The Cut Flower Podcast

Roz Chandler

If you love cut flowers you are in the right place. The host Roz Chandler has been a cut flower farmer for nearly ten years and is passionate about helping others to have their own cutting patches. This podcast is for you if:-. You currently grow or want to grow cut flowers for pleasure or profit and be part of a growing community. Your host is passionate about reducing the number of cut flowers travelling many thousands of miles from across the globe and therefore helping to reduce the carbon footprint on our planet for our children and their children. Cut flower guests will join us on this journey. We look forward to welcoming you to our community. We would love you to subscribe to this podcast and join our communities online. We do have two Facebook groups:-For Beginners and those looking to grow for pleasure - https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollectiveFor those wanting to start flower farming or indeed are flower farmers:-https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowerfarming

Episodes

Mentioned books

Oct 27, 2023 • 13min

Revolutionising Floristry: The Quest for Sustainable Solutions with Stephanie Gillespie

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 the floristry industry. Growers are being asked to provide British-grown, sustainable flowers, and consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of floral arrangements.7. Plastic Trays and Film: Oasis also offers environmentally friendly options like violet trays made from recycled cardboard, which are fully certified compostable. They're also developing a biodegradable wrap (bio film) to provide an alternative to plastic film. 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

Sep 22, 2023 • 43min

Inspiring Gardens and Green Therapies with Dr Richard Claxton

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to this insightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, we're joined by Richard Claxton, a dedicated Trustee of the Greenfingers Charity, and your host, Roz Chandler. Together, we'll embark on a journey to discover the profound influence of gardens in children's hospices and delve into the wide-reaching advantages of green therapies. Let's dive in!key takeaways:1. Greenfingers Charity's Mission: The Greenfingers Charity is committed to funding and creating gardens in children's hospices across the UK. This initiative aims to provide a peaceful and therapeutic environment for children, their families, and staff.2. Holistic Approach to Garden Design: Richard Claxton emphasizes the importance of considering the diverse needs of individuals using these gardens, including children with varying abilities, their families, and healthcare professionals. The gardens serve as a respite for everyone involved.3. Benefits Beyond Physical Health: Beyond the obvious physical health benefits, these gardens offer a space for emotional and mental well-being. They provide solace, tranquility, and a sense of normalcy, which can be invaluable in challenging times.4. Community and Cohesion: Green spaces in healthcare settings foster a sense of community and cohesion. They bring people together, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the immediate healthcare environment.5. Economic Benefits of Green Therapies: There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of investing in gardens and green therapies. Reduced healthcare costs and improved well-being contribute to a substantial return on investment.6. The Vision for the Future: The ultimate goal is to have gardens in every hospice in the UK, ensuring that every child has access to this invaluable resource. This vision extends to broader implementation of green therapies in healthcare and community settings.7. Opportunities for Volunteering: Richard Claxton's passion for this cause is infectious, inspiring potential volunteers to get involved. Whether through teaching, designing, or fundraising, there are numerous ways to contribute to this vital mission.8. Upcoming Events: Keep an eye out for the conference on October 9th, a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the transformative power of gardens and green therapies.Remember, each small effort contributes to a greater impact. Get involved and be a part of this incredible journey towards a healthier, more connected community. 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

Sep 15, 2023 • 56min

From Dahlia Dreams to Floral Destinations: A Flower Farmer's Journey Unveiled! with Melanie Farrow

