The Cut Flower Podcast

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this episode, Roz chats with John and Annabel from Middleton Nurseries - a passionate, family-run business that has been thriving since 1975. Known for their deep love of salvias, John and Annabel share the story of their nursery, from humble beginnings to becoming salvia specialists. The conversation delves into the unique qualities of salvias as cut flowers, the intricate process of breeding new varieties, and the joys and hurdles of running a seasonal, weather-dependent business. They also explore the pride that comes from maintaining a multi-generational business and the importance of community support in the gardening world.Key Takeaways:Middleton Nurseries has been a family-run nursery since 1975.Salvias have become popular for their versatility and vibrant blooms.Breeding new salvia varieties requires time, experimentation, and dedication.Proper growing conditions include good drainage and timely pruning.Echinacea is another rising star in the nursery alongside salvias.Weather significantly impacts the success of seasonal nursery operations.Community engagement and loyal customers are vital for small businesses.The family takes immense pride in their horticultural legacy.🎧 Tune in to discover the magic behind salvias, family traditions, and the beauty of building something that grows through generations.Find out more about Middleton Nurseries here.Make the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details. 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.In this episode, Roz sits down with award-winning garden designer and author Polly Wilkinson to explore the art and heart behind meaningful garden design. With years of experience and a beautifully honest approach, Polly shares how she transitioned into the world of garden design, how her background in marketing shaped her business, and why flexibility has been key to her career success.The conversation weaves through Polly’s thoughts on designing gardens that blend beauty with practicality—spaces that work for families, evolve with lifestyles, and invite people to connect with nature. Polly also talks about the relationship between interior and exterior design, her experiences showcasing at the Chelsea Flower Show, and the joy of creating gardens with real purpose—including her upcoming project designing a therapeutic space for spinal injury patients.If you’re curious about garden design, career pivots, sustainable living, or designing a life that works for you, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and grounded.What You'll Learn in This Episode:🌿 How Polly transitioned into garden design and built an award-winning career 🌼 The role of marketing in growing a creative business 🌳 Balancing beauty and functionality in family-friendly gardens 🌾 The parallels between interior and garden design 🪴 Insights from exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show 🌻 Why sustainability and eco-conscious design matter now more than ever 🧑‍🦽 Designing with empathy: Polly’s project for spinal injury patients 🏡 Childhood dreams, career changes, and lessons in adaptability 📚 Behind the scenes of her book, How to Design Your Garden 🌸 Why women’s voices are vital in the future of horticultureMake the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.Find out more about Polly and her work here: https://studiopollyanna.co.uk/ 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.Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, Roz chats with London-based florist Lucy Maw, whose designs are grounded in her commitment to using 100% British-grown flowers. Lucy shares her transition from the world of fashion to floristry, and how her passion for gardening evolved into a thriving floral business.The conversation explores the realities of sourcing British flowers, the importance of relationships with local growers, and the growing demand for sustainable blooms. Lucy reflects on the challenges of marketing, the nuances of working seasonally, and how collaboration and community are vital to the future of British floristry.If you’re a florist or creative who cares about sustainability, seasonality, and style—this episode is packed with wisdom and warmth.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌿 Why Lucy transitioned from fashion to floristry 🌸 The realities of sourcing 100% British-grown flowers 🌻 How seasonality shapes her design process and client work 🌾 The power of building long-term relationships with flower farmers 🤝 Why collaboration across the industry is essential 📣 The ongoing challenge of marketing and visibility 🪴 How Lucy educates clients on sustainability and flower sourcing 💬 The importance of community support in creative businesses 🎨 How her unique style blends natural beauty and bold choices 🧭 What flexibility looks like when designing with local bloomsYou can find further information about Lucy here: www.willowandmaw.co.ukMake the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow florists and flower lovers! 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.In this episode, Roz sits down with Ellen Frost, owner of Local Color Flowers, to explore the world of locally sourced, sustainable floristry. With 17 years of experience, Ellen shares her journey from gardening enthusiast to floral business owner and the challenges of maintaining a 100% local sourcing model.They dive into the environmental impact of imported flowers, the logistics of working with local flower farmers, and why education is key to changing industry practices. Ellen also discusses the growing demand for sustainable flowers, her ideas for improving flower sourcing efficiency, and how community engagement is shaping the future of floristry.Whether you're a florist, flower farmer, or flower lover, this episode is packed with insights on how to build a sustainable floristry business while staying true to your values.