Flower Farmer Reality

01/23/24 • 32 min

The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

Ever wondered if flower farming is just about frolicking in fields of endless blooms? Think again! This week on The Flower Files, we're pulling back the green curtain with Liza, Lizzie, and Amber to reveal the true grit behind the beauty of flower farming. Embark on a journey through the soil and thorns as we navigate the rewarding complexities of our daily grind, from the meticulous planning that underpins each season's growth to the hands-on toil and strategic landscaping that keeps our business flourishing. We'll even let you in on the secret battles against weeds and the decision-making behind the most effective ground covers.
The life of a flower farmer is anything but predictable, and this episode is chock-full of the realities that make it so. We dive into the heart of the greenhouse, where tender care meets the wild card of weather, and discuss the tactics for protecting precious crops from the whims of wildlife and the wrath of the elements. Tune in for a candid conversation about the strategic dance of crop rotation, our perennial and annual plant expertise, and the delicate balance required to ensure those wedding bouquets are nothing short of perfect. It's a tale of community, communication, and a whole lot of courage.
As the sun sets on this week's episode, the conversation blooms into the business end of things. Discover the unexpected challenges of seasonal staffing, the creativity demanded by unique wedding decorations, and the hilarity of mixing goat yoga with flower farming. And don't forget to follow us for more behind-the-scenes stories and tips—catch our podcast on popular platforms and join the conversation on social media. We might even explore the feasibility of kitten yoga next! So grab your gardening gloves and a cup of tea, and let's share some laughs and learnings from the flower farming trenches.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/
Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Support the show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Previous Episode

Field to Photo: Getting from Point A to Point B with Flowers

Imagine waking to the dew-kissed dawn on a farm, the air rich with the scent of blooming flowers, and a day filled with the promise of crafting nature's beauty into art. That's our life here where the vibrant worlds of farming and floristry collide. We're peeling back the curtain on the organized chaos of running a family business where every sunrise brings a delicate balance of toiling in the soil and the finesse of floral design. Join us as we share the laughter, trials, and the dance of roles that shape our unique journey.
Step into the barn, where creativity blossoms amidst a flurry of petals and greenery. This episode isn't just about arranging flowers; it's a heartfelt exploration of the relationship with our clients and how each bouquet carries a story. We address the pressing environmental concerns within our industry and even grapple with the implications of AI on traditional wedding customs. So, as we navigate through the evolving landscape of floristry, we invite you to experience the personal connections and the commitment to our craft that truly make our arrangements come alive.
Finally, revel in the tales of floral event planning, where every wedding setup is an adventure, complete with laughs, last-minute changes, and the occasional feisty wind attempting to disrupt our masterpieces. We recount moments that punctuate the importance of swift thinking—from a toppled Hupa to the amusing encounters with underdressed groomsmen. These stories underscore the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of our work as we craft memorable moments, one bloom at a time. So, pour yourself a cup of something warm, and let's share the experiences that keep our passion for floristry as perennial as the flowers we tend.

Support the show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Next Episode

So we Planted Some Flowers; Now what?

Ever wondered how a seed transforms into a work of art in a vase on your kitchen table? Join us at Wildly Native Flower Farm, where we peel back the petals of the floral industry, from our sustainable seed-to-dried-bloom cycle to the whimsy of wedding bouquets. This episode is a vibrant tapestry of stories and strategies, showing how we blend the raw beauty of nature with the grit required to run a successful flower farming operation.
As we tiptoe through the tulips, so to speak, we uncover the less-talked-about aspects of floral arrangements, including the delicate dance of hydration, the complexities of non-traditional materials like oasis moss, and the artful avoidance of toxicity in our bouquets. The secrets of shipping, rehydrating, and reviving blooms are shared, along with the seasonal intricacies that keep you—and your flowers—safe and stunning year-round. Whether you're a budding florist or an aficionado of all things flora, gain fresh insights into the care and craft that goes into every stem and leaf.
Pivoting to the hustle of the horticultural market, we share the thorns and roses of venturing into wholesale. From the surprise triumphs of unexpected crops to the local grower networks that keep our community rooted, this episode digs into the fertile ground of flower farming economics. Plus, we sprinkle in a few laughs over the occasional weed mistaken for a crop. It's a tale of business, blooms, and the occasional blunder—perfect for anyone interested in the flowering crossroads of agriculture and artistry.

Support the show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz