Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Cut Flower Podcast
Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de The Cut Flower Podcast. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Joining Roz in the studio today is the delightful Anya Lautenbach, lovingly known as the "garden fairy" on Instagram, with a following of over 300,000 gardening enthusiasts.
Today Roz waste no time at all to dive into Anya's unique background in sales and business development and how her life took a beautiful turn when she discovered the world of gardening.
Discovering Solace and Purpose:
Unveil the personal story behind Anya's gardening journey and how it became her sanctuary during a challenging time in her life.
Paint a vivid picture of Anya, with her newborn in a swing, digging in the soil, shedding tears of both sorrow and hope.
The Magic of Connection:
Highlight the incredible connections Anya has forged with her Instagram community and the profound impact of shared experiences and support.
Explore the powerful stories of empathy and strength that have emerged, especially in raising awareness about ADHD and dyslexia.
Unleashing ADHD as a Superpower:
Celebrate the unique qualities of ADHD, labeling it as a superpower that allows individuals to absorb information and multitask with gusto.
Weave in personal anecdotes and lighthearted moments, emphasizing the bright side of ADHD while acknowledging the challenges it can bring.
Gardening's Transformative Effect on Mental Health:
Dive into the fascinating research that links gardening to improved mental well-being, highlighting the ongoing RHS study and other impactful initiatives.
Share heartwarming stories of individuals finding solace and joy in gardening, such as Dr. Olivia Chapel's work in spinal units.
A Garden for Everyone:
Empower listeners with the belief that gardening is a joy accessible to all, regardless of space or expertise.
Encourage them to find their own unique way of connecting with nature, whether it's a tiny window sill garden or a sprawling backyard oasis.
Roz and Anya want to inspire listeners to embark on their own gardening adventures, savoring the joys, healing powers, and sense of community that await them in the magical world of plants.
In this friendly and informative episode, Roz welcomes Adam Marshall, known as Green fingered city boy on Instagram. Adam shares his gardening journey and how he has amassed nearly 70,000 followers on instagram.
Adam's gardening journey began in 2020, just before covid lockdowns, as a way to take control of his physical health and increase his physical capacity. Previously, he hadn't been involved in gardening, despite his mum's interest and memories of watching gardening shows together. During lockdown, with his work as a critical worker in pharmaceutical packaging design, Adam found solace in transforming his garden. His projects grew bigger and more adventurous.
Growing up with gardening influences from his parents and grandparents, Adam realised that ordinary people could achieve remarkable things in their gardens. He believes that gardening has become more accessible and cool for everyone, thanks to platforms like Instagram. By sharing photos and videos of his garden and various projects, Adam has connected with a growing audience and inspired others to give gardening a try.
Key Takeaways:
Embracing Gardening: Adam Marshall shares his journey of discovering gardening as a way to take control of his physical health and increase his physical capacity.
From Novice to Instagram Sensation: Adam's love for gardening grew during lockdown, leading him to create an Instagram account and share his garden transformations, which resonated with thousands of followers.
Making Gardening Cool: Adam's adventurous projects and playful attitude towards gardening have helped break the stereotype that it's an older person's hobby, making it accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Trying Everything: Adam encourages others to explore different aspects of gardening and find what they enjoy most, emphasizing that there's something for everyone, whether it's outdoor gardening, houseplants, or other gardening-related activities
The Importance of Small Steps: Adam highlights the value of taking small steps and gradually building gardening skills, reminding listeners that gardening is a journey of discovery and enjoyment.
Finding Personal Passion: Adam's scattered content on social media reflects his experimentation and quest to discover his true gardening passions, demonstrating that it's okay to try different things and learn along the way.
Adam Marshall Resource Links:
First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
Joining Roz in the studio today is Dr Olivia Chapple MRCGP.
Olivia is the co-founder and chair of the trustees of Horatio’s Garden charity. Horatio was her eldest son.
Horatios garden is a national charity now, and our mission is to bring beautiful, vibrant gardens to all the UK, NHS spinal injury centres. So we build gardens, designed by incredible designers, and then once we've built them, we run them, we look after them, but we also run all sorts of different creative projects within them, so that patients who are facing life changing injuries, long stays in hospital, have somewhere to find purpose to find joy to have have a moment of sanctuary.
