Using Data to Drive Your Flower Farming Success: Insights from Adrianne Gammie of Marilla Field & Flora and Amelia Ihlo of Rooted Farmers

Hey, flower farmers! It’s Scott here, and I’m excited to share some key takeaways from the latest episode of The Flower Podcast with Adrianne Gammie and Amelia Ihlo. Adrianne shares her experience evaluating her own flower crops while Amelia brings insights from the data collected through Rooted Farmers, offering a broader industry perspective. We covered so much ground in this conversation, especially when it comes to understanding the data behind your flower business and using it to guide your growing decisions.

Whether you're new to flower farming or you're a seasoned pro, the insights they shared are invaluable. I’ve gone ahead and pulled out some of the most important points I think we can all benefit from. Let’s dive in! Check out our entire conversation below or listen on your favorite podcast platform. Also, Use the code TFP25 at Rooted Farmers and receive $75.00 off any individual plan (Essential or Pro) and take advantage of amazing tools to better connect with your clients and grow your business!

 

All images courtesy of Marilla Field & Flora

 
 

Know Your Market: Let Your Customers Lead the Way

One of the things Adrianne and Amelia emphasized that really struck me is how crucial it is to understand who your customers are. It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of trying out new varieties or chasing trends, but your customers should really be the ones guiding your decisions on what to grow.

As Adrianne put it, “Your customer will guide you in choosing what to grow.” This really hit home for me. We all want to grow beautiful, unique flowers, but we have to remember that what we grow should be shaped by the needs and preferences of the people who buy from us. Take the time to ask them what they want—whether it’s a specific color, flower variety, or a different growing practice.

The Power of Data: Trust Your Numbers, Not Your Memory

One of the most important points Adrianne and Amelia made was about how much data we need to collect and analyze. “You get out of it what you put into it,” they said. If you’re not tracking things like sales, flower varieties, and colors, then you’re really missing an opportunity to make informed decisions. I know it’s tempting to rely on memory or gut feeling, but numbers don’t lie. Take the time to dive into your sales data, understand what’s selling well, and make adjustments based on the hard facts. It’s not about guessing or remembering what worked last year—it’s about looking at what’s actually happening right now.

Color Trends: Cyclical, Yet Timeless Favorites

When it comes to color, trends do shift, but some shades will always have staying power. White, for example, remains a favorite year after year, particularly for weddings and other events where its timeless elegance shines. While some colors may be cyclical, certain shades will always dominate due to customer preferences. As they pointed out, white, green, and pink are the top three most popular colors that consistently sell well.

In addition, new colors emerge as trends, with apricot, cream, and coral becoming increasingly popular. Last year’s Pantone color of 2024, Peach Fuzz often influences the flower industry and undoubtedly had an impact on color trends last year. Pantone’s choices tend to resonate throughout various industries, and the floral world is no exception. It’s important to stay tuned to these trends, but also remember that your customers’ enduring favorites should always have some influence in your growing decisions.

Listening to Your Customers: The Power of Feedback

One piece of advice I can’t recommend enough is to ask your customers what they need. It’s easy to assume we know what they want, but we should be actively seeking their feedback. Surveying your customers regularly is an excellent way to stay in tune with their preferences and ensure you're meeting their needs.

And don’t just rely on online surveys—get out there and visit your customers in person. Seeing how your flowers are being used and hearing directly from the people who buy from you is incredibly valuable. It allows you to pick up on things you might have missed otherwise and helps you adjust quickly to any changes in demand.

Growth Areas to Watch: Cultivars and Perennials

Another trend pointed out was the increased interest in a wider variety of cultivars within several popular genera. Customers are looking for fresh varieties, which means there's an opportunity for flower farmers to offer something unique that stands out in the market. Perennials also saw significant growth, with several perennial varieties ranking in the top 20. Visit the Rooted Farmers Blog for a list. By incorporating perennials into your farm, you can offer seasonal flowers that customers can rely on year after year.

 
 

Don’t Forget About Low Performers

It’s just as important to pay attention to your low performers as it is to focus on the things that are doing well. Not every flower you grow is going to be a hit every year. If you have flowers that aren’t pulling their weight, it might be time to consider replacing them with newer varieties or ones that are trending higher in the market.

Space Allocation Matters

Finally, remember to keep an eye on how much space you allocate to each crop. This is something I’ve learned the hard way! The amount of space you dedicate to each flower variety can have a huge impact on your numbers. Make sure you're not over-committing space to low-performing crops, and focus on those that offer the highest potential.

 
 

Wrapping Up

Overall, Adrianne and Amelia really made me think about how we can use data to make more informed, strategic decisions on our farms. By focusing on customer feedback, tracking our numbers, and staying up-to-date with trends, we can grow smarter and more sustainably.

So, don’t be afraid to dig into the numbers, talk to your customers, and stay flexible with your growing strategy. I hope these insights help you as much as they’ve helped me!

As always, keep growing, and I look forward to hearing how these tips help you thrive in your flower-growing journey.

Happy growing,
Scott

 

Take advantage of an exclusive offer from Rooted Farmers! Use the code TFP25 to get $75.00 off any individual plan(Essential or Pro). Rooted Farmers offers great features like streamlined invoicing, easy inventory tracking, and more tools to grow your business efficiently. Don’t miss out on this chance to simplify your processes and focus on what matters most—growing your flower farm!

 
 

Blooming Opportunities for Flower Farmers: Tapping into the Market of Edible Flowers

 

Image by The Flower Podcast

 

Recently, I received a batch of edible flowers from a vendor, which sparked my interest in a topic I had only explored briefly before. While I’ve occasionally sourced these flowers for clients, I hadn't given them much thought beyond that. One of the flowers I received was pansies, and with the recent surge in their popularity for cut flower production, I realized this was the perfect moment to dive a little deeper.

At first glance, the flowers were striking—vivid colors, detailed petals, what you expect from flowers but what really stood out to me was their purpose: these flowers weren’t just for our garden beds and arrrangements; they were meant for more, and it became clear that there was a lot of potential in this space that I hadn't  fully explored.

