The Cut Flower Podcast

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Roz here! I’m thrilled to bring you another insightful episode, and today, we're diving deep into the world of sweet peas with none other than Roger Parsons. Roger shares his incredible journey from a childhood fascination with sweet peas to becoming the custodian of the National Collection. If you’re passionate about sweet peas or just love to learn about the intricate beauty of flowers, this episode is a must-listen.Episode SummaryIn this episode, Roger Parsons takes us on a journey through the delicate and fragrant world of sweet peas. From his early memories of buying sweet pea varieties at Woolworths to managing an extensive collection of over 160 Lathyrus species, Roger’s passion is palpable. He discusses the challenges of preserving rare varieties, the nuances of sweet pea cultivation, and offers practical advice for both novice and experienced growers.Roger also shares valuable insights into the differences between various types of sweet peas and other Lathyrus species, such as the everlasting pea. He provides tips on achieving the best vase life for cut flowers, growing sweet peas in different climates, and the benefits of cordon growing versus natural growth methods. Key TakeawaysJourney to National Collection: Roger’s transition from a childhood love of sweet peas to managing a national collection and the importance of preserving rare varieties.Sweet Pea Varieties: Understanding the differences between Spencer, Grandiflora, and old-fashioned sweet peas, and how to choose the right type for your needs.Growing Tips: The best times to sow sweet peas depending on your location, and how to support and care for your plants for optimal growth.Irrigation Insights: How proper watering can extend stem length and improve overall flower quality, and the role of foliar feeding in promoting healthy plants.Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn how to prevent leggy growth, ensure your plants flower, and avoid over-fertilisation with nitrogen.Connect with Roger Parsons: 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.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:Intentional Living: Transforming your life and business requires clarity about your goals and the reality of what’s involved in achieving them.The Transition to Entrepreneurship: Moving from employee to business owner is a significant shift that requires unlearning old habits and embracing new skills.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.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.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

Ali Conway, founder of Rambling Stems, transitioned from corporate marketing to championing sustainable floristry. She shares her inspiring journey and the challenges of breaking away from traditional practices. Emphasizing the dangers of floral foam, Ali advocates for eco-friendly alternatives and the beauty of British blooms. The conversation dives into the importance of adaptable floral education that embraces sustainability. Ali also discusses the role of creativity in working with seasonal flowers and educating clients about environmentally conscious choices.

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Hello, flower enthusiasts! Roz Chandler here, welcoming you to another insightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast. In this episode, we continue our three-part series on perennials for your cutting garden or flower farm. Last week, we covered the alphabet from A to H, and today we'll be picking up with H for Hellebores and moving through to S. These trusty perennials form the backbone of a productive garden, ensuring beauty and reliability year after year. Let’s dive in!Episode SummaryIn this instalment, Roz Chandler takes us through the next set of essential perennials for any cutting garden. Starting with the delicate and early-blooming Hellebores, she moves on to Limonium, Toadflax, Lysimachia, and a host of other beautiful and practical plants. Roz shares her expert tips on how to grow, propagate, and care for these plants to maximise their vase life and ensure a bountiful harvest. Whether you’re a flower farmer or an avid gardener, these perennials are must-haves for their versatility and enduring appeal. The episode also touches on the love-hate relationship with peonies, the versatile uses of mint, and the stunning beauty of Sanguisorba.Key TakeawaysHellebores and Patience: Hellebores require patience; pick them when seed pods and stamens drop for optimal vase life.Propagation Tips: Many perennials, like Lysimachia and mint, benefit from division every few years, offering more plants and fresh growth.Versatility of Mints: Mints can be invasive, so plant them in containers unless you want them to spread. They offer excellent vase life and fragrance.Seasonal Highlights: Peonies, while short-lived, are a beloved addition to any garden, providing stunning blooms that can be stored for later use.New Additions: Sanguisorba, with its striking height and unique colour, has become a favourite and a must-grow for its visual impact and longevity.Thank you for joining me as we explore these wonderful perennials. Stay tuned for the final part of our series, where we'll cover the rest of the alphabet and some additional favourites! 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

Explore the magical world of perennials with expert insights from a seasoned flower farmer. Discover the top ten must-have varieties that promise stability and beauty. Learn essential tips on propagation, care, and extending vase life for optimal bloom enjoyment. Uncover the characteristics of each flower, from the reliable Achillea to the versatile Chrysanthemum. This journey offers practical advice to enhance your flower farming or gardening experience, ensuring your garden stays vibrant all season long!

