The Cut Flower Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

In this conversation, Roz discusses the challenges of maintaining a cutting garden in November, emphasizing the importance of preparation for the upcoming year.

 She highlights the need for protection, planting, and overall garden maintenance during this damp and chilly month.

Takeaways

Preparation in November is crucial for next year's success.
Protecting plants is essential during colder months.
Planting in November can set the stage for spring blooms.
Garden maintenance should not be overlooked in November.
Enjoying the process can make gardening more rewarding.
Planning ahead is key to a successful cutting garden.

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

This conversation delves into the multifaceted world of flower farming, emphasizing that it is not merely a passion for beauty but a complex business that requires careful management of various elements such as weather, sales, and marketing. The discussion highlights the importance of establishing a solid foundation for success and profitability in this field.

We would love you to join our Blooming Business Bootcamp which is taking place between the 17th to 20th November. To join click here

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, we’re joined by Phil Johnson, sweet pea expert and the grower behind English Sweet Peas. Phil shares his lifelong connection to these delicate, nostalgic blooms—starting from age nine—and how that early passion grew into a celebrated career.

We explore:

• His journey from hobbyist to head of English Sweet Peas
• The release of his new book, A World of Sweet Peas
• Receiving the Henry Eckford Memorial Medal—a high honour in the sweet pea world
• The real challenges climate change poses to growing and breeding sweet peas today
• His ongoing work to create new varieties, including the dream of a yellow sweet pea
• Why moisture matters and how successional sowing can keep blooms coming
• How sweet peas carry deep emotional ties and memories for so many

Plus, Phil reflects on his Chelsea Flower Show milestone and offers practical advice for anyone wanting to grow sweet peas successfully.

Whether you’re a seasoned flower grower or just discovering the magic of sweet peas, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, heart, and horticultural passion.

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

In this episode, Roz  engages in a conversation with Ashley Edwards, a dedicated gardener and garden therapist. Their discussion revolves around the therapeutic influence of gardens on mental and emotional well-being, with a focus on the inspiring work done by Horatio's Garden, a charity building accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centres.

The Healing Essence of Gardens:
Ashley underscores the remarkable power of gardens to alleviate stress, anxiety, and establish a serene connection with nature. He emphasises how gardens at Horatio's Garden, specifically designed for accessibility, have the potential to profoundly impact the lives of patients recovering from life-changing injuries, offering them both solace and motivation.

Horatio's Garden: A Sanctuary of Tranquility:
The charity's mission is to create fully accessible gardens in every NHS spinal unit across the country. These gardens serve as sanctuaries of healing, providing patients with spaces to reflect, rejuvenate, and engage in nature's therapeutic embrace.

Crafting Accessible Gardens:
Designing gardens that cater to diverse mobility needs involves thoughtful consideration of factors like uneven surfaces and wheelchair accessibility. High-quality materials ensure both durability and aesthetic appeal, making these spaces inclusive for all.

Gardening Through Seasons and Independence:
Ashley shares insights about how the garden at Horatio's Garden is meticulously designed to maintain interest and beauty throughout the changing seasons. The therapy approach encourages patients' independence, allowing them to partake in gardening activities based on their unique abilities, nurturing a sense of achievement and pride.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:
Ashley reflects on his journey of learning and adaptation, particularly in understanding spinal injuries and varying patient needs. Overcoming perfectionism and embracing imperfections in gardening emerged as essential aspects of creating a welcoming and accommodating space.

Inspiration and Future Prospects:
Ashley draws inspiration from grassroots gardeners and community leaders who bring about positive transformations through horticultural initiatives. He expresses his desire to elevate the awareness of gardening as a skilled career and participate in more media platforms to foster broader understanding.

How to connect with Ashley:
If you're looking for more information about Ashley Edwards and his work, you can find him on Instagram at @plantsforwellbeing, where he shares posts about gardening, well-being, and his involvement with Horatio's Garden. Additionally, you can explore the Horatio's Garden website at www.horatiosgarden.org.uk to learn more about their charitable efforts and the accessible gardens they create for spinal injury centers.

