Have you ever imagined leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind to embrace the serenity of country living? In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with flower farmer, Lexi Bokenkotter of Bokenkotter Blooms to delve into her remarkable journey from city living to becoming a successful flower farmer in rural Indiana.

Join Jennifer and Lexi as they chat about the joys and challenges of transitioning from a postage stamp-sized garden to a sprawling flower farm. Lexi shares her passion for sustainable living and community engagement, highlighting her commitment to organic practices and locally sourced compost. Lexi shares how she draws inspiration from fellow flower farmers like Floret and Muddy Acres, and how she has cultivated a diverse crop selection including dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, and more.

Throughout the conversation, Lexi opens up about her experiences with pests like corn borer beetles and her creative solutions to mitigate them naturally. She also discusses her on-farm events, such as U-picks and workshops, and her plans for future expansion.

Tune in to the full episode to be inspired by Lexi's dedication to sustainable farming practices and her flourishing flower farm business. Learn how she navigates the challenges of rural life and find out how she turns her passion for flowers into a thriving business that blooms with beauty and community spirit.

• 00:00:02 - Introduction to Flower Farming in Rural Setting
• 00:05:27 - Making the Leap: Transitioning to Rural Living and Flower Farming
• 00:06:17 - Exploring Property and Initial Plans for Flower Farming
• 00:10:12 - Challenges and Learnings in Starting the Flower Farm
• 00:11:26 - Diversifying Farming Activities: Events and Workshops
• 00:20:03 - Selling Flowers and Engaging with Florists: Business Expansion
• 00:23:39 - Sustainability Practices on the Flower Farm: Eco-Friendly Approaches
• 00:25:43 - On-Farm Events and Vendor Collaborations
• 00:29:08 - Addressing Insurance and Safety Concerns for On-Farm Events
• 00:30:14 - Managing Surrounding Agricultural Practices and Impact on the Flower Farm
• 00:33:02 - Balancing Wildlife and Livestock on the Flower Farm
• 00:34:58 - Challenges and Benefits of Having Animals on the Property
• 00:37:31 - Transition from Goats to Poultry on the Flower Farm
• 00:39:02 - Utilizing Acreage for Cover Cropping and Future Plans
• 00:40:02 - Primary Flower Crops and Expansion into Sunflowers
• 00:41:14 - Variety of Flowers Grown on the Farm
• 00:43:15 - Strategies for Dealing with Pest Control and Organic Practices
• 00:46:15 - Focus on Sustainability and Organic Practices in Flower Farming

• Website: https://www.bokenkotterblooms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bokenkotterblooms

• Kiss The Ground Movie: https://kisstheground.com/
• NRCS Grant: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/cig-conservation-innovation-grants

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered how you can practice sustainable gardening in a small urban space? In this episode we are joined by Chia-Ming, a Los Angeles-based food-focused landscape designer. Chia-Ming is here to share her journey of going from corporate finance to a flourishing urban homestead.

Chia-Ming shares her expertise in blending culinary and floral beauty seamlessly, drawing from her upbringing cultivating rare Asian fruits and vegetables alongside her mother in Taiwan. Her passion for sustainable gardening led her to found Coastal Homestead in 2020, where she empowers gardening novices to become green-thumbed enthusiasts through innovative design and personalized mentorship.

In this blossoming conversation, Chia-Ming discusses the challenges and joys of urban gardening, the importance of soil health, and the unique aspects of coastal gardening, including dealing with powdery mildew and implementing biocontrol methods. Join us as we delve into the complexities of disease management in plants, highlighting the need for vigilance and responsible gardening practices.

Tune in to this episode as we explore the intricacies of growing food and flowers in small spaces, sharing valuable insights to inspire you to cultivate your own source of beauty and sustenance. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of sustainable gardening.

00:01:16 - Chia-Ming's Background in Cultivating Rare Asian Fruits and Vegetables
00:01:38 - Transition to Sustainable Living and Urban Gardening
00:01:59 - Passion for Growing Exotic and Hard-to-Find Edible Plants
00:02:10 - Discussion on the Science of Gardening and Soil Importance
00:02:38 - Chia-Ming's Urban Gardening Space and Challenges
00:08:07 - Importance of Soil Testing for Backyard Gardeners
00:10:18 - Chia-Ming's Urban Garden Setup
00:11:59 - Year-Round Growing Season and Challenges
00:12:36 - Appreciation for the Growing Process and Gardening Journey
00:14:02 - Chia-Ming's Diverse Garden Overview and Projects
00:33:10 - Biocontrol Strategies in Gardening for Pest and Disease Management
00:42:08 - Discussion on Disease Control in Dahlia Cultivation
00:48:56 - Considerations for Disease Management and Plant Health in Gardening

• Website:https://www.coastalhomestead.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastal_homestead
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coastalhomestead

Sign up for our newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a successful flower farm and create a unique on-farm experience for visitors? Today we are joined by Meg McGuire from Red Daisy Farm in Brighton, Colorado. Meg is here to share the inspiring story of how her family turned their property into a vibrant community hub, offering everything from wholesale flowers to overnight farm stays.