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌸 How Ellen’s journey into floristry began with a love for gardening 🌿 Why sustainability has been a core principle of her business from day one 📚 The importance of educating customers about local flowers ✈️ The carbon footprint of imported flowers and the waste in the floral industry 💐 How building relationships with flower farmers improves quality and supply 🚛 The logistics of sourcing locally and the challenges florists face 📈 The financial realities of running a local flower business 🤝 How community engagement and education are shaping the future of floristry 💡 Why florists should share knowledge and resources to strengthen the industryConnect with Ellen Frost & Local Color Flowers:📍 http://locoflo.com/Make the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow florists and flower lovers! 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.In this episode, Roz sits down with Ali to talk about the importance of sustainable floristry and how they built the Great British Flower School. They share their journey, the challenges they faced, and the eco-friendly practices that every florist can adopt to reduce their environmental impact.From using moss instead of floral foam to growing your own flowers, they provide practical tips that make sustainability achievable and creative. They also discuss alternative vessels, local sourcing, and how to educate clients on the importance of eco-conscious floral design.If you’re a florist looking to ditch floral foam, reduce waste, and embrace sustainable techniques, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌿 Why sustainable floristry is essential for reducing environmental impact 🍃 How moss and chicken wire can replace floral foam 💧 Why water is the best medium for flower hydration 💐 The benefits of growing your own flowers for sustainability 🌻 How alternative vessels can enhance creativity in floral design 🏡 Why sourcing from local flower farmers results in fresher, seasonal blooms ♻️ The importance of using recyclable and biodegradable materials 🎓 How to educate clients about sustainable flower choicesConnect with The Great British Flower School:Free Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sustainablefloristryforeveryoneJoin our Spring Open Evening - flowers.thegreatbritishflowerschool.co.uk/spring-open-eveningMake the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow florists! 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.In this episode, Roz sits down with Jen from Life on the Lot, a passionate flower farmer who turned her pandemic vegetable-growing hobby into a thriving flower farm. Jen shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she faced in her early days, and how growing her own food completely transformed her perspective on sustainability and seasonality.Now, with her latest project at Claremont Farm, Jen is creating a pick-your-own flower experience and workshops to bring more people into the world of seasonal flowers. She opens up about the realities of running a flower farm, from financial management to the importance of community engagement, while also sharing her motivation to inspire her daughter to pursue a non-traditional career path.Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer, an aspiring grower, or just someone who loves the beauty of flowers, this episode is filled with real talk, inspiration, and practical insights.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌱 How Jen’s journey into flower farming started during the COVID-19 pandemic 🌿 The challenges she faced, from tough growing conditions to perennial weeds 🌎 How growing food changed her perspective on sustainability and seasonality 💐 Why she transitioned from vegetables to growing flowers 🏡 Her latest project: a pick-your-own flower farm at Claremont Farm 📊 The financial realities of running a flower farm (it’s not all pretty petals!) 🌻 The importance of community engagement and workshops in her business 🎓 Why mistakes in gardening are valuable learning experiences 👩‍👧 Jen’s motivation to inspire her daughter to think beyond traditional career pathsConnect with Jen & Life on the Lot:📍 https://www.lifeonthelot.co.uk/wirralflowerfarm📍 https://www.instagram.com/life_on_the_lotMake the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow flower lovers! 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.In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nadine Brown, a seasoned florist with over 30 years of experience, to talk about the evolving world of floristry. From starting her first flower shop at just 23 to becoming a leading voice in sustainable floristry, Nadine shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the changes she hopes to see in the industry.We dive into the importance of local flower sourcing, building strong grower-florist relationships, and why authenticity in design matters more than fleeting trends. Nadine also breaks down common mistakes flower farmers make, the challenges florists face in aligning their business models with their lifestyles, and simple sustainability swaps that can make a huge impact.If you’re a florist, flower farmer, or just passionate about sustainable design, this episode is packed with valuable insights and expert advice.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌿 How Nadine transitioned from retail to education with a focus on sustainability🌸 Why local flowers are crucial for quality, community, and sustainability💡 The biggest mistakes flower farmers and florists make – and how to avoid them🎨 Why authenticity in floral design matters more than following trends🌎 Practical sustainability swaps that florists can implement today🤝 How mentorship and education are shaping the future of floristry🌟 Nadine’s vision for a more creative, sustainable, and supportive floristry industryConnect with Nadine:📍https://www.theivyinstitute.com.au/ or https://www.instagram.com/the_ivyinstituteIf you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow flower lovers!Make the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details. 