The edible flower market is growing fast. In fact, according to the Edible Flowers Market Report from 2022, this industry was valued at nearly $318 million globally, and experts expect it to soar to $503 million by 2032. That’s a significant increase, and as a flower farmer, it’s hard not to see the possibilities. Edible flowers are no longer just a niche trend—they’re becoming a real part of the culinary world. And for us, as growers, that means there’s an opportunity to step into something new, something that could help diversify farms and bring in a new stream of income.

What struck me the most, though, was how they could fit into the broader world of floral design. It’s not just about wedding cakes and cocktails (although, let’s be honest, they make a stunning addition to both). The scope of edible flowers is huge, extending beyond just food and drink. There’s potential for herbal blends, beauty products, and even natural dyes, all of which are on the rise. But for now, I’m focusing on the possibilities from a flower farm’s perspective. I mean somebody has grow to them.

I also can’t ignore how some flowers that were once primarily considered ornamental are now gaining popularity in the cut flower industry. Take pansies, for instance. They’ve always been a garden favorite, but, their use in cut flower production is on the rise. Pansies are readily available, come in a wide range of colors, and offer a delicate, colorful touch. I also received marigolds, which I had never thought of as edible but rather as pest deterrents and fabulous summer flowers. It turns out the list of edible flowers is quite extensive, many we may already be growing.  As more people embrace blooms, it feels like the perfect time for flower farms to explore growing flowers not just for the traditional use in the floral industry, but as edible flowers for culinary purposes too.

 
 

For flower farms, diversifying with edible flowers can open up a lot of doors. Growers are already producing  high-quality, beautiful flowers, so it seems natural to start expanding into this new territory. With a little extra care and attention to growing conditions, we could be offering something unique to the market—flowers that serve both as stunning visuals and edible treats.

One of the big benefits here is the potential for more diverse income. Edible flowers are often sold at a higher price because they’re seen as a premium product. People are willing to pay more for flowers that not only look stunning but are also safe to eat and have a distinctive taste. If done right, this can increase the farm’s profitability without needing to expand too much.  They might even open the door to a restaurant or grocery store that wants to carry this trending product in return opening the door to take a look at your bouquets or other cut flowers.

On top of that, edible flowers are a great way to reduce waste. Not every flower will meet the standards for an arrangement, but there’s still value in those blooms beyond the vase. That means there’s less waste from the flowers that don’t make the cut for bouquets, and we can still make the most of everything we grow.

I also see a lot of potential in partnerships. Local chefs, event planners, bakers—imagine the possibilities. Beautiful cakes with pansies or violets, floral cocktails, or unique dinner party dishes. These are the kinds of collaborations that could really set a farm apart. And it’s not just about selling flowers. We could host workshops, too, teaching others how to work with edible flowers, whether it’s in the kitchen or as part of their floral designs. It’s a way to expand the farm’s role in the community and share something new with people.

But, as with any new product, it’s important to be careful. Not all flowers are safe to eat, and it’s vital that we grow them with the same care and consideration that we give our other blooms. Sourcing flowers responsibly and ensuring they’re grown organically without harmful chemicals is crucial for maintaining customer trust. These blooms aren’t just for decoration; they’re being consumed, so we need to be sure they’re safe along with following the guidelines in your area.

 
 

In the end, the potential for flower farms to expand into edible flowers is vast. It's an opportunity not just to grow new varieties, but to cultivate something that brings added value to the customer and to the farm. As the demand for edible flowers continues to grow, I believe it’s an exciting and rewarding path for flower farmers who want to explore something fresh and unique. By offering these blooms, we’re not just adding another product to our inventory; we’re offering our customers an experience—one that connects beauty with flavor, and creativity with sustainability.

After receiving that batch of edible flowers, I’m more inspired than ever to explore this niche and see how it could fit into great possibilities in our industry.

 
 

Edible Flowers

Nasturtiums'
Marigolds (Calendula)
Dandelions
Tulips
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Jasmine
Chrysanthemums (Edible Varieties)
Snapdragon
Tulips
Red Clover
Scented Geraniums
Mint Blossoms
Sweet Violet
Sage Blossoms
Red or Pink Begonias
Lavender

Pansies
Violas
Lavender
Fuchsia
Daylilies
Rose
Clover
Lemon Balm
Elderflowers
Apple Blossom
Evening Primrose
Borage
Anise Hyssop
Sunflower Petals
Cornflower (Bachelor's Button)
Peony

Note: This is an example list of edible flowers. Many herbs, like basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, also produce edible flowers that are beautiful and flavorful. Always ensure to research and confirm that the specific variety of herb or flower is safe for consumption before using.

Cultivation of Lilies by Onings America

 

Image courtesy of Onings America

In my 30 years of sourcing flowers, lilies have consistently stood out to me. Their variety, vivid colors, and distinct fragrances have made them a favorite in my work. The range of lilies is remarkable. From vibrant reds and oranges to gentle pinks and creams, their colors add depth and beauty to any arrangement. But what sets lilies apart for me is their fragrance. Each type of Oriental lily has its own scent profile, but if you prefer no fragrance, Asiatic lilies contain a wide range of color providing a vibrant impact while basically being free from scent.

Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Henk Onings from Onings America in two insightful episodes. In the first episode, we dove deep into the world of lilies and freesia, exploring their cultivation in detail. To complement our discussion, we’ve added a couple of guides to our blog with this one focusing on lilies.

A huge thank you to Onings America for sharing their expertise in "Cultivation of Lilies" with us. Don’t miss both episodes with Henk—available now on your favorite podcast platform. This guide is a first look at everything you need to know about growing and handling lilies, from setting up your greenhouse to selecting the perfect varieties, and from harvesting to ensuring the best post-harvest care. Whether you're a florist, a cut flower farmer, or simply a lily enthusiast, this resource offers a comprehensive, yet friendly, insight into getting the most out of these stunning blooms.

With expert advice straight from Onings America, this guide will help you elevate your lily game and fully appreciate the splendor these flowers bring to every arrangement. We’re thrilled to share this with you before it appears anywhere else—so let’s get started!

Thank you for being a part of our community. It was a joy to share Henk Onings' insights on lilies, and I encourage to check out the Step by Step to Growing Freesia. We’re grateful to Onings America for their generosity in providing the "Cultivation of Lilies" guide and for their valuable contributions to our podcast. I hope these resources inspire and assist you in your growing endeavors. Don’t forget to listen to both episodes with Henk on your favorite podcast platform or his guest page.

