The Cut Flower Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hello everyone, it’s Roz Chandler here, and today we have a truly inspiring episode lined up for you. I’m thrilled to welcome the marvellous Kerry Hales, a Transformational Life Coach and author. Together, we delve into some significant topics – from decluttering your mind to transforming your life and business. Kerry shares her wisdom on how to navigate the overwhelming transition from employee to entrepreneur, especially in the challenging world of flower farming.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Kerry Hales brings her 20 years of experience as a Transformational Life Coach to our conversation, guiding us through the process of intentional living and business transformation. We discuss the realities of running a flower farm and the mental shifts required to succeed. Kerry introduces her book, "Life Lessons From Your Knicker Drawer," and explains how something as simple as organising your underwear can reflect and influence how you manage your life and business. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentional Living: Transforming your life and business requires clarity about your goals and the reality of what’s involved in achieving them.
2. The Transition to Entrepreneurship: Moving from employee to business owner is a significant shift that requires unlearning old habits and embracing new skills.
3. The Power of Decluttering: Simplifying your physical space, like your knicker drawer, can have a profound impact on your mental clarity and approach to life.
4. Planning and Realism: Flower farming is hard work, and it’s essential to plan your year around its demands, considering what you are prepared to give up or adapt.
5. Leverage Your Strengths: Recognise the skills you already have and don’t be afraid to seek help in areas where you’re less confident.

Thank you so much for tuning in today. Don’t forget to check out Kerry’s book, "Life Lessons From Your Knicker Drawer," for more insights on decluttering your life and business. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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 another episode of The Cutflower Podcast! I’m your host, Roz Chandler, and today I’m thrilled to be joined by the wonderful Ali Conway, who heads up the sustainable floristry company, Rambling Stems. Ali and I have been collaborating for some time, plotting and planning ways to bring sustainable floristry to the forefront. In this episode, we delve into Ali’s fascinating journey from the world of corporate marketing to becoming a passionate advocate for eco-friendly floristry. Grab your cup of tea, settle in, and let’s explore the world of sustainable blooms together!

Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we chat with Ali Conway, founder of Rambling Stems, about her unexpected journey into floristry and her commitment to sustainability. Ali shares her story, from her beginnings in marketing and garden design to discovering her true calling in floristry. We explore the challenges and rewards of working with British blooms, the importance of ditching floral foam, and the beauty of embracing the natural flow of flowers. Ali’s insights highlight how sustainable practices can redefine the art of floristry, making it more aligned with nature.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unexpected Paths: Ali’s journey from corporate marketing to sustainable floristry shows that it’s never too late to find your true passion.
2. Ditching Floral Foam: Ali discusses the harmful effects of traditional floral foam and why it’s crucial to seek eco-friendly alternatives.
3. Working with British Blooms: Learn about the challenges and joys of sourcing and working with British-grown flowers, and how it enhances creativity.
4. Sustainability in Practice: Simple steps like composting and reducing waste can make a big difference in creating eco-friendly floral designs.
5. Collaborative Learning: Ali’s story emphasises the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in adapting to sustainable practices.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into sustainable floristry, join us for our upcoming free online event on 19th September, where Ali and I will be sharing live demos and more insights.  Link to register is here >

https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/gbfsopeneve

To connect with Ali Conway or learn more about Rambling Stems, you can visit her website ramblingstems.com  or follow her on Instagram at @RamblingStems. For collaborations, inquiries, or more information on sustainable floristry, feel free to reach out directly

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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. Today, I'm excited to delve into a topic that's recently captured my fascination: seed saving for cut flowers. 

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I discuss the many benefits of seed saving, including the preservation of flower varieties, cost efficiency, and promoting sustainability. We explore different types of flowers suitable for seed saving, from open-pollinated to self-pollinating and cross-pollinating flowers. I also provide a step-by-step guide on how to save seeds effectively, from selecting the best flowers to proper storage techniques. Additionally, I address common challenges and offer practical solutions to ensure success in your seed-saving efforts.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why Save Seeds: Understand the importance of preserving heirloom varieties, reducing costs, and promoting biodiversity by saving your own seeds.
2. Types of Flowers for Seed Saving: Learn about open-pollinated, hybrid, self-pollinating, and cross-pollinating flowers, and how to choose the best types for beginners.
3. Steps to Save Seeds: Follow a detailed guide on selecting, collecting, cleaning, drying, and storing seeds to ensure successful seed saving.
4. Challenges and Solutions: Discover common challenges such as cross-pollination and disease, and how to address them with techniques like isolation and proper storage.
5. Beginner Tips: Get practical tips for beginners, including choosing easy-to-save annual flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias, and the importance of proper labelling and record-keeping.
6. Isolation Methods: Explore various methods to prevent cross-pollination, such as using physical barriers, timed planting, hand pollination, and companion planting.