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!Hello, and thank you for popping over to listen! It’s always lovely to have you here. Whether you’re a flower farmer, a small business owner, or just passionate about growing, we’re here to help you thrive.Today, I’ve got a brilliant guest, Tom Coleman. Some of you might know that Tom and I work together on the Growth Club, a membership designed to help small businesses gain visibility, develop their marketing strategies, and ultimately grow.In this episode, we’re diving deep into social media strategy, Instagram growth, and how to go viral the right way. If you’ve ever wondered how to increase engagement, turn followers into customers, and use Instagram as part of a wider business strategy, you’re in the right place.🌟 Episode SummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Tom Coleman, a marketing and social media specialist who helps horticulture businesses stand out online. We take you behind the scenes of our Instagram strategy, revealing how we took my account from 20,000 to 122,000 followers in just six months.We break down two viral Reels—one that hit 1.6 million views and another that skyrocketed to 2.6 million—and share exactly what made them work. But more importantly, we discuss why social media is only the start of your business funnel and how to turn engagement into real sales.If you’ve ever wondered how to create posts that truly resonate, how to use ManyChat to collect emails or why Instagram should be part of a wider marketing strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights!🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How we strategically grew an Instagram account from 20K to 122K followers✔️ The two viral Reels—what made them work and how you can replicate success✔️ Why engagement is key—the power of responding to comments and DMs✔️ The role of Instagram in a wider marketing strategy—it’s just the start!✔️ How to use ManyChat to automate lead collection and drive conversions✔️ Why collecting emails from social media is crucial for long-term growth✔️ The importance of staying true to your brand and not chasing trends📌 Resources & Links:🔗 Join The Growth Club – Check it out here!🔗 Follow me on Instagram – @fieldgateflowers🔗 Find Tom on Instagram – @imtomcoleman  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!I'm Roz Chandler, and today, I'm delighted to welcome Jamie Walton. Jamie is an award-winning gardener known for his expertise in no-dig gardening, permaculture, and wild edibles. With over 1.5 million followers on social media, he shares practical growing tips and insights into sustainable gardening.In this episode, Jamie shares his fascinating journey, from barbering and fine art to becoming a head grower at an estate in Sands End. He talks about the challenges of setting up an organic kitchen garden in a tough coastal environment and how a simple social media post catapulted him into the spotlight. Jamie also reveals his latest venture: launching a community food-growing project to support low-income families and food banks.Join us as we explore his passion for sustainability, his new book Nettles and Petals, and the exciting app he's helping to develop for gardeners worldwide!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌱 How Jamie transitioned from barbaring to gardening🌊 The challenges of creating a no-dig garden on a steep coastal hill📱 How social media transformed his career📖 The inspiration behind his new book, Nettles and Petals🍏 His mission to provide fresh food to low-income communities🌼 The crossover between growing flowers and foodResources & Links:🔗 Follow Jamie Walton on Instagram: @nettlesandpetals📖 Pre-order Jamie’s book Nettles and Petals: [Link coming soon]🌿 Learn more about no-dig gardening: Charles Dowding’s websiteJoin the Conversation!If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to the podcast.📸 Tag us on Instagram: @thecutflowerpodcastHappy growing,Roz Chandler 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 Show!In this episode of the podcast, Roz Chandler shares her top ten tips for starting a thriving cutting patch, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grower. Pulling insights from her book Seed to Vase, Roz explains how to grow beautiful, seasonally grown British blooms with practical strategies for maximizing your space, choosing the right flowers, and keeping your patch thriving year-round.Episode SummaryA cutting patch isn’t just a garden—it’s a space dedicated to growing flowers for cutting and arranging. Whether you have a small urban plot or acres of land, Roz walks through the essential steps to creating a successful cutting patch. From soil preparation to succession planting, and even dealing with pests and wind damage, these ten tips will help you start growing with confidence.If you’ve ever wanted to fill your home with fresh-cut flowers or even start a small flower business, this episode is packed with must-know advice!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Size doesn’t matter—how to maximize space for your cutting patch✅ The difference between annuals, perennials, and biennials and why it matters✅ How to choose flowers you love for a rewarding growing experience✅ The importance of soil quality and how to improve it✅ Protecting your flowers from wind, pests, and environmental challenges✅ How to keep flowers blooming with succession planting techniques✅ Essential tools and supports to keep plants strong and healthyConnect with Us!🔔 Subscribe to the podcast for more expert gardening tips!⭐ Leave a review if you enjoyed this episode, it helps others find the show!💬 Join the conversation in the comments: What’s your favorite flower to grow? 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