Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast! 🌸In this delightful episode, your host Roz engages in a lively conversation with Jenny Williams, a passionate gardener and guest extraordinaire. Join them as they delve into the world of gardening, podcasts, dreams, and more.Roz and Jenny explore a myriad of topics, from the use of AI in crafting Instagram posts to the challenges of maintaining restraint in the face of creative ideas. They share insights into the profound impact captions can have on social media engagement, drawing from personal experiences and light bulb moments.Jenny opens up about her biggest challenge – the struggle with restraint, a force that keeps her buzzing ideas in check. The discussion seamlessly transitions to the evolution of Jenny's garden, a metaphorical fourth child nurtured over the years. They touch upon the emotional pride that comes with seeing their hard work bloom and resonate with others.As avid readers, they discuss their preferences, with Jenny favoring magazines and occasional book indulgences. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as they share their childhood dreams, both revealing a surprising desire to be air hostesses.Key Takeaways:1. Caption Magic: Captions can be the secret sauce for engaging content on social media, turning personal moments into compelling narratives.2. Garden as a Teacher: The garden, for Jenny, is not just a collection of plants but a living, breathing teacher, guiding them to slow down and savor the journey.3. Dreams Evolve: Childhood dreams of becoming air hostesses reflect the whimsy of youth, contrasting with the fulfilled and content lives they lead today.4. Favourite Flowers by Season: Hellebores for hope in winter, diva roses, and practical yet beautiful dahlias – Jenny's favorites change with the seasons.5. Water Feature Project: The anticipation of a water feature project in Jenny's garden promises excitement, cobbles, and the soothing sound of water.Join Roz and Jenny in this episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and a shared love for the simple joys found in gardens and dreams. Don't miss the parting promise of attending the grand opening of Jenny's water feature – a symbol of beauty, patience, and the joy New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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 Cut Flower Podcast! In this delightful episode, your host Roz engages in a captivating conversation with the talented Janne Ford. Join them as they dive into the world of cut flowers, social media, and the joys of creativity.Roz and Janne share their insights into the dynamic realm of social media, discussing the unpredictability of content going viral and the importance of authenticity and consistency in the online space. Janne opens up about her journey, from her childhood dream job to her current passion for flowers and plans for the future.Key Takeaways:1. The Viral Journey: Discover the intriguing story behind Janne's viral social media moment, emphasizing the significance of choosing trending audio and the element of luck.  2. Creativity and Nature: Janne's inspiration drawn from nature highlights the importance of observing and emulating the beauty found in the outdoors, showcasing the charm of spiky flowers like foxgloves and the allure of David Austin roses.3. Challenges and Imposter Syndrome: Gain insights into the challenges Janne faced during her career transition and her reflections on imposter syndrome, a common hurdle for those venturing into second careers.4. Future Ventures: Explore Janne's exciting plans for 2024, including the establishment of a new studio space and the anticipation of running workshops, fostering a hub of creativity and collaboration.Connect with Janne Ford: If you're as captivated by Janne's flower-filled journey as we are, connect with her on Instagram @janneford (https://www.instagram.com/janneford/) and stay tuned for updates on her upcoming workshops and creative ventures.Thank you for joining us on the Cut Flower Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the floral inspiration with your friends!  New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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,  in today's episode, we're diving into the world of autumn bulb planting. So, what bulbs should you be considering for a vibrant spring garden in the UK?Roz kicks off by emphasising the importance of timing, especially for tulips.  Moving on to other bulbs, daffodils and narcissi are perfect for the UK climate, offering a wide variety of choices. Hyacinths, known for their fragrance and vibrant colorus, can be planted in the ground or forced indoors. Alliums, in various shapes and sizes, provide a stunning display, especially when planted close together. Crocus, with their early blooms, signify the arrival of spring. English bluebells and snowdrops, native to the UK, add a touch of natural beauty.Roz also introduces the Star of Bethlehem, a delightful addition to your garden from autumn through late spring. She provides general guidelines for planting, emphasizing location, depth, and spacing. The lasagna method, planting bulbs in pots with different flowering times, is explained for a prolonged display. Watering and mulching tips are shared, ensuring your bulbs thrive.Key Takeaways:Timing is crucial; wait until November to plant tulips for a successful bloom.Explore a variety of bulbs like daffodils, hyacinths, alliums, crocus, bluebells, snowdrops, and the Star of Bethlehem.Follow general guidelines for planting, considering location, depth, and spacing.Try the lasagna method for extended flowering in pots.Water tulips in February for optimal growth.Mulch after planting to protect bulbs and deter weeds in spring.Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or a hobbyist tending to your garden, Roz's advice will guide you in creating a stunning spring display. Remember, the beauty of your blooms might vary, but the joy of planting lasts all season!Happy planting, and enjoy the podcast! https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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.Its time for Part 2, with  Roz and Amanda Powell. They continue their conversation about flower farming. They delve into essential recommendations for flower farmers, emphasising the importance of pricing confidently and not undervaluing your products. They encourage growers to be kind to themselves, embrace their unique blooms, and focus on intentional growing. The hosts also share insights on achieving efficiency and productivity in flower farming.Key Takeaways:Crunch the numbers and price your flowers confidently.Embrace imposter syndrome and gain confidence in your products.Be kind to yourself, take pride in your blooms, and grow intentionally.Study colors, textures, and note what works for your farm.Consider strategic placement of compost heaps for efficiency.Discover unique and lesser-known flower varieties for a distinct offering.Recommended Books:1. "Half-Hour Allotment" by Lia Leendertz2. "The Cut Flower Source Book" by Rachel Siegfried3. "A Guide to Floral Mechanics" by Sarah Diligent4. "From Seed to Bloom" by Millie Proust5. "The Lean Farm" by Ben Hartman6. "The Flower Hunter" by Lucy Hunter7. "The Art of Wearable Flowers" by Susan McCleary8. "The Cut Flower Garden" by Erin Benzakein9. "The Flower Farmer Year" by Georgie NewberyRecommended Flowers:Cream Upstart TulipGeranium 'Splish Splash'Stocks (Apricot variety)MyrtleWhite Purity CosmosWhite MallowVolcano Dahlia (Pink variety)Amanda Powell Resource Links: https://www.facebook.com/theflowerfarmershoeburyness/https://www.instagram.com/theflowerfarmershoeburyness/Twitter: https://twitter.com/essexflowerfarmWebsite: https://www.flowerfarmer.co.uk/ New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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 part one of this two part discussion, Amanda Powell, a seasoned flower farmer, joins Roz Chandler for an insightful conversation about her journey in the world of cut flower farming.Amanda shares her inspiring story of transition from a corporate career in higher education to pursuing her dream of becoming a flower farmer. Her decision to venture into cut flower farming was driven by a passion for working with plants and an eagerness to create a business that aligned with her values.key takeaways from this episode:Passion and Determination: Amanda's journey from a corporate career to cut flower farming is a testament to the power of following one's passion and being determined to pursue a dream.Embracing Change: Amanda's ability to adapt and make necessary changes in her business model, whether in flower varieties or sales channels, has been crucial to her success.Market Understanding: Understanding the market demands and pricing strategies is essential for a sustainable and profitable flower farming business. Amanda emphasizes the importance of doing the necessary financial calculations.Diverse Sales Channels: Exploring and utilizing various sales channels, including local markets, national mail orders, and collaborations with garden centres and farm shops, provides flower farmers with opportunities to reach different customer segments.Continuous Learning and Experimentation: Amanda's willingness to experiment, try new varieties, and push the boundaries of her flower farming practices has been key to her ongoing success.Customer Engagement: Engaging directly with customers, whether through markets or other sales channels, provides valuable insights and helps in building a loyal customer base.Adapting to Nature: Recognizing that nature is unpredictable and being prepared for challenges, such as weather conditions, pests, and other natural factors, is crucial for a flower farming business.Planning and Strategy: Amanda's approach of creating seasonal "recipes" and having a clear plan for each part of the season helps her optimize her production and sales.Amanda Powell Resource Links: https://www.facebook.com/theflowerfarmershoeburyness/ New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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 shares her top book recommendations that delve into the world of flowers, gardening, and the floral industry. From promoting mental well-being in the garden to exploring the journey of cut flowers, Roz's selections cover a range of topics that flower enthusiasts will find both insightful and enjoyable.Key Titles Include:The RHS Your