Your support makes it all possible, and I’m excited to continue this journey with you!

Step by Step Growing Freesia | Onings America

FREESIA

Freesia has been a cherished flower in the industry for decades, but it’s mostly been imported or grown for large scale productions. I’m really excited to see more American flower growers starting to cultivate this stunning flower locally. After chatting with Henk Onings from Onings America, I’m even more thrilled about the new freesia varieties and the effort to make them more available to our local growers. Henk kindly shared a step-by-step guide for growing freesia that hasn’t posted on their website yet so I am delighted to share it with you here. This guide is packed with helpful tips and insights to help American flower farmers grow beautiful, high-quality freesia for our local florists and wedding professionals.

I encourage all flower farmers to give freesia a try. Adding new varieties of flowers to our floral community is essential for keeping our clients engaged and excited about new possibilities and the next trend of beauty. Freesia, with its stunning colors and delightful fragrance, is a fantastic addition that can set your offerings apart. By embracing the cultivation of freesia, we can bring more diversity and beauty to our local markets, captivating customers, and elevating our floral industry.

Images provided by Onings America

Chrysal's Answer Guide to the Most Commonly Asked Questions Guest Blog Post Resource Guide

 

Thank you to the team at Chrysal for this fantastic guide to the most commonly asked questions about products, usage, dosage, and general tips about the great products at Chrysal.

Want to learn more? Listen to my chat with Dennis Wheeler, Sales Manager at Chrysal on The Flower Podcast where Dennis shares his knowledge and expertise on the care of flowers. You can also check out the guest blog post by Chrysal on the Wholesale Flower and Plant Care Guide, where you'll discover practical tips and tricks to keep your blooms looking fresh and beautiful. Plus, as a special treat for our listeners, Chrysal is offering an exclusive coupon code for extra savings! (link below)

 

Chrysal has generously provided our listeners with a SPECIAL OFFER. Elevate Your Floral Experience with Chrysal Flower Preservative: Save with Coupon Code: Scott23 and receive 10% OFF the site. Create your account and start saving! Be sure to look into the Chrysal Reward Points and earn with each purchase.

 

Chrysal: Wholesale Flower and Plant Care Product Guide

 
 

Guest Blog Post

Chrysal has always pushed the envelope when it comes to flower preservation. Their persistent dedication to quality, research, and pursuing environmentally friendly techniques has gained them the trust of florists, gardeners, and flower enthusiasts all around the world. Whether you're a professional florist looking to wow your customers with long-lasting arrangements, a passionate flower grower looking for post harvest care, or simply enjoy a lovely bouquet at home, Chrysal's product line has something for everyone.

Chrysal has generously provided our listeners with a special offer. Elevate Your Floral Experience with Chrysal Flower Preservative: Save with Coupon Code: Scott23 and receive 10% OFF the site. Create your account and start saving! Be sure to look into the Chrysal Reward Points and earn with each purchase.

Want to learn more about Chrysal? Listen to The Flower Podcast episode with Dennis Wheeler, Sales Manager of Chrysal.

 

The Results Are In: 2022 Year In Review! Guest Blog from Rooted Farmers

 
 

The Results Are In: 2022 Year in Review!

The Rooted team shares some insights and trends in a 2022 Year in Review. Rooted Farmers. December 31, 2022

“What are buyers looking for?” is one of the questions most frequently asked of the Rooted Team. Growers want to make informed crop planning decisions, hone their marketing strategies, and have data-driven discussions with buyers. These are prudent approaches, though in the absence of aggregated and easily-digestible data, they are historically difficult given the lack of transparency and aggregated market data available in the specialty cut flower industry.

That’s where we come in! Because of the unique way that growers sell product through Rooted’s software, our team can slice and dice market data from across the country and share some helpful insights with you. Analyzing Rooted’s year-end reports can help to validate mainstays and uncover new opportunities.

Before going any further – we strongly recommend that you read our Data & Analytics: A Crash Course post. This will give you some necessary context for how to interpret these results and apply them to your business.

A few things to keep in mind before we dig in:

  1. Approach each data point as a piece of a puzzle – not the complete picture. If you examine any one layer of these data independently, you will draw different conclusions than you would by combining them. We encourage you to pair this discussion of quantitative data with your own research – including qualitative information from your local markets – to help you approach the year ahead.

  2. Remember, you know your market best! Always talk with your buyers about what they’d like to see more of – our data may provide you an opportunity to educate your audience, but ultimately, collecting direct feedback from your buyers is a critical input.

Let’s dig in! What did we see in 2022?

A quick snapshot of some exciting findings for farmers:

  • Local staples continue to anchor the local flowers market as top sellers. These are the go-to favorites that are either hard to ship or have a more ethereal shelf life, like dahlias, zinnias and cosmos.

  • Highest-growth products fall into the filler and foliage categories. More buyers are seeking out non-focal flowers from local growers! Items that outperformed include products like yarrow, euphorbia, statice, nigella, goldenrod, and grasses.

  • Brighter colors like yellow and red are picking up steam. These colors fall outside of the long-standing traditional soft and neutral “wedding colors.” Increases in sales to more conventional florists, retail florists, and brick and mortar shops could help account for some of this growth.

Top-Selling Colors

Rankings based on stem count across all sellers

  1. White

  2. Green

  3. Pink

Highest-Growth Colors

Growth compared with 2021

  • Yellow/gold

  • Cream

  • Red

Color Takeaways

Buyers want your foliage! While white continues to be in high demand, green was a close second. Buyers are increasingly looking for local alternatives for foliage products, and they are willing to experiment a bit; think creatively: do you have perennials that you may not be offering? Woodies that work well to provide structure? Responsible foraging opportunities? Try offering some samples to grow your weekly offerings!

Top-Selling Flowers

Based on stem counts, by genus

In 2022, we saw thousands of unique cultivars sold on Rooted! Our top performers included the following genera:

  1. Dahlia

  2. Zinnia

  3. Celosia

  4. Cosmos

  5. Ranunculus

  6. Antirrhinum

  7. Eustoma

  8. Paeonia

  9. Gomphrena

  10. Tulipa

High-Growth Products:

We were excited to see strong growth from many unsung heroes in 2022! The below genera were among our highest-growth products sold:

  • Elaeagnus

  • Ornamental grasses

  • Artemisia

  • Achillea

  • Eustoma

  • Chrysanthemums

  • Solidago

Product Takeaways

Outside of dahlias and zinnias, we saw relatively low concentration among the top selling genera – meaning that growers saw success selling a wide range of floral product throughout the year. Buyers exhibited increased openness to working with specialty cuts that fell far outside of the local staples, with specialty filler and foliage products gaining momentum over the course of the seasons.