It's about improving people's mental health, their physical health, and supporting their families and friends as they're going through very, very difficult time.
Some of the key discussion points form today's episode:
Introducing Dr Olivia Chapple MRCGP
Where do you start? Where do you find space?
How the charity has grown in the last three years.
The impact of spinal injuries on the mental health of people.
In this inspiring episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our recent flower retreat in Spain, where three industry pros - specialising in floristry, flower farming, and social media for creatives - came together to teach, guide, and collaborate with an incredible group of flower lovers.
We dive into:
The diverse backgrounds of our retreat attendees
The magic of cross-industry collaboration
Key floristry techniques and design inspiration shared
Business-building strategies for sustainable growth in the floral world
How teamwork and community made this event unforgettable
Real feedback from participants—and what’s next for future retreats!
Whether you're a florist, flower grower, or dreaming of starting your floral journey, this episode is full of heartfelt insight and business-building inspiration.
In today's episode of the Cutflower Podcast, we have a special guest joining us in the studio. Nicola Hill, the talented founder of Gentle Blooms from Leamington Spa, shares her passion for flowers and the story behind her blossoming business.
Key Points:
Nicola Hill runs Gentle Blooms, a local flower business that offers a range of beautiful bouquets, posies, and bunches for delivery and collection.
Alongside providing flowers for weddings, events, and funerals, Nicola also offers flower subscriptions and delivers within a 5-mile radius of Leamington Spa
Nicola's love for growing flowers for cutting began as a personal hobby, shared with friends and family. Over time, her passion grew and transformed into the thriving business it is today
Inspired by the stunning beauty and diversity of British flowers, Nicola is constantly on the lookout for new perennials to incorporate into her floristry work.
Nicola's signature style is natural and she has a particular fondness for peaches and pinks. She primarily uses her own British-grown flowers but can source from local and UK-based growers if necessary.
With a friendly demeanor and a commitment to working within any budget, Nicola encourages listeners to reach out to her to discuss their floral needs.
We hope you enjoyed this enlightening conversation with Nicola Hill from Gentle Blooms. If you're in the Leamington Spa area and are looking for stunning, natural floral arrangements, be sure to get in touch with Nicola. Her dedication to her craft and friendly approach will ensure your floral needs are met, regardless of your budget. Tune in to the next episode of the Cutflower Podcast for more inspiring stories from the world of flowers.
Today, we're shaking things up as we dive into the depths of your burning questions.
In our thriving Facebook group, "Cut Flower Farming: Growth and Profit in Your Business," we asked about your biggest struggles, and now it's time to provide you with the answers you've been eagerly awaiting.
Join me as we embark on a journey to address the challenges and hurdles faced by cut flower farmers like yourself. In this unique episode, we'll explore the diverse range of questions that flooded our Facebook post, covering a wide array of topics crucial to your business's success.
Get ready to unravel the secrets behind growing your cut flower farming enterprise, maximizing growth, and ensuring profitability. From cultivating the most in-demand flower varieties to implementing effective marketing strategies, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and insights you need to thrive in this competitive industry.
So, whether you're struggling with streamlining your operations, optimizing your sales channels, or seeking guidance on expanding your customer base, this episode is designed with your growth and profit in mind. Join us as we kick off this special episode and tackle your burning questions head-on, providing you with the practical advice and proven strategies you've been yearning for.
Stay tuned as we share valuable insights and solutions that will propel your cut flower farming business to new heights. Get ready to embrace growth, unlock profitability, and revolutionize your entrepreneurial journey in the enchanting world of cut flower farming. Let's dive right in and address your most pressing concerns.
Here is a selection of the questions and ket takeaways:
What are your biggest struggles in your business?
What are your customers prepared to pay for what you're offering?
What’s your ideal customer?
Don’t put seed into the ground until you know what your market is.
If you can take someone on at a lower cost, you can use that time to work on your business.
How do you take the time to promote your business and grow your crops?
Farmers ditch some flowers for different reasons.
Do you run a farm like a wreath making or bouquet building workshop? Is it worth it?
What would you do if you had a quarter acre?
How do you develop cooperative systems in the busier markets?