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Join us in this engaging episode as Roz chats with Victoria Stanton, a passionate gardener, social media enthusiast, and aspiring garden designer. Victoria shares her journey into the world of gardening, her experiences with social media, her thoughts on sustainable design, and the positive impact of gardens on mental health.

Key Takeaways from today's episode:
Gardening and Family Influence:  Victoria's love for gardening was nurtured by her family, especially her grandparents who had a beautiful garden. Their influence led her to develop a deep appreciation for nature and plants.

The Power of Social Media: Victoria discusses how social media has played a crucial role in connecting garden enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to take up gardening. It has provided a platform to learn, collaborate, and create a positive impact on the environment.

Balancing Nature and Design: Victoria emphasises the importance of designing gardens that harmonise with nature rather than dominate it. She believes in creating spaces that support wildlife, biodiversity, and sustainability while also offering aesthetic appeal.

Gardens for Mental Health: The conversation delves into the therapeutic aspects of gardening and spending time in green spaces. Victoria highlights how gardens offer solace, purpose, and a connection to the natural world, contributing to improved mental well-being.

The Value of Horticultural Education: Victoria shares her experience pursuing an RHS Level 2 horticultural qualification and how it has enriched her understanding of plants and gardening techniques. She values the knowledge gained and the connections formed through the process.

Environmental Consciousness: Victoria's passion for the environment and sustainable living shines through. She discusses the significance of leaving plants to decay naturally, attracting pollinators, and creating balanced ecosystems in gardens.

Inspiring the Younger Generation: Victoria expresses her desire to encourage younger individuals to embrace gardening as a rewarding and accessible activity. She believes that breaking the stereotype of gardening being only for retirees is crucial for a healthier future.

Future Aspirations: Victoria shares her aspiration to become a garden designer and make a positive difference in outdoor spaces. She envisions creating gardens that prioritize well-being, biodiversity, and environmental consciousness.

Balancing Work and Family: As a stay-at-home mom, Victoria discusses the challenges of managing her social media presence while raising a family. She talks about the support of her husband and her commitment to inspiring others through her online platforms.

Nature's Influence: Victoria's love for woodland environments and water features is highlighted, showcasing her appreciation for the calming and inspiring qualities of nature.

This enlightening conversation with Victoria Stanton underscores the transformative power of gardens, the importance of sustainable design, and the positive impact of connecting through social media in the realm of horticulture. Whether you're an experienced gardener or new to the world of plants, you're sure to find inspiration in Victoria's journey and insights.

How to connect with Victoria: 
Instagram: @sprout.surrey 

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

In this engaging episode, Roz invites Helen Rogers, a passionate beekeeper and honey expert, to share her captivating journey from an engineering career to the world of bees.

Exploring Beekeeping:
Helen takes us on her beekeeping adventure, describing how her fascination with bees led her to start beekeeping. She emphasizes the crucial role bees play in pollination and the ecosystem, and explains the joys and challenges of setting up and managing beehives.

The Hive Dynamics:
Helen unravels the inner workings of a beehive, introducing us to the queen, workers, and drones. Each bee's unique role is vital for the hive's success. She also sheds light on the precious hive products like honey, beeswax, and propolis, which have various uses.

The Art of Honey Tasting:
Helen shares her enlightening experience of becoming a certified honey sommelier in Italy. She delves into the intricacies of identifying different single-origin honeys by their scent, flavor, and appearance, revealing the unique stories behind each.

Unveiling Honey Preferences:
Roz and Helen explore the art of honey tasting, discussing the diverse flavor profiles of honeys harvested from different sources. Helen emphasizes how personal memories often influence honey preferences, with people leaning towards honey from their local areas.