Meg's journey began with a wedding request from her cousin, sparking her love for flower farming. Over the past 11 years, she has navigated the challenges of crop failures, physical demands, and balancing work and personal life. Meg's dedication to her farm and her family's involvement in the business exemplifies the importance of succession planning and passing down the farm's legacy.

At Red Daisy Farm, guests can enjoy DIY flower buckets, floral workshops, and unique accommodations like converted silos with stunning mountain views. Meg's commitment to building relationships with florists and providing a memorable experience for visitors showcases the hard work and passion that goes into running a flower farm. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to create a thriving agricultural business while maintaining a balance between work and personal life.

• 00:00:55 - Introduction to Red Daisy Farm
• 00:05:31 - Expanding into Farm Stays
• 00:07:18 - Family Involvement in the Farm
• 00:19:09 - Irrigation and Water Sources
• 00:22:00 - Creation of the Natural Swimming Pond
• 00:15:25 - Challenges with Hail and Crop Loss
• 00:31:01 - Succession Planning for the Farm
• 00:35:25 - Flower Sales to Florists
• 00:36:50 - DIY Flower Buckets and CSA
• 00:43:21 - Flower Workshops and Events
• 00:44:26 - Importance of Taking Time Off

• Red Daisy Farm: https://www.reddaisyfarm.com/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/reddaisyfarm/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/reddaisyfarm1

• Follow The Blooms: https://www.youtube.com/@flowers.for.people/
• Zeta Water Management Systems: https://zetarod.com/
• Icy Breeze Car Cooler: https://www.icybreeze.com/

Sign up for our newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a traditional farm into a thriving event venue? In this episode, Justine Ludwig joins us to share her story of transitioning Coastal Black from a dairy farm to a vibrant event space, hosting popular festivals like their annual pumpkin festival and tulip festival. Justine's experience highlights the importance of diversifying farm activities, engaging with the community, and adapting to challenges in the farming industry.

Discover the logistics behind creating a safe and aesthetically pleasing event space on a working farm, including considerations for liability insurance and visitor experience. Learn how Justine's innovative approach, feedback from professionals like photographers, and community support have contributed to the success of Coastal Black's events.

Tune in to this episode for valuable insights on flower farming, event planning, and the resilience required to overcome obstacles in the agricultural world. Justine Ludwig's journey at Coastal Black is a testament to the power of innovation, community collaboration, and unwavering determination in the farming industry.

00:02:21 - Justine's Journey: From City Life to Farm Life
00:03:45 - Transition from Dairy Farming to Beekeeping
00:04:49 - Starting the Pumpkin Festival
00:06:22 - Launching the Tulip Festival
00:08:25 - Diversifying Farm Revenue Streams
00:09:57 - Challenges and Benefits of Growing Tulips in Crates
00:12:34 - Soil Management and Composting
00:14:26 - Overview of Coastal Black Farm's Acreage and Operations
00:18:04 - Tulip Festival Visitor Experience
00:23:06 - Impact of Weather on Tulip Festival
00:26:06 - Community Support and Resilience
00:31:04 - Adding New Features to Festivals
00:33:07 - Logistics of Creating an Event Space on a Farm
00:36:09 - Enhancing Visitor Experience with Aesthetic Improvements
00:38:03 - Flexibility and Adaptability in Event Planning
00:39:07 - Consulting Professionals for Event Space Design
00:41:57 - Golden Hour Sessions for Photographers
00:44:24 - Liability and Insurance for Farm Events

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/justineludwig.co/
• https://stan.store/JustineLudwig
• Coastal Black: https://coastalblack.ca/

Sign up for our newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Imagine turning a small urban garden into a flourishing ½ acre flower farm—all while homeschooling four kids and battling postpartum depression. That’s exactly what Galena Berkompas accomplished, and she’s here to share her inspiring journey on the Backyard Bouquet podcast. Galena transformed her life through the power of flowers, starting with little knowledge and a modest space in 2020, and has now grown into a successful flower farmer known for her sustainable practices and heartwarming story. Join us as we explore the therapeutic effects of gardening and how flowers brought joy and purpose back into Galena's life.

