The Cut Flower Podcast

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this engaging episode, Roz invites Helen Rogers, a passionate beekeeper and honey expert, to share her captivating journey from an engineering career to the world of bees.Exploring Beekeeping:Helen takes us on her beekeeping adventure, describing how her fascination with bees led her to start beekeeping. She emphasizes the crucial role bees play in pollination and the ecosystem, and explains the joys and challenges of setting up and managing beehives.The Hive Dynamics:Helen unravels the inner workings of a beehive, introducing us to the queen, workers, and drones. Each bee's unique role is vital for the hive's success. She also sheds light on the precious hive products like honey, beeswax, and propolis, which have various uses.The Art of Honey Tasting:Helen shares her enlightening experience of becoming a certified honey sommelier in Italy. She delves into the intricacies of identifying different single-origin honeys by their scent, flavor, and appearance, revealing the unique stories behind each.Unveiling Honey Preferences:Roz and Helen explore the art of honey tasting, discussing the diverse flavor profiles of honeys harvested from different sources. Helen emphasizes how personal memories often influence honey preferences, with people leaning towards honey from their local areas.Honey and Culinary Pairings:The conversation takes a delicious turn as Helen unveils the intriguing world of pairing honey with wine and cheese. She explains how the richness of certain honeys can complement the flavors of various cheeses, leading to delightful tasting experiences.Lessons and Insights:Helen opens up about the patience and learning required in beekeeping, admitting her own mistakes along the way. The significance of effective communication within a bee colony is stressed, along with the profound impact of Dave Goulson's work on bee conservation and environmental awareness.Upcoming Plans:Looking ahead, Helen shares her plans for in-person honey tasting workshops and new products in her online shop. Her commitment to teaching beginner beekeepers and fostering a bee-friendly community shines through.Conclusion:The episode wraps up with a shared fascination for the intelligence of bees and the captivating world of beekeeping. Roz and Helen express their mutual interest in honey tasting and potential collaborations.Key Takeaways:Beekeeping is a rewarding journey requiring patience and continuous learning.Bees are vital for ecosystem health and successful pollination.Honey tasting involves recognizing unique scents, flavors, and appearances of various honeys.Hive communication and First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast, In this solo session with Roz Chandler, we're diving into the world of hardy annuals. Roz explains the distinction between hardy and half-hardy annuals – hardy ones can endure winter frost, while half-hardy varieties need protection from the cold. She suggests focusing on mid to late August for half-hardy annuals. At Field Gate Flowers, they begin by sowing these in a tunnel and then transplant outside in September, allowing roots to establish before winter.Covering different flower options, Roz shares her favourites: **Ammi Visnaga**, a hardy filler with lovely seed heads; **Calendulas** like Indian Prince, Snow Princess, and Pink Surprise; the striking **Cornflowers** including Centaurea cyanus (blackball) and Blue Diadem; the intriguing **Daucus carota** which is hardy biennial; and the elegant white lace **Orlaya grandiflora**. Some delicate hardy annuals like **Larkspur**, **Cerinthe**, **Antirrhinum** and **Californian Poppies** are best grown under cover for the winter.Sweet peas also make an appearance! Roz advises starting them in November or December under cover or doing a spring sowing. Sweet peas might seem delicate, but they're actually hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to minus five. They can be sown in autumn, strengthened in spring, and sown again. Don't miss the episode where Roz chats with sweet pea expert Roger Parsons for more insights.Roz emphasises the importance of planning your flower year, considering when to sow and whether to sow directly, under cover, or for spring. She teases the upcoming release of the 2024 Cut Flower Planter on Amazon. Your feedback is appreciated, so make sure to rate and review the podcast. Until next time, happy gardening and flower growing! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this weeks episode, Roz and special guest Hannah Benson discuss Hannah's journey as a young flower farmer in Lincolnshire, UK. Hannah shares her background, defying the average age for flower farmers, and talks about her shift from vegetables to growing flowers. She highlights the challenges of pricing and selling flowers in a competitive market, especially in Lincolnshire. Hannah manages her flower farm mostly on her own with occasional help from her dad and considers hiring additional assistance for administrative tasks and social media. She discusses the potential of expanding her business and embracing new flower varieties to drive industry trends. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of staying ahead of the market and maintaining relevance in the flower farming industry.Key takeaways from today's podcast episode: Hannah Benson, a young flower farmer in Lincolnshire, shares her journey in defying stereotypes and embracing flower farming at a non-average age.Lincolnshire's ideal climate and soil conditions make it a prime spot for flower growing, but challenges persist in staying competitive amidst changing market trends.Hannah manages her flower farm mostly on her own, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between driving the market and offering competitive prices.The Countryfile experience brought visibility to Hannah's farm, but she remains committed to exploring new markets and embracing innovative flower varieties.Growing a wide range of flowers, both annuals and perennials, Hannah focuses on staying ahead of the market and maintaining relevance in the ever-evolving flower farming industry.Hannah Benson Resource Links: My Twitter is: @hannahsflowers TikTok: @hannahsflowerslincsFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahsflowers20/Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hannahsflowers20/?hl=enWebsite: www.hannahsflowerslincs.co.uk First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this episode, Roz Chandler introduces her special guest, Sue McGlasson, who began her flower farming journey during lockdown. Sue started by growing seeds in small plastic boxes in her garden and got addicted to gardening and growing plants. She eventually acquired an allotment plot and expanded her flower-growing venture with the help of courses on flower farming.Sue and her family then made a significant leap by purchasing a property with a walled garden and a Victorian greenhouse. They plan to convert the property into a flower farm with various possibilities, including flower subscriptions, DIY buckets, selling to florists, workshops, and even pick-your-own apple events and cider-making.Sue draws inspiration from Roz Chandler, her fellow flower farmers on the "Best Bunch" group, and several growers she follows on Instagram. She mentions that she is more visually inclined than a reader and prefers to get inspiration from social media platforms.For new flower farmers, Sue advises them to keep dreaming big and to take every opportunity that comes their way. She encourages them to follow their passion for flower farming and enjoy the journey of creating something beautiful and fulfilling.Key takeaways  from todays episodeSue 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. https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Hey there, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting episode where we're diving deep into the world of sustainable gardening. Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Sally Morgan, a seasoned horticulturist and gardening guru. Sally will be sharing some valuable insights on how climate change is affecting our gardens and practical tips on how we can adapt to these changes. Whether you're a green-thumbed pro or just starting out, get ready for some fantastic advice!Episode Highlights:1. Climate Change and Our Gardens:Sally breaks down how unpredictable weather patterns are impacting our gardens.Let's discuss the challenges that climate change poses to our beloved plants.2. Soil: The Secret to Garden Success:Discover why healthy soil is the ultimate key to sustainable gardening.Say goodbye to hard work with the no-dig approach to gardening. Mulch, baby, mulch! Learn how this simple trick can save the day for your garden.3. Smart Plant Choices for a Climate-Resilient Garden:Sally shares tips on selecting plants that can thrive amidst climate changes.Get local with your plant choices and rootstocks for a resilient garden.Embrace the Mediterranean vibes with shade planting for a cooler garden.4. Sustainable Garden Hacks:Learn about rainwater harvesting and reducing water usage for a greener gardenDive into the trend of perennial vegetables for a drought-ready garden.Explore the exciting world of brownfield gardening and its benefits.5. Inspiring Authors and Awesome Resources:Sally recommends fantastic books for those interested in soil health and resilient gardening.Discover authors like Michael Phillips and Elaine Ingham who are making waves in this field.Thank you for joining us today! We're truly grateful to Sally Morgan for sharing her wealth of gardening wisdom. Don't forget to check out her fantastic books and keep an eye on her work. If you're hungry for more inspiring gardening and sustainable living content, hit that subscribe button and stay tuned for our next adventure in the world of green thumbs! Happy gardening! 🌿🌷🍅 First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.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. Anya Lautenbach Resource Links:Instagram : https://instagram.com/anya_thegarden_fairy?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/anyathegardenfairy https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

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

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.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 MRCGPWhere 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. The importance of mental health and gardening. What inspires you to keep going? The power of distraction and creative activity. Gardening as a form of therapy. Horatio's Gardens:https://www.horatiosgarden.org.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/horatiosgardenhttps://instagram.com/horatiosgarden/https://twitter.com/HoratiosGardenhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6sf7qF9GFBr2ee_uT5d7ghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/horatiosgarden https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In 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 SpaNicola'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 todayInspired 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.Nicola's Resource Links:https://www.instagram.com/gentleblooms/www.gentleblooms.co.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/gentleblooms First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

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