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to another exciting episode of "The Cutflower Podcast" where we delve into the fascinating world of flower farming and all things floral. I'm your host, Roz Chandler, and today we have a special guest joining us, a passionate flower farmer with a love for dahlias and dreams of creating a floral destination. But before we dive into our conversation, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review. Your feedback means the world to us!In today's episode, we're joined by Melanie Farrow, a dedicated flower farmer with a deep love for dahlias, tulips, and peonies. We'll explore her journey into flower farming, from learning about dahlias from her dad to finding inspiration from fellow flower farmers and renowned floral designers. Melanie shares her experiences, challenges, and successes in the world of flower farming.We'll also discuss the complexities of the flower farming business, from educating customers about the value of locally grown, sustainable flowers to the importance of marketing and visibility. Key Takeaways:1. Passion for Flowers: Our guest's journey into flower farming began with a love for dailies, tulips, and peonies. Her passion for these blooms continues to drive her dedication to the craft.2. Educating Customers: Flower farming isn't just about growing beautiful flowers; it's also about educating customers on the value of locally grown, sustainable blooms. Understanding the environmental benefits and quality of British-grown flowers is key.3. Marketing Matters: Flower farming requires effective marketing and visibility. Our guest emphasizes the importance of promoting her business through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and local community events.4. Dreaming Big: The future holds exciting possibilities for our guest's flower farm. Her dream is to create a floral destination that offers a unique experience to visitors and locals alike.5. Persistence Pays Off: Flower farming is a labor of love, and persistence is key to success. Our guest has faced challenges but continues to learn and grow in her journey.Melanie Farrow Resource Links: Website: www.smellaniesgardenflowers.comInstagram: @smellaniesgardenflowersFacebook page: smellaniesgardenflowers 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

Sep 8, 2023 • 44min

Revolutionizing Floristry: The Sustainable Solution with Phoam Labs and Dundee Butcher

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.🌿 Welcome to this week's episode! We're thrilled to introduce you to a game-changing innovation in the world of floristry. Join Roz as she sits down with Dundee Butcher, a key figure at Phoam Labs. Dundee shares the remarkable journey behind their sustainable floral product, a revolutionary alternative to traditional foam. Derived from corn-based polylactide, this eco-friendly solution promises to transform the way florists work, offering both creativity and conscientiousness in equal measure. Dive into this episode to uncover the science, passion, and collaborative effort that has gone into creating a product poised to make a significant difference in the floral industry and beyond. 🌸🌿Key Takeaways: Dundee Butcher, a key figure in Phoam Labs, discusses their revolutionary sustainable floral product made from polylactide (PLA) derived from corn.The product is designed to be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional floral foam, which breaks down into harmful microplastics.Dundee emphasizes the importance of providing florists with sustainable tools to support their creative work without compromising the environment.The sustainable floral foam requires a slightly different soaking process compared to traditional foam. It is lighter when wet, offers excellent rigidity, and is highly wettable.Phoam Labs is actively engaged in compostability certification, with early results indicating over 95% degradation in eight weeks in an industrial compost pile.While the sustainable foam may be slightly more expensive than traditional foam, it is competitively priced compared to other sustainable alternatives.The product's potential extends beyond the floral industry, with applications in controlled growing environments and indoor agriculture.Dundee acknowledges the challenges faced during the development process, including the need for patience, overcoming unforeseen logistical hurdles, and maintaining a strong belief in the project's mission.The environmental impact of traditional floral foam, including its presence in landfills, is a significant concern, and education and awareness are crucial.The collaborative effort and expertise involved in this project are central to its success, highlighting the importance of a collective approach to sustainability.This sustainable floral foam represents a major step towards a more eco-conscious floral industry, potentially influencing other sectors with similar substrate needs. Dundee's dedication and the broader team's collective effort are driving forces behind this groundbreaking project. 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

Sep 1, 2023 • 36min

Transforming Lives through Horticulture with Ashley Edwards, Garden Therapy Specialist