Balancing a bustling family life with a thriving flower farm is no small feat, but Galena has found a way to weave her children into her passion seamlessly. From homeschooling to farm chores, her young ones are learning the value of hard work and the wonders of nature. Galena opens up about the tough decisions she’s had to make, like dropping summer CSAs to focus on her family, and shares humorous anecdotes of her kids’ farm escapades. You'll also discover her strategies for maintaining profitability while nurturing her children’s education and childhood, as well as exciting future plans like selling seeds and expanding her farming operations.

But Galena’s story doesn’t end there. Learn how an unexpected Airbnb listing led her to the perfect 6-acre property and how she’s embracing organic and sustainable farming practices. Listen to her serendipitous tale of purchasing her dream farm, negotiating with sellers, and managing unexpected challenges. Galena’s social media success, nearing a million followers on Instagram, underscores her genuine connection with her audience and commitment to sharing her journey. Tune in to this episode for an uplifting and informative discussion on flower farming, family, and the serendipitous joys of life.

• 00:02:10 - Galena's Inspiration for Flower Farming
• 00:04:30 - Transition from Hobby to Profitable Flower Farming
• 00:06:45 - Involving Kids in the Farming Process
• 00:10:35 - Balancing Business and Passion for Flower Farming
• 00:12:39 - Managing Profitability and Personal Preferences in Flower Farming
• 00:13:21 - Transitioning to a Larger Flower Farm Property
• 00:16:46 - Involving Family in the Farming Operation
• 00:21:45 - Balancing Work Ethic and Family Time on the Farm
• 00:27:13 - Finding the Perfect Property for Flower Farming
• 00:32:07 - Implementing Natural Pest Control Methods on the Farm
• 00:40:04 - Unexpected Discovery of New Farm Property
• 00:44:08 - Challenges and Successes in the Farm Property Purchase
• 00:49:46 - Impact of Social Media Presence on Flower Farming Journey

Shownotes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/06/25/ep-27-micro-flower-farm/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/microflowerfarm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/microflowerfarm
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn62VzXv-XdA9Kq1hVpUolQ
• Website: https://www.microflowerfarm.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered how a simple backyard gardening hobby could blossom into a thriving family-run business supplying high-quality rooted dahlia cuttings to flower farmers and gardeners across the country? In this captivating episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Julie and Ryan Williams, the passionate duo behind Stonehouse Dahlias in Northern Utah.

Julie and Ryan share their heartwarming tale of transitioning from teachers to dahlia propagators, recounting the pivotal moment when they were approached to sell Kristine Albrecht's renowned K.A. Dahlia varieties through cuttings. The Williams' dedication to producing virus-free plants through tissue culture and their commitment to quality shine through as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of their business.

Tune in to hear expert advice on caring for dahlia cuttings, including the importance of timely planting, providing ample light, and amending soil for optimal tuber growth. The Williams' innovative approach to dahlia propagation, their resilience in the face of setbacks, and their ongoing experimentation with tuber growth methods make Stonehouse Dahlias a beacon of excellence in the dahlia community.

Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or a budding gardener, this episode is sure to inspire and educate, offering valuable insights into the art of growing vibrant and healthy dahlias.

• 00:00:55-00:01:07: Introduction to Stonehouse Dahlias
• 00:02:23-00:02:33: Story of How Stonehouse Dahlias Got Started
• 00:04:22-00:04:33: Transition to Cuttings
• 00:09:27-00:09:38: Challenges and Growth
• 00:10:30-00:10:40: Collaboration with Kristine Albrecht
• 00:19:47-00:19:58: Growing Virus-Free Stock and Tissue Culture
• 00:22:51-00:23:03: Virus Elimination Process
• 00:26:32-00:26:42: Learning Resilience and Adaptation
• 00:36:13-00:36:25: Controlling Pests in the Greenhouse
• 00:41:55-00:42:05: Tips for Handling Cuttings
• 00:46:34-00:46:46: Getting Tubers from Cuttings

Shownotes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/06/23/ep-26-stonehouse-dahlias-industry-leaders-in-growing-virus-free-dahlia-cuttings/

Learn More About Stonehouse Dahlias:

• Website: https://stonehousedahlias.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonehousedahlias/

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Sign up for newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

In this episode, Melissa Hessney Masters, of Tangleboom Flower Farm, takes us on a heartfelt journey that began with a simple yet profound desire to find local flowers for her wedding back in 2010. This quest sparked a passion that led her to establish Tanglebloom in 2013. As we delve into her story, you'll hear about the myriad challenges she faced in the world of flower farming and how she gracefully navigated them.

