The Cut Flower Podcast

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Cutflower Podcast! In this episode, Roz is honoured to have three distinguished guests, Professors Dave Goulston, Marian Boswell, and David Beck, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these experts delve into the fascinating realm of sustainability in the flower industry, providing valuable insights and perspectives. Join Roz as she explores the intersection of academia, biology, landscaping, and economic development, unravelling the complexities and opportunities that shape the world of cut flowers.Guest Introductions: 1. Dave Goulston: Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex.A lifelong insect enthusiast, specialising in bumblebees.Author of books such as "The Garden Jungle" and "Silent Earth."Advocate for insect conservation and sustainable gardening.2. Marian Boswell:  Landscape architect and former lecturer at the University of Greenwich.Specialised in historic garden conservation.Author of the book "Sustainable Garden."Focuses on regenerative design and sustainability in landscaping.3. David BeckRecently appointed Professor of Sustainability and Economic Development at Coventry University.Background in geography and development studiesExpert in sustainability-related aspects of horticultural supply chains.Co-founder of the Sustainable Cut Flowers Project.Episode Highlights:1. Dave Goulston on Bumblebees and Insect Conservation:Discussion on the decline of bumblebees and the importance of insect conservationThe role of gardens in supporting insect biodiversity.Sustainable gardening practices and the value of rewilding.2. Marian Boswell on Sustainable Landscaping:Exploring Marian's journey in historic garden conservation.The significance of honouring the past in landscaping.Sustainable and regenerative design principles in gardening.3. David Beck on Sustainability in the Flower Industry: Insights into David's academic journey and research interests.The Sustainable Cut Flowers Project and its mission.Challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainability in the flower industry. 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.SummaryIn this conversation, Michael Perry, also known as the Plant Geek, discusses his journey in the gardening industry and his passion for plants. He shares his early experiences gardening with his grandparents and how it shaped his love for plants. Michael talks about his career at Thompson & Morgan and his transition to a mixed portfolio of work. He also discusses his book, Water's Curious, and the inspiration behind it. Michael shares his approach to building a following on Instagram and the challenges he has faced in his career. He emphasises the importance of following instincts and staying open to opportunities. In this conversation, Michael and Roz discuss various topics related to work, travel, and future plans. They talk about the balance between work and personal travel, with Michael expressing his satisfaction in being able to travel for work and enjoy his job. They also discuss investing in Substack, a blogging platform, and the opportunities it provides for monetising knowledge. Michael shares his upcoming plans, including speaking at events and travelling abroad. They also touch on the American Association of Specialty Cut Flower Conference and the cooperative model of flower farmers. The conversation concludes with Roz expressing appreciation for Michael's knowledge and sharing his contact details.TakeawaysEarly experiences gardening with grandparents can shape a lifelong passion for plants.Transitioning to a mixed portfolio of work can provide new opportunities and challenges.Building a following on social media, such as Instagram, can serve as a portfolio and connect with industry professionals.Following instincts and staying open to opportunities can lead to a fulfilling career.Passion for plants and gardening can be shared through various mediums, such as books and podcasts. Balancing work and personal travel can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle.Investing in platforms like Substack can provide opportunities to monetize knowledge.Attending conferences and events can offer valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities.Cooperative models in industries like flower farming can be effective for distribution and collaboration.Michael Perry Resources:Website: https://mrplantgeek.com/https://www.instagram.com/mr_plantgeek/ 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, flower enthusiasts! Join me, Roz Chandler, on another delightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, I have the pleasure of hosting the talented Leigh Chappell, a floral designer, photographer, and stylist, whose journey from Wales to London brings a unique perspective to the world of flowers.Summary:In this episode, Leigh shares her creative evolution from a graphic designer to a florist, emphasising her love for British flowers and sustainable practices. The conversation unfolds to unveil the inception of the Strawberry Hill Sustainable Flower Festival, a remarkable event celebrating the artistry and diversity of floristry. Leigh reflects on the challenges and triumphs of promoting British flowers and fostering collaborations among growers, florists, and artisans.Key Takeaways:Artistry in British Flowers: Explore the beauty of British flowers without the need for floral foam, as Leigh sheds light on the artistic expression and sustainable practices showcased at the Strawberry Hill Flower Festival.Collaboration for Growth: Discover the potential of collaborative efforts between growers and florists, addressing the distribution challenges and promoting a shift towards British-grown blooms in the floral industry.Educating Florists: Recognize the importance of educating florists about the unique qualities and possibilities offered by British flowers, challenging traditional practices and fostering a mindset shift towards sustainability.Leigh Chappell Resources:Website: https://www.leighchappellflowers.com/https://www.instagram.com/leigh.chappell.flowers/Thank you for joining us on this blooming journey. Stay tuned for more captivating stories and insights in the world of flowers. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share The Cutflower Podcast for your regular dose of floral inspiration. 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 another fascinating episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, we dive into the world of horticulture with Ed Boers, the passionate mind behind Fibrex Nurseries, renowned for their exquisite pelargoniums. Join me as we uncover Ed's journey, challenges, and aspirations.In this episode, Ed shares insights into the unique scented plants he incorporates into marquee weddings, creating an aromatic English country garden ambience. He discusses the challenges of remembering the multitude of plant names, especially as a dyslexic, adding a touch of humour to the conversation.Ed reflects on the transition of Fibrex Nurseries, detailing the move and the unexpected learning curves, emphasizing the time and care required for plant cuttings. Roz, the host, explores the distance between the two locations and the balance between public visits and online sales.The conversation turns personal as Ed reveals his childhood dream job – a chef, and how his perspective on winning the lottery has shifted towards investing in gardening equipment rather than extravagant properties. As for the future, Ed outlines his vision for 2024, focusing on being present, learning the business inside out, and expanding into younger markets through channels like Instagram.In a delightful exchange, Roz encourages Ed to embrace social media, sharing her experience with Instagram authenticity. Ed expresses his intention to take the leap, and Roz, with her characteristic enthusiasm, urges him to share more of his journey with the world.Key Takeaways:1. Scented plants add a unique and aromatic touch to events, creating a memorable ambience.2. The challenges of moving a nursery, including the time-consuming process of plant cuttings and name memorization.3. Ed's childhood dream job was to be a chef, showcasing the diverse paths that lead to horticulture.4. Fibrex Nurseries' future involves a focus on being present, learning the business thoroughly, and expanding through online channels like Instagram.Join us in this insightful conversation, exploring the intersection of passion, challenges, and dreams in the world of horticulture. Ed Boers Resource Links: Website: https://www.fibrex.co.uk/email - sales@fibrex.co.ukTwitterFacebookInstagram 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 this week's episode of The Cutflower Podcast. This week Roz is joined in the studio by Patrick Vernuccio. Patrick, known as the Frenchie Gardener on Instagram, shares his journey from a corporate marketing career to becoming an urban gardener. He emphasizes the importance of urban gardening and shows how it is possible to grow food in small spaces like balconies. Patrick provides tips for getting started with balcony gardening and highlights the therapeutic aspect of gardening. He also discusses the challenges of adapting to climate change and the need to embrace failure in gardening. Patrick shares his top three plants to grow on a balcony and offers insights into creating engaging content on Instagram. He concludes by discussing his future plans, including writing books and travelling to explore different gardening practices.Key Takeaways:Urban gardening is a viable option for growing food in small spaces like balconies.Gardening provides therapeutic benefits and helps to reconnect with nature.Embracing failure is an important part of the gardening journey.Creating engaging content on social media requires consistency, storytelling, and staying true to oneself.Connect with Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/thefrenchiegardener/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcjYks2qqWI&feature=youtu.be 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 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 of gardening. Connect with Jenny:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaundrygarden/Website: https://thelaundryretreatnorthwales.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.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!  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 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://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.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/ 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 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/https://www.instagram.com/theflowerfarmershoeburyness/Twitter: https://twitter.com/essexflowerfarmWebsite: https://www.flowerfarmer.co.uk/ 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