Honey and Culinary Pairings:
The conversation takes a delicious turn as Helen unveils the intriguing world of pairing honey with wine and cheese. She explains how the richness of certain honeys can complement the flavors of various cheeses, leading to delightful tasting experiences.

Lessons and Insights:
Helen opens up about the patience and learning required in beekeeping, admitting her own mistakes along the way. The significance of effective communication within a bee colony is stressed, along with the profound impact of Dave Goulson's work on bee conservation and environmental awareness.

Upcoming Plans:
Looking ahead, Helen shares her plans for in-person honey tasting workshops and new products in her online shop. Her commitment to teaching beginner beekeepers and fostering a bee-friendly community shines through.

Conclusion:
The episode wraps up with a shared fascination for the intelligence of bees and the captivating world of beekeeping. Roz and Helen express their mutual interest in honey tasting and potential collaborations.

Key Takeaways:

• Beekeeping is a rewarding journey requiring patience and continuous learning.
• Bees are vital for ecosystem health and successful pollination.
• Honey tasting involves recognizing unique scents, flavors, and appearances of various honeys.
• Hive communication and decision-making influence the harmony of bee colonies.
• Dave Goulson's work is a valuable resource for understanding bees and environmental conservation.

Helen Rogers Resources:
Social Media: @highgatehoney
Website: https://www.highgatehoney.com 

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast, In this solo session with Roz Chandler, we're diving into the world of hardy annuals. Roz explains the distinction between hardy and half-hardy annuals – hardy ones can endure winter frost, while half-hardy varieties need protection from the cold. She suggests focusing on mid to late August for half-hardy annuals. At Field Gate Flowers, they begin by sowing these in a tunnel and then transplant outside in September, allowing roots to establish before winter.

Covering different flower options, Roz shares her favourites: **Ammi Visnaga**, a hardy filler with lovely seed heads; **Calendulas** like Indian Prince, Snow Princess, and Pink Surprise; the striking **Cornflowers** including Centaurea cyanus (blackball) and Blue Diadem; the intriguing **Daucus carota** which is hardy biennial; and the elegant white lace **Orlaya grandiflora**. Some delicate hardy annuals like **Larkspur**, **Cerinthe**, **Antirrhinum** and **Californian Poppies** are best grown under cover for the winter.

Sweet peas also make an appearance! Roz advises starting them in November or December under cover or doing a spring sowing. Sweet peas might seem delicate, but they're actually hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to minus five. They can be sown in autumn, strengthened in spring, and sown again. Don't miss the episode where Roz chats with sweet pea expert Roger Parsons for more insights.

Roz emphasises the importance of planning your flower year, considering when to sow and whether to sow directly, under cover, or for spring. She teases the upcoming release of the 2024 Cut Flower Planter on Amazon. Your feedback is appreciated, so make sure to rate and review the podcast. Until next time, happy gardening and flower growing!

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

In this weeks episode, Roz and special guest Hannah Benson discuss Hannah's journey as a young flower farmer in Lincolnshire, UK. Hannah shares her background, defying the average age for flower farmers, and talks about her shift from vegetables to growing flowers.

She highlights the challenges of pricing and selling flowers in a competitive market, especially in Lincolnshire. Hannah manages her flower farm mostly on her own with occasional help from her dad and considers hiring additional assistance for administrative tasks and social media.

She discusses the potential of expanding her business and embracing new flower varieties to drive industry trends. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of staying ahead of the market and maintaining relevance in the flower farming industry.

Key takeaways from today's podcast episode:

•  Hannah Benson, a young flower farmer in Lincolnshire, shares her journey in defying stereotypes and embracing flower farming at a non-average age.
• Lincolnshire's ideal climate and soil conditions make it a prime spot for flower growing, but challenges persist in staying competitive amidst changing market trends.
• Hannah manages her flower farm mostly on her own, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between driving the market and offering competitive prices.
• The Countryfile experience brought visibility to Hannah's farm, but she remains committed to exploring new markets and embracing innovative flower varieties.
• Growing a wide range of flowers, both annuals and perennials, Hannah focuses on staying ahead of the market and maintaining relevance in the ever-evolving flower farming industry.