First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
This week on the show, Roz is joined by a very special guest - Mike Palmer, also known as Mike The Gardener. Mike's passion for gardening led him to study RHS 1,2,3 at Horticulture College as a mature student and start his own business in gardening and garden design. Unfortunately, the lockdowns put a halt to a lot of his work, but that's where Mike's journey with podcasting began. In this episode, Mike shares his experiences and insights on gardening, as well as his journey into podcasting.
Tune in to hearries and learn from a true expert in the field! fascinating stories and learn form a true expert in the field.
If you are enjoying the Cutflower Podcast dont forget to like and subscribe, leave a review and get in touch if you would like to guest on the show, or are interested in becoming a sponsor.
A few of the discussion topics Roz and Mike cover in todays episode:
Mike’s journey and how he came to where he is today.
Horticultural College at Kingston Maurward in Dorchester.
Are you still gardening and garden designing as a job?
What does an average day look like for you?
Meeting some amazing people through podcasting.
How to capture the sounds of your listeners’ gardens.
Hey everyone, welcome to the Cutflower podcast! Roz Chandler is back with another episode and this week, she's joined by Katie Colella. They're going to be talking about some really interesting topics related to flower farming and business ownership. If you're a flower farmer or business owner, this is definitely an episode you don't want to miss. Roz and Katie will be discussing business strategy, visibility, and social media - all of the things that can be a bit daunting ifhe game. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! you're new to t
Welcome to this week's episode of the Cut Flower Podcast with your expert host, Roz Chandler. Joining Roz in the studio is Peony Farmer and Expert, Elonor Tivey.
Elonor is renowned in the world of flowers as a passionate peony farmer. She specializes in growing different varieties of peonies in her two-acre field, including early, mid-season, and late varieties, which she supplies to florists and also does pop-ups. After being a teacher for some time, Elonor pivoted to commercial flower farming because of her love for flowers.
Roz and Elonor will be discussing:
How did you come to do what you're doing?
Always transition out of a career or a job into a flower farm.
What’s the first thing you do when you get back from the field?
Welcome to this weeks episode of the Cutflower Podcast with your host Roz Chandler.
This week Roz is joined in the studio by the incredibly inspiring Cissy Bullock from the Sustainable School of Floristry. Roz explore's Cissy's path to floristry and cut flowers and discusses what needs to be done to improve the whole;e supply chain to get the flowers from field to vase in a much more efficient, cost effective and sustainable way.
Listen in and don't forget to give the show a review, hit like and subscribe so you don't miss another episode. Don't forget to tell your friends and colleagues about the show.
Today Roz and Cissy will be discussing:
Cissy’s unconventional career path.
How she got into the business of floral design.
What inspires Cissy now?
Who wouldn’t want to go and cut flowers in an 18th century walled garden?
What’s happening in the food industry is mirroring the changes in other industries.
What does an average day look like for you?
Being a flower farmer is like renting a deck chair.
How to get cut flowers in the hands of florists.
What’s your genius idea for a bio-farmer hub?
How do you find your ideal customer?
Listening to podcasts that are interesting.
Are you watering your plants enough?
Cissy Bullock Resources:
Instagram: @_wildstems_ and @schoolofsustainablefloristry
Facebook: wildstemsflorals and Schoolofsustainablefloristry
Have you ever wondered about the top perennials to add to your cutting garden? Well in today's episode I'm going to be sharing with you all my top twenty cutting flowers. It's important to provide a range of cutting flowers in your patch - in colour, in texture and in season.
We hope you enjoy growing them in your cutting patch.
Key points from todays episode include:
Top 20 perennials to have in the garden.
Dazzling daisies and pincushions.
Achillea, scabies, crocosmia Lucifer.
Smile daisies, scabies and achillea.
Crocodia lucifer, crocosmia lucifer and crocosma Lucifer.
Hellebores are great for cutting from late summer onwards.
Garden systems and hellebores.
Pianists, a heritage plant that can last between 50 and 75 years.
Roz caught up with Tessa Dooley from Ladybird Plantcare this week.