Conclusions

Pretty exciting, right? We hope that you find these insights helpful in preparing you to talk with your buyers and think about the season ahead. Maybe you will approach your crop plan with more emphasis on color rather than cultivars, or perhaps you felt inspired to broaden your buyers' awareness around the flowers you grow, or empowered to talk about your blooms from a florist’s or designer’s point of view! We at Rooted Farmers are especially excited about the growth and awareness of local flowers in recent years. Local flowers are where the party is at, and what you do as a grower has a positive impact in your community and beyond!

Here are some other resources to help you continue to increase awareness, sales, and continue to bridge the gap between grower and end user:

Learn more about how Rooted Pro, our robust Data & Analytics package can help you level up your growing game.

Read our Data & Analytics: A Crash Course post for more context around how we put these data to work.

Read our Sales Data & Crop Planning: A How-To article to learn more about how we reflect and set goals for the season ahead.

Learn from Designer Rachel Fletcher at Carbon & Co to as she shares her insights on working with local product.

Building new buyer relationships? Check out our 7 Tips for How to Build New Relationships with Wholesale Buyers.

Check out our article about Photographing Flowers for Wholesale to learn the nuances of product photography.

Thank you Rooted Farmers for the wonderful insight and review of 2022. Learn more about Rooted Farmers and Founder Amelia Ihlo and other podcast episodes discussing Rooted Farmers.

 
 
 

Top Reblooming Iris from Schreiner’s Iris Gardens

I’m so thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with Liz Schmidt of Schreiner’s Iris Gardens this past week. I think the family of stunning bearded iris has long been a garden favorite, but I’m ecstatic to see the demand for cut flowers from this family of blooms gaining in popularity. The family we’re talking about is not any ordinary iris but Iris germanica, the grand taller more statuesque member of the Iris family.

Several years ago when looking for new varieties to plant, I found a subgroup within this family of rebloomers! Yes it’s true, you heard that right, rebloomers!! For quite some time, breeders especially at Schreiner’s have been trying to create new hybrids that exhibit this characteristic consistently. One of the requirements for these magnificent beauties is a longer growing season. Many northern places can’t achieve this second flowering due to their earlier winters and early frosts. Depending on your location hovering around these northern areas a variety might be possible but may take a few years to reach that full potential.

I’m happy to share my interview with Liz but there is more! When we finished our chat, she was gracious to share her top favorites for their dependability of blooming in the spring then again in the fall. These varieties aren’t listed in any particular order, it’s just wonderful that they made the list plus we’ve included a couple of extras for fun.

August Treat

Intermediate Bearded Iris

Standards blue-lavender; Falls very pale blue-lavender; beards blue. With a height of 20in., and no fragrance, August Treat is a welcome to any garden, and its frilly petals are pure delight. Originator: J. Terry Aitken. Year: 2012. Bloom Season: Mid Rebloom: Yes

Best Bet

Tall Bearded Iris

Light wisteria blue-violet standards sharply contrast the deep hyacinth blue-violet falls in this floriferous bitone. It often produces two to three stems per plant early in the bloom season and then tends to bloom again in the fall. This child of Titan's Glory combines the vigorous growth habits and flower size of its parent with its own distinctive color pattern.

Cantina

Tall Bearded Iris

A delectable blue wash at the centers of the falls lends a mellifluous bitone effect to these large reddish violet flowers. The unusual color pattern and heavy ruffling accentuates the distinctive coloring of the falls. Cantina is a dependable August rebloomer for us in Oregon.

Champagne Elegance

Tall Bearded Iris

Connoisseurs of fine Iris recognize this delicately shaded apricot amoena as one of the best. Its near-white standards are classically arched while its ruffled falls present a gentle blending of buff, apricot and peach. A prolific bloomer, Champagne Elegance produces 7-10 buds per stem and consistently reblooms in late summer. Sweet orange blossom fragrance.

Elainealope

Tall Bearded Iris

Splashes and splotches of reddish purple randomly pepper Elainealope's tailored light lavender petals. In addition to its unique broken color, this child of Maria Tormena X Master Touch has a delightfully sweet fragrance, produces multiple stems per rhizome and reblooms in the summer.

Mother Earth

Tall Bearded Iris

Mother Earth's large flowers possess gently undulating ruffles. The lavender falls pale at their centers and are touched with beige shoulders. The ivory standards have a hint of lavender at their bases. Stalks are tall, strong and well-branched, averaging 9 buds.Reblooming variety.

Pure As Gold

Tall Bearded Iris

Reliable rebloom and strong growth are the hallmarks of this deep golden yellow. Exquisite ruffling graces the edges of Pure As Gold's well-formed flowers. One of the most consistent rebloomers each summer.

Sugar Blues

Tall Bearded Iris

This deep wisteria blue self is well known for its consistent reblooming habit even in the colder climates. As another bonus, Sugar Blues has a pronounced sweet fragrance. The tailored flowers have modern appearance. Excellent rebloomer

Vintage Charm

Tall Bearded Iris

Vintage Charm’s warm colors - sunshine yellow and plum red - stimulate. “Look at me!” they implore. Yes, it’s the familiar red and yellow variegata updated to 2018. Conspicuous buff undersides of the falls, along with the undulating border, both add dimension and reply, “I hope it’s not rude to stare.” As illustrated in our photo, balance and proportion are satisfying. The contrast between the falls and standards is sharp. Falls boldly flare. Vintage Charm flaunts 2-3 branched stems, each displaying 8 big flowers.

Summer Olympics

Tall Bearded Iris

We recommend Summer Olympics on the strength of its outstanding bloom habits. These ruffled lime yellow flowers are among the first to bloom in the spring, then they dependably bloom again throughout the summer! See how the centers of the falls pale to white around the self beards creating a yellow bitone effect. Slight sweet fragrance.