Well Being Garden: Discover the profound impact of green spaces and gardening on mental and physical health, backed by scientific evidence.Gilding the Lily by Amy Stewart: A compelling exploration of the flower industry, shedding light on its practices, from worker treatment to environmental impact.Everlastings by Bex Partridge: Beck's Partridge takes you on a journey celebrating dried flowers, offering practical advice on picking and drying, along with stunning projects for all levels.Fantastic Foliage and How to Farm It by Hilary Collins: An indispensable guide to eucalyptus, providing in-depth knowledge on varieties, cultivation, and maintenance.The Cut Flower Source Book by Rachel Siegfried: Delve into the world of perennials and woody plants for cutting, offering valuable insights for both enthusiasts and aspiring flower farmers.The Cut Flower Planner by Roz Chandler: A beautifully designed planner providing month-by-month guidance for a successful cutting garden, including tasks, recommendations, and space for notes.From Seed to Vase : Experience the transformative journey of participants in an eight-month cut flower course during the challenges of COVID-19, a testament to the power of nature and community.Thank you for joining us on this exploration of flower-related literature. As the autumn and winter seasons approach, take some time to cozy up by the fire with a good book. Happy reading!* https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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, where we delve into the world of gardening and its profound impact on our wellbeing. In this episode, Roz and Ellen share their profound appreciation for nature and the inspiration it brings to their lives. Ellen, an avid gardener, emphasizes the importance of recognising that we are inherently a part of nature. She finds immense joy in witnessing others discover the wonders of gardening, from the first harvest to the awe of watching a sunflower bloom. Roz leads an engaging conversation, asking Ellen about her desert island book choices, revealing personal anecdotes, and exploring her childhood dream of becoming an RAF pilot. The episode encapsulates their shared passion for gardening and its role in their lives.Key Takeaways:Nature as Inspiration: Ellen emphasizes the profound impact of nature on our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It's not just about reconnecting with nature, but recognizing that we are nature.Memorable Books: Ellen's book choices reflect her deep-rooted connections – from a book on desert island cooking to a herbal remedies guide, and the sentimental choice of "Cider with Rosie" that holds cherished memories.Childhood Dreams: Ellen's childhood dream of becoming an RAF pilot, while unexpected, showcases the power of youthful aspirations and how they shape our journeys.Gardening for the Community: In a hypothetical lottery win scenario, Ellen envisions using the windfall to create a small holding, growing food for the community, and providing a space for wellness activities.Adapting to Climate Change: Roz and Ellen discuss the changing climate and the need for resilient planting, highlighting the importance of considering future climates when planning gardens.Ellen Mary Webster Resource Links:www.ellenmarygardening.co.ukAuthor of:How to Grow a Garden New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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 back, flower enthusiasts! In this solo episode, Roz delves into the essential autumn tasks to keep your garden thriving. As the summer blooms fade, it's time to prepare for the winter ahead. Join Roz as she shares her expert tips for a flourishing garden come spring.Here are the key points covered in today's episode:Dividing Perennials: Discover why autumn is the perfect time to rejuvenate overcrowded perennials. Learn how this not only revitalizes your plants but also provides you with new additions for your garden or to share with friends.Planting Bulbs: Get a head start on spring by planting bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Learn the best practices for ensuring a vibrant display.Autumn Rose Care: Roz walks you through the steps for ensuring your roses are in top shape for the coming seasons. From pruning to managing diseases, you'll have your roses thriving.General Pruning: Find out which shrubs to prune now for a healthier garden next year.Creating Leaf Mould: Learn how to turn fallen leaves into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. Roz shares the best techniques for incorporating leaf mould into your gardening routine.Compost Management: Discover the art of balancing green and brown waste to create the most nourishing compost for your soil.Tool Care and Storage: Get your gardening tools ready for next year by cleaning and sharpening them now. Proper storage will ensure they last for seasons to come.Polytunnel and Greenhouse Clean-Up: Roz provides step-by-step guidance on preparing these vital spaces for winter. A clean and organized environment sets the stage for a successful growing season.Protecting Tender Plants: Learn how to safeguard delicate or rare plants from frost. Whether it's using fleece or providing indoor shelter, Roz has you