Tessa, mum to young twins, bought Ladybird Plantcare in November 2018. Prior to owning Ladybird, Tessa worked in marketing, she has worked on lots of different brands across a long periods of time. A definite career shift from marketing to plantcare.
Listen in to this fascinating episode all about natural predators for plantcare.
This weeks key discussion points included:
About your business - Ladybird Plantcare
What’s the market for biological control in the UK?
Joining Roz in the studio today is Bethany Harries.
Bethany was originally a personal trainer, and decided she needed a career change, suffering mental and physical burnt out and exhaustion. She was always interested in public health and health promotion. So after doing a bit of Career Research Bethany decided that she wanted to become a health psychologist. So she enrolled on to a psychology degree with the Open University, and then after that, went and did her master's in health psychology, and now she is on to the PhD, which is the final stage to becoming a fully qualified health psychologists.
Key points Roz and Bethany discuss today include:
Bethany’s journey and where she is today.
Therapeutic gardens in the mainstream.
How do people sign up for the survey?
Will you publish anything along the way?
Gardening as a way to relax.
What’s the future of green prescribing?
Gardening can be adapted to so many different needs.
What’s your ideal job?
Bethany Harries Resource Links:
Instagram: @sustainably_healthy_
Twitter: @BethanyHarries
Linkedin: (16) Bethany Harries | LinkedIn
Website: Bethany Harries | University of Surrey
First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
This week Roz is joined in the studio by Dr David Bek, who is a reader in sustainable economics based at the Research Centre for Business in society at Coventry University, which is in the UK.
David has extensive experience undertaking research into sustainability within horticultural supply chains, especially cut flowers.
Key points we discuss in today's episode include:
David’s journey into cut flowers.
How to be open to whatever your journey takes you.
Where did his interest in supply chains come from?
What is the impact of our choices within the supply chain?
What’s happening in the world of flowers.
Florists don’t know about sustainability, they do not know any different.
Why is it so hard to get the message out about sustainable products?
What’s the impact of globalisation on the flower industry?
What is the biggest driver of the British flower market?
The buzz from people who are trying to make a difference in the flower industry
The importance of getting the word out about sustainable forestry.
If you were on a desert island, who would you want with you?
In this inspiring episode of the Cut Flower Podcast, Roz sits down with Sarah Turner, a graphic designer turned budding flower farmer. Sarah shares her journey of balancing a creative career while nurturing a deep passion for flowers, discussing the therapeutic benefits of gardening and the lessons learned from growing blooms from seed to stem.
Together, Roz and Sarah explore the practical and emotional aspects of flower farming, from the challenges of selling locally grown flowers and accessing land, to imposter syndrome and finding community support. They discuss the rising appreciation for British-grown flowers, the often-overlooked value of perennials and foliage, and Sarah’s future dream of opening a “pick-your-own” flower farm. With honest insights and hopeful aspirations, this episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of digging deeper into a life with flowers.
Key Takeaways:
Flower farming can be a powerful creative outlet and source of mental wellness
Transitioning careers takes courage and clarity - but it's possible
Locally grown, seasonal flowers are gaining momentum with consumers
Foliage and perennials are crucial (and often underrated) elements in flower farming
Imposter syndrome is real, especially for new growers - but community helps
Sustainable practices and education are cornerstones of long-term flower success
Finding land and balancing life are ongoing challenges in the flower farming journey
Passion and persistence can turn a hobby into a meaningful business
This week Roz caught up with Amber Partner from Howe Farm Flowers. Amber bought her farm in 2012, and the rest as they say is history.
Howe Farm Flowers is located on the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire border, in the pretty village of Dorton. The farm is within easy reach of Thame, Bicester, Aylesbury and Waddesdon, and is a half hour’s drive from Oxford. Theylove to grow beautiful, seasonal cut flowers with a proclivity for scent and sustainability.
Key discussion points in this weeks episode:
What is your flower farm like?
You need to attract the right audience.
What are you growing on an annual basis?
What challenges do flower farmers face in the main?
How can we make British flowers more accessible to florists?
Weeds are the bane of my life.
The beacon of inspiration for the industry.
Manifesting is about what you really want and how you want it to happen.
Roz is joined in the studio this week by the incredible husband and wife team Steve and Paula from Floral Media, who describe their business as 'More Than Just Flowers'.
Floral Media's heart is in horticulture, they also do events, where garden groups come on visits, and they take them on tours. They run about 15 acres in total now, so part of its garden, and part of its for growing. Included in the garden tours are workshops, and they also do lots of competitive stuff with the floral art and the floristry.
Key discussion points this week are:
Introducing Steve and Paula.
What’s going on in the world of seeds.
How they came to work with flowers and how they work together.
How they got started with no plan.
What is your number one recommendation for landscaping?
Florist’s need to be able to work with growers.
If you want to disrupt the market, come and talk to me.
Paula's biggest claim to fame.
What would you be doing if you weren’t growing flowers?
Roz is joined in the studio this week by Michael Kennard. Michael is the founder of Compost Club just outside Brighton. Compost Club is a social enterprise, to regenerate soil with really good living, biologically abundant and diverse compost, using food waste from residents and businesses.
Key discussions points for today:
Introducing Michael Kennard founder of Compost Club
The Women’s European Championship.
What is the future of the garden?
What is the compost club? Where is it? What is its aim?
How to make a positive impact on the world.
How do you make the compost?
Composting is the best evidence that death is the source of life -.
When you were born, how do you spell “environment”?
Can people individually compost their own food waste and what can they do with it?
How do we get involved? How do people get involved?
Roz is joined in the studio this week by Alice Vicent.
Alice is a writer, ostensibly, who happens to garden. She has spent the last 15 years mostly as an arts journalist, She has spent a long time as a music journalist. The bulk of Alice's career was spent in house at the telegraph.
In the last few years, Alice has been working all over the place, and she's written about gardening as well.
Listen in to this weeks really interesting discussion 'Why Women Grow'.
Key points Roz and Alice will be covering in today's episode:
Introduction to today’s guest, Alison Vincent.
What did you discover in writing Why Women Grow?
Gardening is not all roses and cute little trees.
My dream was to sit once a day on a walk with the dog.
Gardening is not perfect, it’s a way of life.
What’s going to happen to the garden?
The importance of having an open brief in a wedding.
What’s changing in the flower farming industry.
What’s your dream job?
What’s next for you?
Alice Vincent Resources:
IG handle: @noughticulture
Twitter: @alice_emily
Website: alicevincent.co.uk
First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
In this weeks episode Roz is joined in the studio by Bex Partridge.
Bex dried flower business really took off during covid lockdowns, she joins Roz to discuss the journey from corporate marketing and project management to dried flower entrepreneur.
She is the author of: Everlastings comes Flowers Forever – a book that will inspire you to create beautiful floral displays with long lasting, dried flowers.
Flowers Forever: Celebrate the Beauty of Dried Flowers with Stunning Floral Art
Key discussion points Roz and Bex cover today are:
Bex’s journey and how she got started.
Dried flowers have always been a part of the British flower movement.
Dried flowers are not a replacement for fresh, they are a different option.
What’s your business?
What’s your most proud project?
What are some of my favourite plants to grow?
Who inspires you to keep going?
The power of a coaching retreat.
First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
Today Roz is joined in the studio by Tom Simpson from Woolmans.
Tom has been in the horticultural industry really, from a work point of view ever since he left school. Tom's first interest in gardening stems right back from when he was a very young child through his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Key discussion points in todays episode:
Tom’s background in gardening.
What’s the current trend towards Dahlia?
When do you plant out your alliums?
What should you take into account when you’re planting your dahlia tuba?
What are some of your favourite varieties and colours?
In todays episode of The Cut Flower Podcast, Roz is joined in the studio by James Sinclair.
Roz came across James via Instagram as one of the most influential people in the gardening world. James started off as a landscaper, and a sort of jobbing gardener, he designs gardens, talks about gardens, and broadcasts very occasionally about gardens. James also write about them, and judges things and all that kind of stuff.
Tune in to hear James fascinating story.
Key topics we discuss in todays episode:
James Sinclair and his Journey.
The evolution of a garden.
People need gardens to feel safe and relaxed.
What’s changed in the world of environmentalism.
The story of how the idea for the garden came about.
There is no place you can’t be in the same boat.
It’s all about what you see from your bed -.
Where can people join the revolution in gardening?
What is the revolution that has been accelerated by pandemic?
The book is about regenerative farming and the way that farming needs to change in order to survive.
First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
Today Roz is joined in the Studio by Helen Cross, whom she met on instagram.
Helen is in Glasgow. shes a mum of three. During lockdown, Helen became really, really passionate about gardening, but actually, she thinks possibly the seed was sown was before as she grew up on a farm on the southwest coast of Scotland, which her family still farm there as well.
Today's podcast discussion covers:
Helen’s Introduction.
We are in a crisis in mental health.
What’s more going on in schools?
The connection between mental health and gardening.
What are some of your favourite guests?
Self-publishing is a quick way to market, but it has its challenges.
Who inspires you to keep going?
It’s all about making it accessible and making it easy.
Helen Cross Resources:
Gardening, food and farming writer, broadcaster & podcaster
Horticultural Educator
Mobile: 07762177568
Instagram: @helen.a.cross
First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
Welcome back to another episode of The Cutflower Podcast! I'm your host, Roz Chandler, and today we're diving into the lush world of foliage. Join me as we explore the top picks for your cutting patch and unravel the beauty and versatility these green treasures bring to floral arrangements.
Summary: In this episode, we embark on a journey through the top 15 foliage varieties for your cutting patch. From the timeless elegance of myrtle to the vibrant hues of Ninebark and the delicate charm of Snowberries, each foliage offers unique characteristics and seasonal appeal. Along the way, we uncover essential growing tips, such as the importance of planning for year-round foliage availability and the patience required for certain species to reach maturity.
Key Takeaways:
Abundant Growth: Cultivate more foliage than you think you'll need, replenishing your supply annually to meet demand. Long-Term Investment: Be patient with species like eucalyptus, which may take years to mature but offer enduring beauty. Seasonal Diversity: Select varieties like Hibernum Tinnus for their ever-changing colours and textures, providing year-round interest. Speciality Species: Explore unique finds such as Myrtle, Ninebark, and Snowberries to add depth and character to your arrangements. Community Engagement: Join the Cut Flower Collective Facebook group to share your favourite foliage varieties and exchange gardening insights with fellow enthusiasts. Join me in discovering the botanical wonders that foliage brings to floral design, and let's cultivate a vibrant tapestry of greenery in our cutting patches! All the links are below.
Make the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.
Joining Roz in the studio is Marian Boswall. Roz came across Marian whilst browsing on instagram. We pick up Marian's story in todays episode covering sustainability, the environment and gardening.
Today we will be discussing:
How Instagram can be a positive thing for you.
What can we do to make the world a better place?
When we have humans at the centre of all this, it’s all about the human element.
Mulch is a thing of the future.
How gardening and mental health can help heal us.
What’s the magic that happens after you stop full-time motherhood?
What’s your legacy?
How you create your garden is as important as why.
Who’s inspired her?
The people who inspire her.
How do you do it all in a day?
Marian Boswall Resources:
Facebook MarianBoswall
Instagram @marianboswall and @marianboswallstudio
Twitter @marianboswall
Website: marianboswall.com
First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
Welcome to the Cut Flower Podcast, this weeks episode is read from the seed to Vase book, where Roz provides some great insight into cutting a flower patch.
Key topics to listen out for:
The 10 Top Tips to Having Your Own Cutting Patch
How to plan your cutting patch.
What are annuals and perennials?
Adding perennials to your borders to supplement your flowers.
you may also be interested in taking a look at Cutting Patch An Easy Way - Our self-taught 5 part accelerated flower course to take at your own pace all the details are here > https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cutting-patch/
In todays episode Roz is delighted to be speaking with Alistair Griffiths from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Alistair Griffiths is the RHS, Director of Science, a fellow of the Institute of horticulture, and a board member of plant network. He heads up a team of scientists and has a desire to increase everybody's experience of gardening. Alistair wants to build a more resilient community whilst reducing the impact on our planet.
We are discussing:
Introducing Alistair Griffiths.
How he got started in horticulture.
Horticulture as a career for women.
The social health of allotments is more important than physical health.
The importance of getting the message out there about cut flowers.
When you’re gardening, you are in the present.