Rosalie Figge

Tall Bearded Iris

This dark reddish violet self, a child of Dyke's Medallist Titan's Glory, offers great growth and bloom habits. Its moderately sized flowers have a slight ruffle and are completely saturated in dark reddish purple. Enjoy their sweet fragrance in the spring and then again in the summer and fall.

Mariposa Autumn

Tall Bearded Iris

This lightly ruffled rosy violet plicata's pedigree (Jesse's Song X Earl of Essex) assures us of very good vigor, floriferousness and strong rebloom. Mariposa Autumn has been recognized for these outstanding attributes.

What excites me about these beautiful irises is their faces and the opportunity to enjoy two cutting seasons depending on your location. So many perennials bloom once and are finished for the year, but these reblooming beauties provide stunning blooms again in the fall. I hope you’ll consider growing these if you’re a cut flower grower.

I want to thank the team at Schreiner’s for providing these fabulous images and descriptions of these varieties. We’ve included the links to all of the Schreiner’s resources for your convenience. Be sure to place your orders early because I’m sure these will sell out fast.

 

Embrace Pricing, Profit, Boundaries, and the Sales Process

“It takes more than a talent for floral design to run a successful flower business.” Alison Ellis

Adventuring into the flower industry is not for the faint of heart. In my experience over the years, when someone asks what I do, and I proceed with “I’m in the flower business”, the response is always greeted with an assumption of ‘it’s a job surrounding yourself with beautiful flowers and working long hours during the holidays. Well, again in my experience, I have never met someone in the floral industry that meets this assumption.

The floral industry in all its beauty and wonder thrives under the continuous efforts of determined, enthusiastic visionaries engaging in the day-to-day grind of ordering and processing flowers, administration duties, meetings, the pressures of growing and maintaining profitability. It is a magnificent industry not stifled by concrete walls and endless hours confined to a desk, but it is still business.

This episode is meant to answer a reoccurring theme of questions I receive on a regular basis. I have invited a previous guest and friend of The Flower Podcast to give her insights to these issues, and I encourage you to visit her website for more information that may be helpful in your business.

Alison Ellis

Real Flower Business, Flower Math, and Floral Artistry

Alison Ellis is the founder of realflowerbusiness.com, creator of Flower Math, and author of Falling Into Flowers, A step-by-step guide to today’s modern wedding business. She’s a floral designer and educator who teaches florists around the world how to increase their income and find more freedom in their small business with honest, actionable strategies and step-by-step courses.

Alison graduated from the University of Vermont in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science and a minor in Small Business. She trained in flower shops for 9 years, worked on an organic flower farm, and has been running a home-studio floral business for almost 20 years. Alison understands the challenges that floralpreneurs can face when growing a business on your own!

Since 2015, over 8,000 florists around the world have enrolled in Alison’s online business courses, private & group coaching, and free resources for florists.

Highlights from my conversation with Alison Ellis

  • 2 reason why we start to dislike customers is because of boundaries and profitable pricing, yet these are the 2 reasons when done correctly are what keep us happy.

  • When we do a good job it simply feels like good customer service.

  • Minimums are a healthy important boundary.

  • An easy first boundary is to block days on your calendar ahead of time. Be sure to block not only vacation days or important events but prioritize a few YOU days to refresh yourself.

  • Set the precedence of communicating through email and not texts.

  • Lists help get things out of your head and gives us direction for the following day.

  • Alison has encountered a lot of colleagues frustrated by ‘Educating their clients” We shouldn’t act like our clients are uneducated but as engaging the sales process with our client.

  • It’s ok to do small inexpensive weddings. Demographics and your location do play an important part. Your area may not be flourishing with new business or a thriving economy but that doesn’t mean you can’t be profitable.

  • Establish yourself and build your way, but if you are not over the hump after some time, likely it is because there hasn't been intention on your messaging. Go back to your business plan. You might benefit from some introspection of your goals.

  • We have to look at our weaknesses. If you are complaining there is probably something you could be doing better.

  • Leaders always have something to learn if they are willing to learn.

  • You must be in tune with what is happening in the market and the world.

  • When you know there are clients out there and they are not coming to you that’s when you know it just may be you.

  • Alison sets her minimum based upon what the client wants.

  • A questionnaire gives insights to the clients needs and serves as a ‘get-to-know you’ helping you create a wonderful experience for them.

  • At the end of the day, what we really want to do is to get serious about our business.

  • Embrace pricing as the sale process. This attitude is extremely helpful to allow ourselves to enjoy it and not dread it.

  • Have grace for your client, yourself and create a wonderful experience for you both.

Sources From Alison

 

This 35 page book is part memoir, part how-to and 100% honest regarding my 25 years in the industry and 17 years as a small business owner. I share some of the MOST VALUABLE LESSONS I’VE LEARNED.

 

Online Business Courses For Florists

As a floral designer, you’re in charge of so much more than “just flowers”. Because to run a successful business, you also need to master Pricing for Profit, Closing Sales and Marketing so that you maximize profits and book great clients consistently! Alison

Many thanks to Alison for another great episode of The Flower Podcast. I appreciate your questions and hope you found answers and encouragement today. Please feel free to DM @theflowerpodcast or contact me through email at scott@theflowerpodcast.com.

More From Alison Ellis on The Flower Podcast

 
 

Invasive Species to Avoid When Foraging by Becky Feasby of Prairie Girl Flowers

Thank you so much to Becky Feasby for this informative post. What a great read to follow up with my recent chat with Becky on The Flower Podcast. Listen to our episode featured at the bottom of the page.

—Scott Shepherd

‘Tis the season, it seems, for foraging in search of the perfect dried crispy bits or other special specimens for wreaths, bouquets, or installations. But heading off on your searches requires an understanding of ethical foraging principles and an intimate knowledge of invasive species in your area.

Harvesting invasive species is a big no-no. The issues can vary, but they come down two main areas of concern: economic and environmental.

The economic impacts of invasive species include things such as management costs (which can include using toxic pesticides to control their spread), monitoring programs, reduced crop yields for farmers, and impacts to international trade and tariffs. The environmental impacts of invasive species - although harder to quantify - can be significantly more devastating. Reduced biodiversity, loss of native species, and changes to ecosystem services can spell disaster for the environment. Many invasive species invade forest areas and displace native species, altering soil conditions and wreaking havoc on important ecosystem functions - increasing flooding, reducing resiliency to climate change, and increasing soil erosion.