covered.Supporting Wildlife: Roz emphasizes the importance of providing food and water sources for wildlife as they prepare for winter. Discover how you can create a haven for small animals and birds in your garden.Pond Care: If you have a pond, Roz offers valuable tips for autumn maintenance. From clearing debris to caring for fish, ensure your aquatic ecosystem thrives.As we approach the end of the growing season, let's gear up for a spectacular 2024! Don't forget to check out the additional resources via the links below and join our community on Facebook. Happy gardening! https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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 weeks episode, Roz is joined in the studio  by Sasha York. Sasha is an avid gardener and flower enthusiast. She started her gardening journey during lockdown to help others cope with the lack of outdoor space, sharing 10-minute tutorials and later live sessions on Instagram.Todays conversation delves into the world of flowers, gardens, and the passion that drives it all. Roz and Sahsa are sharing their insights and experiences on various flowers, gardening techniques, and the joy of cultivating blooms. Roz, and Sasha explore their thoughts on the top flowers to grow, their personal journeys in the world of gardening, and Sasha's exciting venture in Yorkshire.Key Takeaways:The Joy of Gardening:  It is important to choose varieties that thrive in their specific environments and how these blooms add character and colour to their spaces. Top 5 Flowers for Beginners: Lavender, Cosmos, Amaranth, Sweet Peas, Sweet Williams. These are versatile, beautiful, and relatively easy to grow for aspiring gardeners.Direct Sowing: Sasha and Roz emphasise the value of direct sowing for certain plants, highlighting the benefits of letting nature take its course.From Dreams to Blooms - A Journey in Gardening: Sasha shares her journey from childhood dreams of being an MI5 agent to her current role as a landscape garden designer. She describes the transformative power of gardens and how they've been a source of inspiration and solace for her. Roz Chandler reflects on her experiences as a flower farmer and the unexpected pleasures that come from connecting with fellow garden enthusiasts. Future Endeavours in YorkshireSasha shares her plans for the future, focusing on the development of 'Monthly Stables and Walled Garden' in Yorkshire. She envisions a space for therapeutic gardening, workshops, and events. Roz also discusses her flower farming endeavours and the importance of considering market demand in flower selection. Sasha York Resource Links:Instagram: @sashinthegarden and @hutton_wandesley_stables Website: www.sashinthegarden.co.uk Website: www.huttonwandesleystables.co.uk New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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 Stephanie Gillespie, a seasoned professional at Waste Flow Products, to delve into the fascinating world of sustainability in the floral industry. Stephanie brings over six years of experience in the field and a passion for sustainable practices.Discover how Oasis Floral Products UK is leading the charge with their "big green plan," aimed at educating and revolutionising the floral industry's approach to sustainability. Stephanie sheds light on the challenges faced, including the importance of educating about concepts like biodegradability.Join us as we explore Stephanie's inspiration, drawn from the vibrant community of florists she collaborates with. Their creativity and resourcefulness are driving forces behind Stephanie's dedication to providing them with the ultimate sustainable materials.1. Oasis Floral Products and Sustainability: Oasis is a global company known for its floral foam. The inventor of floral foam, born in Smithers, set up the company, hence the name Smithers Oasis. While Oasis foam is a widely recognised product, it's important to note that imitations exist, but they may not have the same quality.2. Sustainability Efforts: Oasis has been working on sustainability in floral design. They offer options like Oasis Bio Floral Foam, which has an additive allowing it to be broken down by microbes. Another option is Mr. Fibre Floral Design Media, made of rock wool fibre, a natural and recyclable material.3. Compostable Options: Oasis has introduced the Oasis Tara Brick Floral Foam, which is fully certified home and industrial compostable. It's made from natural materials like coconut coir and a compostable binder. This product is particularly suitable for green burials and woodland burials.4. Focus on Education: Oasis is actively engaging with floristry colleges to educate students about sustainable floral design alternatives. They're working to introduce students to new products beyond traditional floral foam.5. Future Innovation: Oasis is investing in research and development to create a truly sustainable floral design medium. They're dedicated to finding alternatives to traditional floral foam and are excited about future developments in this area.6. Sustainability in Floristry: There's a growing awareness of sustainability in th New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 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