Hannah Benson Resource Links: 

• My Twitter is: @hannahsflowers 
• TikTok: @hannahsflowerslincs
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahsflowers20/
• Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hannahsflowers20/?hl=en
• Website: www.hannahsflowerslincs.co.uk

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

In this episode, Roz Chandler introduces her special guest, Sue McGlasson, who began her flower farming journey during lockdown. Sue started by growing seeds in small plastic boxes in her garden and got addicted to gardening and growing plants. She eventually acquired an allotment plot and expanded her flower-growing venture with the help of courses on flower farming.

Sue and her family then made a significant leap by purchasing a property with a walled garden and a Victorian greenhouse. They plan to convert the property into a flower farm with various possibilities, including flower subscriptions, DIY buckets, selling to florists, workshops, and even pick-your-own apple events and cider-making.

Sue draws inspiration from Roz Chandler, her fellow flower farmers on the "Best Bunch" group, and several growers she follows on Instagram. She mentions that she is more visually inclined than a reader and prefers to get inspiration from social media platforms.

For new flower farmers, Sue advises them to keep dreaming big and to take every opportunity that comes their way. She encourages them to follow their passion for flower farming and enjoy the journey of creating something beautiful and fulfilling.

Key takeaways  from todays episode

• Sue McGlasson's flower farming journey started during lockdown, growing seeds in small plastic boxes.
• She expanded her venture with an allotment plot and flower farming courses.
• Sue and her family purchased a property with a walled garden and a Victorian greenhouse to convert into a flower farm.
• Potential plans include flower subscriptions, DIY buckets, selling to florists, workshops, pick-your-own apple events, and cider-making.
• Sue draws inspiration from Roz Chandler, the "Best Bunch" group, and growers on Instagram.
• Advice for new flower farmers: Dream big, take every opportunity, and follow your passion for flower farming.

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hey there, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting episode where we're diving deep into the world of sustainable gardening. Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Sally Morgan, a seasoned horticulturist and gardening guru. Sally will be sharing some valuable insights on how climate change is affecting our gardens and practical tips on how we can adapt to these changes. Whether you're a green-thumbed pro or just starting out, get ready for some fantastic advice!

Episode Highlights:

1. Climate Change and Our Gardens:

• Sally breaks down how unpredictable weather patterns are impacting our gardens.
• Let's discuss the challenges that climate change poses to our beloved plants.

2. Soil: The Secret to Garden Success:

• Discover why healthy soil is the ultimate key to sustainable gardening.
• Say goodbye to hard work with the no-dig approach to gardening.
•  Mulch, baby, mulch! Learn how this simple trick can save the day for your garden.

3. Smart Plant Choices for a Climate-Resilient Garden:

• Sally shares tips on selecting plants that can thrive amidst climate changes.
• Get local with your plant choices and rootstocks for a resilient garden.
• Embrace the Mediterranean vibes with shade planting for a cooler garden.

4. Sustainable Garden Hacks:

• Learn about rainwater harvesting and reducing water usage for a greener garden
• Dive into the trend of perennial vegetables for a drought-ready garden.
• Explore the exciting world of brownfield gardening and its benefits.

5. Inspiring Authors and Awesome Resources:

• Sally recommends fantastic books for those interested in soil health and resilient gardening.
• Discover authors like Michael Phillips and Elaine Ingham who are making waves in this field.

Thank you for joining us today! We're truly grateful to Sally Morgan for sharing her wealth of gardening wisdom. Don't forget to check out her fantastic books and keep an eye on her work. If you're hungry for more inspiring gardening and sustainable living content, hit that subscribe button and stay tuned for our next adventure in the world of green thumbs! Happy gardening! 🌿🌷🍅

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
•  Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection