There's something magical about the transformation of a seed into the bloom of a peony or the elegant curve of a lily stem. I've spent 16 years with my hands in the soil, coaxing these miracles into life, and in today's episode, I'm opening the garden gate to share this wonder with you. We'll traverse the seasons from the eager sprigs of pussy willow in spring to the fiery chrysanthemums of autumn, and explore how cultivating a succession of focal flowers can not only beautify your space but also create a thriving business from your love of nature.

I recount the delight of teaching children, including my own daughter, about the circle of life with dried flower workshops, sparking creativity and a sense of entrepreneurship. We'll also discuss the unsung heroes of the garden, like the praying mantis, and the importance of planning for profit with long-lasting, beautiful plants. So, whether you're a seasoned grower or simply have an appreciation for the art of floristry, join me for a conversation that promises to plant seeds of inspiration for both the garden and the soul.

In this episode, you will hear:

• - Cultivation and selection of focal flowers for a profitable cut flower garden.

• The role of unique blooms and succession planting in maintaining a fresh market presence.

• Tips on managing beneficial insects like praying mantises and the importance of garden planning for a successful floral portfolio.

• Strategies for managing large quantities of flowers, including the use of a cooler to keep them market-ready.

• The appeal of peonies and lilies for their profitability and long vase life.

Resources from this Episode

• Freebie: Learn the Secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

When life handed me raspberries, I didn't just make jam — I started a U-pick raspberry farm alongside my thriving flower garden. It's a tale that began with the hardy resilience of raspberry foliage, something I initially cultivated for its lasting beauty in bouquets. As my garden grew, so did the requests from my community, leading me down a path to an enterprise that's as rich in berries as it is in stories. In our latest episode, I peel back the leaves to reveal the organic growth of my business, how it's been shaped by the needs and desires of those it serves and the sweet balance I've found between my floral passion and the bountiful raspberry harvest.

For anyone with a green thumb or dreams of their own agricultural ventures, this episode is ripe with insights to help you harvest success.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The transition from growing raspberry foliage for bouquets to full raspberry production due to community demand.

• Balancing a dual-purpose garden and managing both the aesthetic and edible aspects.

• Tips for effective raspberry farming, including plant management and harvesting techniques.

• Implementing a pick-your-own system for the community and managing customer expectations.

• Creative solutions for farm labor and maintenance, such as engaging local youth and regular pickers.

• The importance of local food production and creating a family-friendly farm experience.

Resources from this Episode

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join me as I walk you through the ins and outs of prepping your hoophouse for the new planting season. Sharing from my 16 years of hands-on experience, you'll get a sense of the various tools and techniques that can make your gardening both effective and manageable. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a newcomer to the soil, this episode is packed with practical advice to suit gardens of every size.

The journey of flower farming is full of serendipitous learning, and I'm here to share structured lessons that pave the way for your growth. Whether you have access to advanced setups or are making do with simpler methods, you'll find tips and stories that resonate with your own floral adventures. Grab your gardening gloves or a cup of coffee, and let's cultivate your confidence and success together.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Preparing soil in a hoop house for planting.
• Essential gardening tools that are cost-effective.
• Balancing budget and labor efficiency when considering more expensive gardening equipment.
• Techniques for managing garden beds.

Resources from this Episode

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.