The colour picker is an experiment.
The power of daffodils in the UK –.
How simple contemplation in nature helps us to rest and recharge our brains.
Fractals are patterns that are repetitive patterns.
Gardening should be socially prescribed, but it’s not.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the UK's leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Anyone with an interest in gardening can enjoy the benefits of RHS Membership and help us to secure a healthy future for gardening.
So today, I'm going to introduce Liz Appleby, to you she is definitely one of the most modest people I know. But her achievements in the Dahlia world are second to none. Today, Liz will be sharing her hints and tips with us.
What we discuss:
Dahlias are coming back into fashion and more and more people are growing them.
How do you propagate your Dahlias?
What do you feed your plants? How often?
Pests, slugs and pests.
What are some of the things that his audience would know about him?
The most important time to water your plants is when the buds are coming.
This week Roz is joined in the studio across the miles by Scott Shepherd. Scott has been working in floral wholesale right since leaving college 32 years ago. He shares with Roz, how there's always seasons, there's always different flowers. He doesn't have to dig holes and ditches and he gets to enjoy all these beautiful flowers.
Listen in to the conversation:
Scott Shepard’s background.
Scott’s background in the wholesale of cut flowers in the US.
The UK has no local product at all, it’s an imported product.
The challenges of running a podcast with a full-time job.
Mental health month in January.
The supply chain isn’t right. We are making it really difficult for a florist.
If you have a supportive community, it’s a great way to support your local farmers market.
The cost of flowers is higher in the US than it is in the UK.
The importance of having a premium product and being different.
If you’re on a desert island, what would you take with you?
Today I'd like to welcome Emily Von Trapp. Besides having the most amazing name in the entire planet. I met Emily when I went to the US in August to the association of specially cut flower growers, and Emily presented on tulips and tulip workshop, and I begged her to give me a place because I wanted to learn how to grow tulips in the winter.
I am now on Emily's course, which we'll talk about in this episode. It's all really exciting. It just shows you what happens when you put yourself out and just go on something. I think there were two of us from the UK. So it was really quite exciting.
In this weeks podcast Roz is joined in the studio by Andy Perry from Urban Herbs.
For those of you who haven't met Urban Herbs before, essentially, they are a stockist of unusual culinary herbs. Last year, they stocked around 90 different kinds of culinary herb plants, and sold them as plants. But they are also selling them as specifically a food product. So for example, Vietnamese, coriander, lime, mint, strawberry, mint, blackcurrant, sage, unusual living flavours.
Joining Roz in the studio today is Alyssa Escobar.
Alyssa and Roz met back in August at the Association of Cut Flower Farmers conference in Framlington, just outside Boston. Today they are going to be discussing
In this heartfelt episode of the Cut Flower Podcast, Roz chats with Laura from Flowers by the Brae, a former office worker turned passionate flower farmer and florist based in Errol, Scotland. Laura shares the highs and lows of leaving a traditional career to grow blooms in the Scottish soil. She opens up about the realities of flower farming - from unpredictable seasons and sustainability challenges to the joy of connecting with customers through storytelling. Together, Roz and Laura explore the emotional side of floristry, the importance of local partnerships, and how Laura balances her growing business with family life. This episode is an honest and inspiring look into what it really means to build a business from the ground up - flowers, failures, fulfillment and all.
Key Takeaways:
Laura transitioned from a desk job to flower farming and floristry.
Sustainability remains a core focus in her business practices.
Building strong relationships with local venues has supported her growth.
Managing social media is a key (and often challenging) part of running a flower business.
Growing seasons are unpredictable, requiring flexibility and resilience.
Storytelling helps Laura connect emotionally with her customers.
The flower farming journey is filled with lessons—both humbling and rewarding.
Balancing family life and business is a continual process.
Community support plays a vital role in small-scale flower farming success.
In the studio with Roz today is Andrew Bly and Andrew will be talking all about Ranunculus, and there's even some controversy about how you even pronounce Ranunculus. So we'll start with that one.
Ranunculus are a perennial species, adapted to last through hot, dry dormant periods by storing food in enlarged root structures.
Andrews background and how he got into ranunculus?
What are ranunculus - not everyone know what they are?