Melissa also shares her innovative shift towards Agritourism, a move that has not only diversified her farm's offerings but also brought the beauty of Tanglebloom to a wider audience. One of the highlights of our conversation is the creation of Vermont's very first flower CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, a testament to her pioneering spirit and commitment to community engagement.

Throughout our discussion, Melissa emphasizes her dedication to sustainable farming practices, a topic that resonates deeply with many of us. We also explore the undeniable charm and popularity of peonies, a flower that has captured the hearts of many. Melissa even offers a sneak peek into her comprehensive digital course on growing peonies, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to grow these stunning blooms successfully.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical cut flower advice that you won't want to miss! So, grab your garden tools, find a cozy spot in your garden, and tune in to hear the full conversation with Melissa from Tangleboom.

• Melissa's journey to flower farming (00:02:30)
• Starting a flower CSA (00:07:18)
• Transition to agritourism and education (00:14:30)
• Focus on peonies and perennials (00:17:23)
• Agritourism and Glamping (00:22:48)
• Niche Down to Peonies (00:26:11)
• Lessons Learned and Challenges (00:33:00)
• Peony Growing Tips (00:36:56)
• Favorite Peony Varieties (00:42:57)
• Controlling botrytis and other diseases (00:49:08)
• Harvesting peonies and preventing thrips (00:57:52)
• Relocating and dividing peonies (01:02:25)
• Harvesting peonies in the first season (01:03:38)
• Harvesting and Marketing Strategy (01:04:49)
• Peony Course (01:07:44)

Show notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/06/15/ep-25-growing-peonies-with-tanglebloom-farm/

Learn More About Melissa & Tanglebloom:

• GrowAndSellPeonies.com - The Peony Course
• Tanglebloom.com - Learn more about Tanglebloom Flower Farm & Stays
• @tanglebloom - Follow on Instagram

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered about the art of drying flowers and creating stunning arrangements that last a lifetime? In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we have the pleasure of hearing from Hannah Muller, a cut flower farmer located in the beautiful Capay Valley of Northern California. Hannah shares her journey from growing up on Full Belly Farm to becoming a wedding farmer-florist to shifting her focus to dried flowers. We explore the process of drying flowers, the best conditions for drying, and the importance of harvesting at the right stage.

Plus, get a glimpse into Hannah's newly released book, "Designing with Dried Flowers," which offers 32 unique arrangements that capture the enduring beauty of dried flowers. From everyday wreaths to breathtaking celebration pieces, Hannah teaches us how to craft these beautiful arrangements ourselves, whether from a backyard garden or a simple supermarket bouquet.

Tune in to today’s episode to discover the secrets of preserving the fleeting beauty of flowers into something permanent and the joy of connecting people to the earth through Hannah's work.

In This Episode You'll Hear About:

• 00:02:29 - Hannah's Journey to Writing Her Book
• 00:03:05 - Growing Up on Full Belly Farm
• 00:05:01 - College Years and Return to the Farm
• 00:06:11 - Transition to Wedding Flowers
• 00:09:05 - Impact of COVID-19 on Wedding Industry
• 00:10:55 - Writing the Book on Dried Flowers
• 00:13:10 - Personal Stories and Inspirations in the Book
• 00:14:46 - Evolution of Flower Growing at Full Belly Farm
• 00:18:19 - Incorporating Dried Flowers into the Business
• 00:22:46 - Tips for Drying Flowers at Home
• 00:32:07 - Sunflowers and Other Dried Flowers
• 00:33:56 - Inside the Wreath Room
• 00:38:19 - Favorite Dried Flowers and Techniques
• 00:39:17 - Harvesting and Drying Techniques
• 00:41:28 - Experimenting with Drying Different Flowers
• 00:43:10 - Importance of Harvest Stage for Drying
• 00:45:13 - Outlets for Selling Dried Flowers

Shownotes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/06/04/episode-24-designing-with-dried-flowers-hannah-muller-full-belly-farm/

Learn More About Hannah:

• https://www.instagram.com/farmerhands/
• https://www.instagram.com/wreathroom/
• https://www.instagram.com/full_belly_farm/
• https://fullbellyfarm.com/
• Designing With Dried Flowers Book: https://amzn.to/4bADBC1

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes coming every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Sign up for newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3