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this episode, Roz engages in a conversation with Ashley Edwards, a dedicated gardener and garden therapist. Their discussion revolves around the therapeutic influence of gardens on mental and emotional well-being, with a focus on the inspiring work done by Horatio's Garden, a charity building accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centres. The Healing Essence of Gardens:Ashley underscores the remarkable power of gardens to alleviate stress, anxiety, and establish a serene connection with nature. He emphasises how gardens at Horatio's Garden, specifically designed for accessibility, have the potential to profoundly impact the lives of patients recovering from life-changing injuries, offering them both solace and motivation.Horatio's Garden: A Sanctuary of Tranquility:The charity's mission is to create fully accessible gardens in every NHS spinal unit across the country. These gardens serve as sanctuaries of healing, providing patients with spaces to reflect, rejuvenate, and engage in nature's therapeutic embrace.Crafting Accessible Gardens:Designing gardens that cater to diverse mobility needs involves thoughtful consideration of factors like uneven surfaces and wheelchair accessibility. High-quality materials ensure both durability and aesthetic appeal, making these spaces inclusive for all.Gardening Through Seasons and Independence:Ashley shares insights about how the garden at Horatio's Garden is meticulously designed to maintain interest and beauty throughout the changing seasons. The therapy approach encourages patients' independence, allowing them to partake in gardening activities based on their unique abilities, nurturing a sense of achievement and pride.Challenges and Lessons Learned:Ashley reflects on his journey of learning and adaptation, particularly in understanding spinal injuries and varying patient needs. Overcoming perfectionism and embracing imperfections in gardening emerged as essential aspects of creating a welcoming and accommodating space.Inspiration and Future Prospects:Ashley draws inspiration from grassroots gardeners and community leaders who bring about positive transformations through horticultural initiatives. He expresses his desire to elevate the awareness of gardening as a skilled career and participate in more media platforms to foster broader understanding.How to connect with Ashley:If you're looking for more information about Ashley Edwards and his work, you can find him on Instagram at @plantsforwellbeing, where he shares posts about gardening, well-being, and his involvement with Horatio's Garden. Additionally, you can explore the Horatio's Garden website at www.horatiosgarden.or 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

Aug 25, 2023 • 47min

Gardening, Design, and Environmental Consciousness with Victoria Stanton

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Join us in this engaging episode as Roz chats with Victoria Stanton, a passionate gardener, social media enthusiast, and aspiring garden designer. Victoria shares her journey into the world of gardening, her experiences with social media, her thoughts on sustainable design, and the positive impact of gardens on mental health.Key Takeaways from today's episode:Gardening and Family Influence: Victoria's love for gardening was nurtured by her family, especially her grandparents who had a beautiful garden. Their influence led her to develop a deep appreciation for nature and plants.The Power of Social Media: Victoria discusses how social media has played a crucial role in connecting garden enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to take up gardening. It has provided a platform to learn, collaborate, and create a positive impact on the environment.Balancing Nature and Design: Victoria emphasises the importance of designing gardens that harmonise with nature rather than dominate it. She believes in creating spaces that support wildlife, biodiversity, and sustainability while also offering aesthetic appeal.Gardens for Mental Health: The conversation delves into the therapeutic aspects of gardening and spending time in green spaces. Victoria highlights how gardens offer solace, purpose, and a connection to the natural world, contributing to improved mental well-being.The Value of Horticultural Education: Victoria shares her experience pursuing an RHS Level 2 horticultural qualification and how it has enriched her understanding of plants and gardening techniques. She values the knowledge gained and the connections formed through the process.Environmental Consciousness: Victoria's passion for the environment and sustainable living shines through. She discusses the significance of leaving plants to decay naturally, attracting pollinators, and creating balanced ecosystems in gardens.Inspiring the Younger Generation: Victoria expresses her desire to encourage younger individuals to embrace gardening as a rewarding and accessible activity. She believes that breaking the stereotype of gardening being only for retirees is crucial for a healthier future.Future Aspirations: Victoria shares her aspiration to become a garden designer and make a positive difference in outdoor spaces. She envisions creating gardens that prioritize well-being, biodiversity, and environmental consciousness.Balancing Work and Family: As a stay-at-home mom, Victoria discusses the challenges of managing her social media presence while raising a family. She talks about the support of her husband and her commitment to inspiring others through her online platforms. 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

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

Get the app