilled to have Dr. Solomon Leong as a guest this week.   His honors are most impressive including awards, workshops, exhibits, demonstrations, books, a creative consultant, and extensive media attention. Dr. Solomon Leong AIFD is the director of SOLOMON BLOEMEN, a prominent Hong Kong-based bespoke design firm. As a doctor of philosophy in cultural studies, Solomon offers his understanding of cultures and history in connection to floral art, and we explore his unique approach to floral design and workmanship on this week's Flower Podcast. Learn more about Solomon 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Dave Dowling returns to our podcast this week. Dave has over 20 years of experience flower farming and now works for BaLL Colorlink as an advisor to cut flower growers across North America for small to medium sized farms. This week it is great to chat with Dave again and discuss the importance of knowing who your customers are before planning your crops. We also chatted about the importance of maintaining quality and standards that your customers can rely on. Episode 146 contains our first interview with Dave from Season 7. Learn more about Dave 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Our guest this week is Eddie Gordon, third generation farmer at Gordon Skagit Farm known for their amazing collection of heirloom pumpkins that they grow. It was great to hear about how Gordon’s evolved into a destination during this time of year. With over 120 varieties they’re constantly trying new pumpkins for color, texture, and form. If you haven’t seen Floret’s Favorite Specialty Pumpkin Guide we’re including a link here and on our website on Eddie’s page. It’s a stunning collection of varieties and images sure to get you even more excited about pumpkins. Learn more about Eddie 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Melanie Stapleton is the owner of Cecilia Fox, an award-winning creative floral studio based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand). Their studio was founded in 2006 on Wurundjeri country in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia, where they have thrived on community and collaboration. Cecilia Fox is committed to following more sustainable floristry practices. They work with local growers, gardeners and foragers whenever possible, and guide their customers towards what’s in season rather than what’s on trend. They don’t use any floral foam, avoid plastics and all their carefully sourced materials are composted at the end of their lives. Melanie is an Ambassador of the Sustainability Floristry Network and practices foam free designs. It was great to finally connect with Melanie and hear her journey to sustainability, her experiences starting her business over again, and so much more. Learn more about the Sustainable Floristry Network Episode 159 Sustainable Foraging with Becky Feasby of Prairie Girl Flowers Learn more about Melanie 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

This week’s guest is Steve Kaufer also know as Sunflower Steve. It was great to learn more about Steve’s flower journey, his cut flower farm, and the discovery of the new sunflower he’s developing. Steve shares about the various crops they grow, how they harvest and process sunflowers, and the process of developing new sunflowers. 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG

This week’s guest is Amanda Luu, owner of Studio Mondine. Studio Mondine is a San Francisco based floral design studio which seeks to balance the simplicity of Japanese ikebana with the abundance of western style flower arranging. It was wonderful to learn about how Amanda found her way into the floral world and how Studio Mondine has grown. Amanda shares about the strengths of her team, the art behind Ikebana, creating a suitability impact report for their business, and so much more. Learn more about Amanda 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

In this week’s episode of The Flower Podcast, Scott shares many of the Superpowers of Flower Farmers. There are countless benefits for utilizing local flower farmers for florists and wedding professionals. Benefits Scott shares: Environmental Ability to cut flowers at the best cut stage Growing a wide variety of flowers Specialize in seasonal flowers Taping into popular colors Pivoting with crops more easily Embrace new flower trends   Learn more about 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Creative entrepreneurs often have challenges balancing their creativity with the demands of day to day business activities. Our guest this week has more than 30 years experience designing, managing and marketing her own floral business. Christi Lopez AIFD EMC now helps coach floral entrepreneurs by helping them overcome negative mindsets and other obstacles that hold them back from growing their business to their full potential. In this episode we have fun chatting about starting new habits for business growth, growing our own potential, and how to get the yes when selling weddings, events, or flowers in your flower shop or farmers market. Learn more about Christ, her business, and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe to The Flower Podcast 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Jacin Fitzgerald Events began in 2009 and has grown to be included on the list of the “World’s Top Planners” year after year. Jacin truly has a passion for planning and designing extraordinary events and celebrations around the world. I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to connect with Jacin while I lived in Atlanta, where she lives too. She truly has a gift for hospitality and a love for flowers. She is respected by her piers and clients for producing luxury weddings and events with attention to every detail. Jacin shares her story of how she began her flower journey and the challenges she overcame growing her business and luxury brand. Learn more about Jacin 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Brenna Quan is a designer who loves the creative aspect of floristry. Her artistic expression developed in her youth, studying dance and theatre, which eventually landed her on stages across the United States and Canada as a professional dancer and choreographer. It was during this time she discovered the real emotional connection between flowers & the human spirit, sparking her interest in developing the skills needed to create this form of art. With years of experience in retail, wholesale, weddings and events, she is now an award-winning floral artist and educator based in Vancouver, Canada. Brenna is recognized for her detailed design work in public exhibitions such as Fleurs de Villes shows, as well as imaginative pieces shared in demonstrations, on her social media platform and in various floral art book compilations. As a competitor, some notable accolades include 1st place in the 2016 & 2019 Pacific NW Design Competitions, 1st place in the 2019 Maple Leaf Cup & the first runner up in 2016 Gateway to the Americas Cup, representing Canada. An active member of the American Institute of Floral Designers, Brenna has been a main stage presenter for the National Symposiums in 2016 and also this past July in Las Vegas. She has been a regular contributor to Florists’ Review magazine, Fleurvana Summits, Hawaii Floriculture & Nursery Association’s Wedding Celebrations webinars and other educational video series. Knowledge sharing, inspiring creativity and evolving her style and design methods keep her energized! Learn more about Brenna and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Some of the other designers mentioned in this episode.  These are the links to their episode on The Flower Podcast. Hitomi Gilliam AIFD Eric Tanouye, Green Point Nursery Susan Mcleary Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD 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 Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

