Season 2 Episode 6: Christine Williams, Owner of Little Swatara Creek Flowers

04/17/24 • 53 min

Little Swatara Creek Flowers was born when Christine Williams decided to grow the flowers for her daughter's wedding on their family farm. This choice led to a shift, with cut flowers gradually taking over parts of the land traditionally dedicated to livestock and crops. Join us as we dive into how this business came to life, highlighting the importance of soil health and the knowledge Christine acquired to kickstart her journey into cut flower farming.
Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)
Tom Butzler, Penn State Extension (host)
Christine Williams, owner of Little Swatara Creek Flowers
Image: Sunflowers are just one of the crops grown by Little Swatara Creek Flowers. Photo courtesy of Tom Butzler

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Season 2 Episode 5: Michelle Catania, Morton Arboretum’s Green Industry Outreach Coordinator

The Green Industry podcast team jumps into mid-west horticulture with Michelle Catania, the Green Industry Outreach Coordinator at Morton Arboretum. This interview offers a journey through time, exploring the legacy of the Morton family, pivotal in the inception of Arbor Day and the establishment of the sprawling 1800-acre Morton Arboretum. The interview extends beyond the Morton family, exploring the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and its impact on urban soil. The discussion addresses challenges beyond Chicago's boundaries, focusing on the hurdles prairie soils pose in nurturing tree growth. And what does a boat anchor have to do with planting trees?
Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)
Tim Abbey, Penn State Extension (host)
Michelle Catania, Morton Arboretum’s Green Industry Outreach Coordinator
Image: Urban soils can be tough on trees in cities throughout the US. Vinnie Cotrone, Penn State Extension

Next Episode

Season 2 Episode 7: What's happening around PA?

Weeks of rain and several days of warm weather have sparked an array of color and growth in Pennsylvania's landscapes. On the latest episode of The Green Industry podcast, our team examines the changes in plant and insect life occurring statewide. We delve into the prevalence of invasive species and wonder if there is connection between the uptick in 'mulch volcanoes' and social media.

Episode Hosts/Speakers:
Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)

Tom Butzler, Penn State Extension (host)

Tim Abbey, Penn State Extension (host)

Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension (host)

Caption – A mulch volcano around the trunk of a shade tree. Photo courtesy of Tom Butzler