So beware - clipping little bits of this and that can have far-reaching implications.

Invasives vary by region, so it’s important to consult your local authorities to find out what is and isn’t ok to harvest. But here are a few to really beware of:

Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Japanese honeysuckle has few natural enemies which allows it to spread widely and out-compete native plant species. Dense growths of honeysuckle covering vegetation can gradually kill plants by blocking sunlight from reaching their leaves. Vigorous root competition also helps Japanese honeysuckle spread and displace neighboring native vegetation.

 

James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Chinese Tallowtree (Triadica sebifera)

Tallotrees grow into fully mature trees in just three years, far outpacing native maples, oaks, cypress and elms. Their leaves are toxic to some animals, and they cast off litter that changes soil chemistry and disadvantages competitors. Chinese tallowtree is a serious threat because of its ability to invade high quality, undisturbed forests.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

Buddleja davidii readily invades disturbed sites and riparian areas (riparian = near water sources such as rivers and streams). Although butterflies will use this plant as a nectar source their larvae cannot survive on it. By replacing native larval food source plants butterflybush can have a negative impact on wildlife.

Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Tansy invades disturbed areas, ditch banks and riparian areas and replaces important native plants through aggressive spreading. Can be toxic if animals or people ingest large amounts of it.

Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata)

An escaped ornamental that has become extremely invasive in many parts of North America. When it develops seeds and matures, the plant breaks off and rolls long distances to spread across the landscape (a bit like tumbleweed) – each plant has the ability to spread over 10,000 seeds!

Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Purple loosestrife can become the dominant plant species in wetlands. One plant can produce as many as 2 million wind- dispersed seeds per year and underground stems grow at a rate of 1 foot per year.

The bottom line here is that if you don’t know what you are cutting, don’t cut anything. Know before you go. And don’t think that taking just a little bit is ok, because it’s not. Many plants have the ability to spread thousands of seeds from one cutting. Plus - by showcasing invasive species in your work, you are creating demand for that look, which could encourage others to harvest them or for local growers to even start growing them.

Just say no to invasives!

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

The bottom line here is that if you don’t know what you are cutting, don’t cut anything. Know before you go. And don’t think that taking just a little bit is ok, because it’s not. Many plants have the ability to spread thousands of seeds from one cutting. Plus - by showcasing invasive species in your work, you are creating demand for that look, which could encourage others to harvest them or for local growers to even start growing them.

Just say no to invasives!

A Fresh Approach to Outdoor Spaces

Although the dreary cold days of winter may be approaching for much of the country and preparations for the holidays are being added to the to-do list, outdoor activities and gatherings have become an essential part of our well-being. Reimagining an outdoor space to be more than just patio furniture and a few planters has become almost important as preparing our indoor sanctuaries. We have definitely witnessed an ‘outdoor’ boom in the last couple of years as many weddings, events, and family gatherings embrace the beauty of our natural surroundings and accentuate them for one’s perfect event.

 
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The Creative Team at Accent Decor analyzes trends around the world and continues to be the go-to-source for what’s new, current and trending. The multiple collections include purposefully designed pieces for home as well as pieces for small and large scale events, decorative spaces, and so much more. The Great Outdoors is a beautiful canvas awaiting the artistic creations from this amazing industry.

Featured below are images from the Accent Decor Outdoor Collection for 2022 but with an occasional image from the Accent Decor Catalog 2021. Click images for more details. Be sure to take note of the icons that are extremely helpful while browsing the Outdoor Collection.

The beautiful backdrop of the outdoors provided a much needed destination for gatherings. The creative genius behind planning events is only limited by lack of imagination and ingenuity. The last few years, we have seen boundaries being pushed like never before and outcomes have been nothing short of magical.

Accent Decor has designed pieces to be not only functional but versatile, and many are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Archways, Wall Stands, Gates, and Wall Hangings create ideal canvases for inviting entryways and stunning backdrops. With an assortment of metals and wood grain options, these pieces are a must for any collection.

Lighting, Lighting, Lighting…..We all know the importance and necessity of fabulous lighting. I believe the vibe of any space is effected by lighting and something as simple as a small votive flickering on a workspace desk can bring a sense of calm to a stressful day in the office. Accent Decor has an extensive collection of lanterns, votives, candleholders, candelabras, and candles for creating the desired ambience for the home, your own serene garden setting, and options for your business.

Anyone who knows me is well aware of how much I love plants. Accent Decor designs functional yet stylish vessels to not only serve as container vessels but are true design pieces for creating the perfect greenspace in any setting. Working from home and spending more time indoors only fortifies my love of having fresh greenery in the home. Not only for its obvious beauty but also as a necessity for cleansing the air and nurturing the environment.

Vessels for tabletops to large troughs for a variety of plant material, Accent Decor designs for all spaces and aesthetics. Adding height to any plant is not a problem with the addition of stands. The new collection also has a great selection of textures, materials, and colors that are classic and trendy yet still remain functional.

 
 
 

Kenji Plant Trough

Juneau Pot Collection

With the anticipation of a new move, I am looking forward to creating a relaxing outdoor space to enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the Tennessee mountains and precious time with my family.

Scott Shepherd

Explore and Shop the amazing collections of Accent Decor through their Virtual Showroom or peruse the pages of the Accent Decor Catalog and Trendbooks. With expanded and extended customer support the team at Accent Decor is available to answer your questions!

Create your account today and be inspired!

Compotes! The Ballerina of the Wedding Table!

I love it when our guests refer to their flowers as little dancers. More than just color and texture, the movement of a flowering stem or foliage is often just as important to the floral artist. Creating a beautiful wedding feels more like a well choreographed ballet, and as one enters the space they are transported into a theatrical world of flowering ballerinas..

I envision the adored compote vessel as the beautiful ballerina gracefully performing a Pirouette of floral brilliance. Compote designs truly complement and help tell a story and share a moment in life of a special couple. The timeless compote has continued to be a favored vessel among floral designers. Everyone loves to be put on a pedestal! Imagine the compote as a little pedestal for your flowers. These vessels create a bowl of beauty that can transform any tablescape

The Flower Podcast has been fortunate to host so many wonderful guests with such incredible talent. Each has generously shared their work with us to inspire and encourage others to embrace new flowers they may have not tried in colors they may not have seen. I hope that you enjoy this collection of ballerinas and find inspiration in orchestrating your next wedding or event.