Sponsors: 

• Proud sponsors of The Cutflower Podcast. Elevate your gift-giving game today at Brunchi.shop. Discover the perfect artisan gift at Brunchi.shop! From aromatherapy and candles to gemstones, jewelry, home & garden items, yoga supplies, and more, our eco-friendly treasures are sourced from around the world. Enjoy the convenience of worldwide delivery and find unique, thoughtful gifts for every occasion. 
• This podcast episode is sponsored by First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  We've helped extend the growing season for gardeners big and small...whether you're growing fruit and vegetables for you and your family or commercial crops, plants and flowers. 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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 this week's episode of The Cut Flower Podcast.  In the studio today I am joined by Roger Parsons of Roger Parsons Sweat Peas. 

Today we will be discussing;

• How Roger became interested in sweet peas -where did it all begin?
• Recommendations for sowing sweet peas.
• Roger's best tips for growing sweet peas
• Best varieties for cutting.
• Help for new sweet pea growers 

Roz Chandler Resources:

• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers  
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
•  Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

 FACEBOOK GROUP: 

Roger Parsons Resources:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rpsweetpeas  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roger_parsons_sweet_peas/ 
• Website: https://www.rpsweetpeas.com/

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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.

Do join us for an episode on Dahlias. 
Kim from www.instagram.com/dahliafarmerama joins me in a live interview.
Find out how to plant, propagate and grow dahlias.

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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.

Today's episode is all about Chysanthemums.
 I was joined by the lovely Tom from Woolmans. A font of all knowledge as he has been in horticulture all his life.
If you are in our Membership group we do have discounts from suppliers - Woolmans have been very generous.
What is our membership?
It's a wonderful community of flower lovers.
There is a no-commitment to remain a member (although over 95 percent do)...There is a  monthly fee for access to guest speakers, masterclasses, weekly lives from the farm, and a whole host of discounts - and of course a community of like-minded people all helping each other to grow the best cut flowers. Did I mention the resource centre?

https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/bestbunch

Woolmans website can be found here  https://www.woolmans.com. Happy browsing

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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.

Today's episode is all about Dahlias. I was joined by the lovely Tom from Woolmans. A font of all knowledge as he has been in horticulture all his life.
If you are in our Membership group we do have discounts from suppliers - Woolmans have been very generous.
What is our memberhship?
Its a wonderful community of flower lovers.
There is a no-commitment to remain a member (although over 95 percent do)...There is a  monthly fee for access to guest speakers, masterclasses, weekly lives from the farm, and a whole host of discounts - and of course a community of like-minded people all helping each other to grow the best cut flowers. Did I mention the resource centre?

https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/bestbunch

Woolmans website can be found here  https://www.woolmans.com. Happy browsing

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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.

Our top tips for having your own cutting patch - read from the book Seed To Vase.
If you would like more tips do join us on our annual Cut Flower Challenge commencing on the 3rd of February.
Sign up here.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/seedtovasechallenge2022
More information here
3 FREE MASTERCLASSES - HAVING A CUTTING PATCH.

So can we make this year's cutting patch challenge bigger than last year? 

Over 1700 people signed up for our FREE 3 day Masterclasses IN 2021 and we had a blast.

Plus, be in with a chance to WIN some prizes just by taking part!

We get started on Thursday 3rd February and continue on the 4th and 7th.

You can join the group on

Facebook here 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/seedtovasechallenge2022

Over the 3 days you will learn:

1. The top ten annuals to kick off your patch

Our head horticulturists will guide you through the maze of different annuals we can grow this year and recommend their top ten.

2. The easiest way to plan your plot

Confused about the spacing or what goes where? Looked in all the catalogues and so much choice, maybe even purchased some you like the look of.

Not sure if you have the room?

What about the soil?

Do you have a planting plan?

Is there shade? Is it windy?

What if I am in an area with an extreme climate?

3. Get planning

Your homework will be to have a go on your own plans. Don’t worry, we will be there to guide you.

So if you haven’t joined our free masterclasses yet, please do so here.  

We are so excited to help you get ready for the 2022 flower-growing season!

The sessions are hosted in the Facebook group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/seedtovasechallenge2022 at 1930.

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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.

A chapter from the book Seed to Vase- a collection of stories
Alice Hare joined me on my seed to vase course. This is a chapter from the book about her story.

SEED TO VASE - A journey that involved so much more than growing flowers.

Participants came together from all corners of the UK, USA and Europe to join an 8 month course on growing cut flowers. From homes in many acres in Scotland, to apartment blocks in London with rented raised beds, they all had a common love of flowers. 

But these people found so much more than that. This book details some of their lives and experiences as they learned not only how to grow cut flowers, but a great deal about themselves and one another. They found a community in which they all found inspiration and confidence, regardless of their initial reasons for joining the course.

Seed to Vase includes stories of bereavement, sadness, joy and laughter at a time when the world was facing restrictions in so many ways due to Covid-19. This was a time to rediscover nature and the simple joys in life.

Roz is the founder of Field Gate Flowers and is passionate about growing, harvesting and arranging seasonally-grown British blooms. 

Visit www.fieldgateflowers.co.uk

Book available from the 17th on Amazon

Paperback - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09PNZGCKS
Kindle- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09PNNSBHN

Visit www.fieldgateflowers.co.uk 

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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.

Jobs in The garden in January. Have fun and enjoy them.
Our rose masterclass is available at 
https://www.fieldgateflowers.co.uk/product/rose-masterclass

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• 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