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Hi there! It’s Roz Chandler here, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to another enriching episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, we have the wonderful Sarah Diligent with us, a wedding and event florist, author, and teacher of sustainable floristry. I’ve admired Sarah’s work for over a decade, and I can’t wait for you to hear her inspiring journey. Let’s dive right in!Episode SummaryIn this episode, we sit down with Sarah Diligent, who shares her fascinating transition from being a nanny to becoming a celebrated florist. Sarah recounts her journey into floristry, spurred by her own wedding, and how her passion for flowers and sustainable practices has shaped her career. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a floristry business, the importance of sustainability, and the evolving trends in the floral industry.Key TakeawaysSustainability in Floristry: Sarah emphasises the critical role of sustainability in floristry, detailing the environmental impacts of traditional practices and the benefits of using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials.From Nanny to Florist: Discover how Sarah’s global experiences as a nanny contributed to her unique perspective on floristry and her determination to tackle challenging projects.Educational Journey: Learn about Sarah’s educational path, from initial courses at Green and Gorgeous to her extensive training with various florists, which equipped her with the skills and confidence to start her own business.Challenges of the Industry: Sarah candidly shares the hurdles she faced, including initial rejections from florists and the demanding nature of the job, and how she overcame them through perseverance and passion.Consumer Awareness: The importance of educating consumers about the origins of their flowers and the ethical considerations involved in flower farming and floristry.Business and Personal Growth: Insights into how Sarah balances the demands of her business with personal wellbeing, the value of setting boundaries, and continuously striving for sustainability in all aspects of her work. 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.Hi there! It’s Roz Chandler here, and I’m thrilled to bring you another insightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of sustainable floristry with our special guest, Jo Thompson from Wye Valley Flowers. Jo’s journey from sustainability education to becoming a renowned florist and flower farmer is truly inspiring. Let's get started!Episode SummaryIn this episode, we chat with Jo Thompson, a third-generation flower farmer with an extensive background in sustainability education. Jo shares her unique journey, highlighting the transition from academia to floristry and how her commitment to sustainability has shaped her business practices. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of running a flower farm, the importance of sustainable practices in floristry, and the impact of consumer education on the industry.Key TakeawaysSustainable Floristry: Jo discusses the significance of sustainability in floristry, emphasising the environmental impact of traditional flower farming practices and the benefits of local, sustainable flower production.Journey from Academia to Floristry: Learn about Jo’s transition from a 25-year career in sustainability education to becoming a flower farmer, and how her academic background influences her business approach.Challenges in Flower Farming: Jo candidly shares the challenges she faces in flower farming, from weather-related issues to market competition, and how she navigates these obstacles.Consumer Education: Discover the role of consumer education in promoting sustainable floristry and how Jo uses social media and workshops to inform and engage her customers.Community and Collaboration: Jo highlights the importance of community and collaboration in her business, discussing her work with volunteers and local schools to promote sustainability and horticultural education. 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.Hello everyone, and welcome to another insightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast! I’m Roz Chandler, and today, I’m thrilled to have Roisin from Verde Flower Co. joining us. Roisin’s journey from politics and conservation to flower farming is truly fascinating, and I can’t wait for you all to hear her story and insights.Summary: In this episode, Roisin shares her incredible transition from working in politics and conservation to diving into the world of flower farming. She took over Verde Flower Co. from her mother during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since developed a thriving urban flower farm under the iconic Tyne Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne. Roisin also discusses her involvement in the Nuffield Farming Scholarship and her research into the future of the British cut flower industry amidst climate change challenges.Key Takeaways:Diverse Background: Roisin’s journey from studying politics and conservation to flower farming highlights the diverse paths one can take to enter the floral industry.Urban Flower Farming: Setting up an urban flower farm can bring the beauty of local flowers to city dwellers, fostering community engagement and education.Climate Change Adaptation: Roisin’s Nuffield Farming Scholarship research focuses on how the British cut flower industry can adapt to a warming world and more erratic weather patterns.Community and Collaboration: Building a supportive community of flower farmers and collaborating on shared resources is crucial for the industry’s resilience and growth.Sustainable Practices: Roisin advocates for nature-friendly flower farming, avoiding harmful pesticides and focusing on sustainable practices.Policy and Advocacy: The importance of having a voice in policy-making to support and promote the British cut flower industry is emphasized, as well as the need for effective campaigning and lobbying.Join us for this engaging conversation as Roisin shares her experiences, challenges, and vision for the future of British flower farming. Her dedication to sustainability and community collaboration is truly inspiring, and there’s much to learn from her journey.Thank you for tuning in! If Roisin’s story resonated with you or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out and connect with us through the links below. Until next time, keep growing and blooming!Connect with Roisin:Website: https://verdeflowerco.org/aboutInstagram:  http://instagra 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.Hello everyone, and welcome to another inspiring episode of The Cutflower Podcast! I’m Roz Chandler, and today, I’m delighted to welcome Lisa Holt, a former teacher who has transformed her life by diving into the world of flower farming. Lisa and I go back a few years, and it’s wonderful to see how her journey has blossomed.Summary: In this episode, Lisa Holt shares her incredible transition from a 30-year teaching career to becoming a passionate flower farmer. Lisa discusses how a New Year’s resolution to be more creative led her to start growing flowers, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown. From growing vegetables that no one ate to cultivating a third of an acre of beautiful blooms, Lisa’s story is truly inspiring.Key Takeaways:Transition to Flower Farming: Lisa explains how she moved from teaching to flower farming, driven by a desire to be creative and do something different.Importance of Community: Building a local community of flower farmers has been crucial for Lisa, providing support, collaboration, and shared resources.Sustainability in Floristry: Lisa is committed to eco-friendly floristry, avoiding floral foam, and focusing on sustainable practices.Facing Challenges: Overcoming imposter syndrome and learning new skills have been significant parts of Lisa’s journey.Passion for Funeral Flowers: Lisa’s mission is to provide beautiful, personalised funeral flowers that reflect the loved ones’ gardens and bring comfort to families.Marketing and Growth: Lisa shares insights into marketing her flower business, connecting with customers, and the continuous learning process involved in flower farming.Join us for this heartwarming conversation as Lisa shares her experiences, challenges, and successes in the world of flower farming. Her journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the beauty of community and collaboration in achieving dreams.Thank you for tuning in! If Lisa’s story resonated with you or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out and connect with us through the links below. Until next time, keep growing and blooming!Connect with Lisa: Lisa Holt Instagramhttps://www.gatehouseflorals.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.Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter - https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersHello, and welcome to a rather special episode of our podcast! I’m Roz Chandler, and today I'm diving into a variety of questions posed by members of the Cut Flower Farming Growth and Profit Facebook group. We're here to address your biggest challenges and provide insights to help you grow and profit in your flower farming business.Summary: In this episode, I tackle a wide range of topics from pricing strategies to scaling your business, and from choosing the right flowers to dealing with market competition. Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone. We explore practical advice and tips on managing costs, optimising flower selection, and enhancing your business strategy to ensure profitability and growth.Key Takeaways:Effective Pricing Strategies: Understand your costs and value. Pricing isn’t just about covering costs but also about reflecting the value you offer to your customers.Growing and Scaling Up: Focus on your market, choose high-yield and profitable crops, and plan your growing season to maximise productivity.Community and Collaboration: Learn from others, work with local florists, and consider cooperative systems to share resources and market space.Time Management: Balance working on your business versus in your business by using time blocking and seeking help during peak seasons.Choosing the Right Flowers: Opt for a mix of perennials, annuals, and foliage to ensure a continuous supply of flowers and meet market demands.Maximising Raised Beds: Implement successional sowing and strategic planting to get the most out of your growing space.I also share insights on the importance of knowing your market, the benefits of workshops and retreats, and how to manage a diverse flower farming business effectively.Thank you for tuning in! If you have more questions or need further advice, feel free to join our Facebook group, attend our upcoming retreats, or check out our online courses.Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know if you’ve found these tips helpful. Until next time, happy flower farming! 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