Florals by bluejasminefloral, | @silkandwillow linen/ @jamaligardencompote

Florals by bluejasminefloral, | @silkandwillow linen/ @jamaligardencompote

The balance and weight of each stem has the power to draw your eyes from one side of the floral design to the other allowing each guest to find the beauty of each bloom. These luscious designs by Paulina Nieliwocki are wonderful examples of this style. From Sweet Peas to Phalaenopsis there’s a journey that occurs through each design.

Florals by Paulina Nieliwocki of Blue Jasmine Floral

 
Florals by @Tulipina

Florals by @Tulipina

Florals by @tulipina

Florals by @tulipina

Depending on the season or your clients preferences this technique can be applied through the use of color as well. Drawing one’s eyes through your floral design like in the design above by Kiana Underwood of Tulipina. Follow the colors from the front to the back of the compote or from one end to the other. Even the use of small to large ranunculus can accomplish the same effect.

 
Florals by @whitemagnoliadesigns

Florals by @whitemagnoliadesigns

Florals by Morrice Florist

Florals by Morrice Florist

Florals by Amy Nicole @Thefloralcoach

Florals by Amy Nicole @Thefloralcoach

 
Florals by @tincanstudios

Florals by @tincanstudios

Florals by @tincanstudios

Florals by @tincanstudios

Florals by @Velvetandtwine

Florals by @Velvetandtwine

One of my favorite outcomes of compote designs is when a single seasonal bloom has the opportunity to be the star of the piece. By highlighting sesaonal flowers, the designer creates stunning images that look unique and special. The season for wisteria, dogwood, and specialty hellebores may only be a few weeks so when you see them make sure you take the time and enjoy these beauties.

Florals by @fleuropean

Florals by @fleuropean

Florals by @maxgilldesign

Florals by @maxgilldesign

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Florals by @maxgilldesign

Florals by @maxgilldesign

Florals by @maxgilldesign

This post reminds me of the song sung by Lee Ann Womack, ‘I Hope You Dance!” As floral designers, we have the wonderful opportunity to orchestrate these moments of grace and balance within our chosen medium, flowers! We each bring our style and flair to every event and design. My hope is that as you design you envision your creations and the wondrous audience standing with applause yelling “Bravo"!”

The Most Beautiful Flowers Worldwide

Guest Blog Post By Kyla Stewart

Flowers can often give us joy and peace of mind. Whether it's sitting in a garden and breathing their scent or inspecting them for a hope of new growth, they're a part of our lives.

Many people all over the globe share our love for these beauties, and many of us know the benefits of keeping flowers in the home. But identifying which flowers are the most beautiful ones is an exasperating task.

How can you choose between the peaceful Lotus and fiery Carnations or compare the scent of Lilacs and the colors of a Bird of Paradise?

It’s not easy but still, let's get to this impossible task with a little bitterness and a lot of passion. Although we can't make an honorary list and mention all the gorgeous ones, we've managed to find a way to mold them into a list of sorts.

Beloved: Roses

Sure, roses are the traditional choice for a "favorite flower," but they can also be unconventional. Do you know that about 30,000 rose varieties exist?  The original roses were actually green and have since grown into varieties that are boldly colorful plants. 

You can have the cultivated species in a vase to decorate your living room, grow them in a pot, or have them in a garden. This is a genuinely fantastic flower family with varieties for all occasions.

Exotic: Orchids

Image from Unsplash | John Weisenfield

Image from Unsplash | John Weisenfield

Another flower family with close to 30,000 flower species is the orchids. Its unique shape and bold color combinations put the orchid on the pedestal of a flower enthusiast.

Sadly, natural orchid habitats are becoming scarce. While you can still see them in the wild, the cultivated varieties are also captivating.

The gradient on the Masdevallia, the bright red with a hint of white on the Miltonia, and the birdy shape of Phragmipedium can be the centerpiece of your garden.

Mysterious:  Nelumbo, the Lotus

From the bottom of ponds, flood plains, and slow moving rivers this mysterious plant produces a flower that is recognized around the world.  From China to Australia and as far east as India, this plant has been cultivated for over three thousand years.  Its seeds are edible and have a long history of being cultivated.  Besides all of the symbolic references in many religions, the plant is known for its amazing bloom that rises from the water with all of the finesse of a graceful ballerina.  Seed livelihood is one of the lotus' most wonderful characteristics.  Sure seed can germinate over its initial year or two, however it’s most widely known for being one of the oldest recorded seeds that maintains viability, for up to 1,300 years.

For Bonsai Enthusiasts: Cherry Blossom (Sakura)

Photo by P. on Unsplash

Photo by P. on Unsplash

Bonsai is a separate world of horticulture and masterful techniques and isn’t a bloom-specific one. But remember, we're trying to cover all the possible angles of flower beauty in the world. What a better mention than the honored Sakura of Japan.

It would be an understatement to say that Japanese people love Cherry blossoms. You'll see them everywhere, even when the tree isn't in bloom.

With bonsai, the art of growing trees in shallow pots, you can bring the tree home. While it's a challenging one to grow in a pot, it's not impossible. So if you're a bonsai enthusiast, feel free to fill your home with the charming beauty of Sakura.

Carnivorous: Trumpet pitchers

Photo by Alfred Schrock on Unsplash

The first instinct about flowers is typically to nurture them.  But what would you do with a flesh-eating one?

Our list of beauties would be incomplete without a "dangerous" and mind-blowing species that gets its nutrients from ants and bugs.

Trumpet pitchers, contrary to what you might think, are pretty attractive houseplants. They aren't simple to care for, but if you give them enough attention and treat them correctly, they'll fill the room with their unusual beauty. 

Get some inspiration and explore!

All flowers are stunning in their own way. Whether they're growing in nature or with your nurturing touch at home, they are fascinating to view and can even give you a small sense of fulfillment.