My guest this week is Bailey Hale and he has been on my guest bucket list since the very beginning of our podcast 4 years ago. So you can imagine how excited I was to sit down for an interview at the ASCFG conference earlier this month. Bailey is no stranger to the cut flower community and his passion for flowers, farming, and introducing new cut flowers is inspiring. He shares about the beginnings of Ardelia Farm and Company, Farmer Bailey Plugs, and their move to Portugal on today’s episode of The Flower Podcast. Learn more about Bailey and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com We also spoke about previous guests Frank and Pamela Arnosky of Episode 142 from last summer.  A great listen!! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Visit to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, IG Lives, and video extras.   Be sure to subscribe! We are grateful for the Sponsors of The Flower Podcast. Curate Accent Decor The Gardeners Workshop Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Rooted Farmers ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Our guests this week are Ace Berry AIFD PFCI and Patience Pickner AIFD PFCI, both are florists in different part of our country and have teamed up to offer a learning experience called Inspired Design. The episode is packed with sound insights into their own floral experiences and the lessons they’ve learned while growing their florist businesses and paying their opportunities forward. Ace Berry AIFD, PFCI, CFD, TMF, worked in the oil fields of Texas for 5 years before finding his true passion .....FLOWERS!!! He recently opened his own Floral shop in Fulshear, Texas. He Earned his Texas Master Florist in 2012 and has travelled the country taking classes and working with some of the best designers in the world! Ace was also cast on Reality show Full Bloom which is a floral competition on HBO Max where Ace was the runner up. Patience Pickner AIFD, PFCI, SDCF lives in Chamberlain SD, a picturesque town located on the banks of the beautiful Missouri River.  Purchasing a bankrupt flower shop in 1998, she quickly turned it around by specializing in customer service, super fresh flowers and unique designs....and also by adding lots of wonderful home décor items.  Learn more about Ace and Patience with 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 Curate Accent Decor Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Society of American Florists ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Last week I had the opportunity to meet my guest this week at the ASCFG conference. I can say that he genuinely is making every effort to impact the community that he chose to make home in the south-side of Chicago. Quilen Blackwell and his wife Hannah, are the founders of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms in the Englewood area of Chicago where they have encountered hardcore inner-city poverty and it’s effect specifically on the young residents there. Today Quilen shares how his passion for the inner city became the foundation for the organization that brings life to people by sowing love into a community through flowers. Learn more about Quilen 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. Thanks to the Sponsors of The Flower Podcast Curate Accent Decor Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Society of American Florists ASCFG Intrigued Experience Conference

Hi! I’m Scott Shepherd and I want to welcome you to this special episode of The Flower Podcast, where I have conversations with floral professionals from farmers to florists of all kinds. We’ve been on our summer break and I’m really excited for the beginning of our new season next week and wanted to share my conversation on Instagram with Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers. During the recent strikes in Ecuador, with all of its supply distributions issues, Ellen and I connected and thought it would be a good time to chat about sourcing, growing, and selling local garden roses. If you’re new to our podcast Ellen shares her story and love of local flowers on Episode 106 which released in the fall of 2020. She always has great insights since she operates her floral business using local blooms exclusively. I was happy when Ellen reached out to me and wanted to go LIVE on Instagram sharing her experiences working with local roses and rose growers. Next week launches our new season and I want to invite you to subscribe to our podcast on your podcast app of choice. It’s hard to believe that we just had our 4 year anniversary and so excited to have you as part of our life. You can learn more about all of past guests, including the original episode with Ellen, and all of our blog posts at theflowerpodcast.com Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, IG Lives, and video extras. We're grateful for the support of our sponsors of The Flower Podcast!! Curate Accent Decor ASCFG Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Society of American Florists Intrigued Experience Conference