Celebrating Flower Farmers of The Flower Podcast

"We have neglected the truth that a good farmer is a craftsman of the highest order, a kind of artist." Wendell Berry

 
Florals by @twigandvine | Photo by @ryleahfoehlphoto

Florals by @twigandvine | Photo by @ryleahfoehlphoto

 

I don’t recall ever thinking of a farmer as a “kind of artist’, but I am loving this! A colorful flower field is truly the working palette of our flower growers. Stunning, fresh blooms may be the beginning of a florist’s creation, but these blooming treasures are the result of meticulously, planned color selections, trial and error planted varieties, and seasons of hope, sweat, tears, and celebration.

I’ve always been grateful to share the stories and insights from flower growers in our industry.  They pour so much into these wonderful blooms, and I believe it is important for us to acknowledge and understand the challenges and obstacles they overcome every day.  Every July, I’m thrilled to highlight the flower heroes featured on The Flower Podcast over the last 12 months!! If you’re a grower I hope you find encouragement and helpful tips from the experiences of past guests.  If you’re a floral designer or enthusiast, I hope you find inspiration with each farm-fresh bloom.

Let’s celebrate the flower growers as they tirelessly supplied the floral community when trucks were late, inventories were limited, and continued to bring joy to their local communities through difficult times. Our floral industry is stronger when we all work together and show our support for one another. We have had amazing stories this year, and I believe you will be touched by their journeys.

Jennie Love

Love N’ Fresh Flowers

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Jennie Love is the Creative Director of Love N’ Fresh Flowers and President of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. A Certified Naturally Grown urban flower farm and a premier wedding florist in Philadelphia, Jennie’s story will inspire you to think outside the box, get your hands in the dirt, and revaluate what you can do to grow your business. With a passion for educating florists and future farmers, Jennie is sharing her knowledge and experience from both perspectives. Jennie also shares her Guiding Beliefs of why she created Love N’ Fresh Flowers.

Natasha McCrary

1818 Farms

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Natasha McCrary, of Mooresville, Alabama, owns and operates 1818 Farms. She started the business in 2013 when her son fell in love with Southdown Babydoll Sheep. She had no experience raising the sheep, let alone running a farm, but she had an idea of how she could make it work: combine a farm with a small business that would help cover the cost of food for the animals. The result was 1818 Farms: a working flower farm, event venue, Babydoll sheep, and a hand crafted line of bath and lifestyle products. Besides being featured in several magazines, in 2019 Natasha won Amazon’s Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year award, thanks to these best-selling products.

Melanie Harrington

Dahlia May Flower Farm

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Dahlia May Flower Farm, founded in 2014, is a small family farm specializing in growing specialty cut flowers. Melanie brings a background in art and horticulture to her work in building community through locally grown flowers on her family’s third generation farm. Melanie is a tremendous source of information and I’m excited about her suggestions for extending your season and finding new streams of income. After speaking with her, it was very clear why she’s won so many awards for entrepreneurship.

 

Jonathan Leiss

Spring Forth Farm

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Jonathan Leiss, along with his wife Megan, have settled their small, family farm in Hurdle Mills, NC. and are committed to drawing from a wide range of ecologically-friendly farming practices, including no-till, to grow outstanding cut flowers. Members of The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers and  Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, they are passionate about learning and teaching others about their farm and no-till practices. 

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Lisa Ziegler

The Gardeners Workshop

It all started in 1998 and a desire to make working in her garden a career. Lisa's business, The Gardener's Workshop began as a small market farm but grew into so much more. Please join Lisa and me as she share's her floral journey through the world of gardening. A leader with the ASCFG, author of several books, an online store, Lisa helps others grow their own love of flowers.
With new workshops coming soon with topics covering the basics of flower farming, florist-farmers wedding process, growing in structures, local flower sourcing and more, Lisa is truly sharing her passion and love of flowers with us this week.

Kara Jamison

Blooming Joy Flower Company

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After suffering a family loss, Kara Jamison and her family embarked on a life changing adventure from city life to farming. That adventure flourished into the Blooming Joy Flower Company located in Murfreesboro, TN. Kara began this heart project with the desire to grow and share flowers for spreading joy. She now grows flowers, does custom designs, hosts floral workshops, and farm events. Kara shares her flower journey, her approach to social media with Instagram, and a few of her farm favorites. She juggles a lot, but always finds time for her “Flower Friends” that she connects with regularly on her IG feed @bloomingjoyflowerco .

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Deanna Kitchen

Twig and Vine/ The Growing Kindness Project

 
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Image by @ryleafoehlphotos

Image by @ryleafoehlphotos

Deanna Kitchen, flower farmer, designer, and educator, along with her family started Twig and Vine Farm, a micro cut flower farm specializing in dahlias.
Deana shares a little about her floral story, the family farm, and her heart for gathering, teaching and community service that ultimately led her to founding The Growing Kindness Project. The Growing Kindness Project now leads a team of gardeners and growers across the world on a mission to change the world, one stem at a time.
Deanna quickly learned the joy and power of giving flowers freely in her community and she set out to find ways to support, encourage, and assist others to do the same.

Eric Tanouye

Green Point Nurseries

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Entering their 3rd generation of the family business, Eric Tanouye, President of Green Point Nurseries, continues his father's legacy growing gorgeous tropicals and foliages and connecting clients to the beauty and romance of Hawaii.
Eric continues to study farming methods of ancient Hawaiians, developing customer relationships, and leadership involvement in trade and flower associations. We discuss connecting with the land and protecting the natural resources along with sustainable improvement to flower farming.

Amelia Ihlo

Rooted Farmers

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From her personal experience as a flower farmer, Amelia Ihlo saw the need to improve the process of actually selling the harvested flowers. So the research began, and the end result was the creation of Rooted Farmers. An online marketplace that connects local flower farmers and floral designers, Rooted Farmers Simplifies the process of purchasing local and seasonal blooms, Saves you time to focus more on the crucial areas of your business, and Connects farmers with wholesale and retail buyers to sell flowers more efficiently. We were excited to sit down with Amelia and record this tutorial demonstrating all of the features and benefits of Rooted Farmers. Amelia also demonstrated the buyer side, allowing florists to shop from all the farmers in a given area.

Janis Harris

Harris Flower Farm

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Following in the footsteps of her parents as organic farmers and passing that love of growing to her children,  Janis Harris, owner of Harris Flower Farm, operates her mulitgenerational farm in southwestern Ontario.  Janis discusses flower production, working with local farmers, and how she approaches cracking the code of flower farming. As regional director for Canada’s branch of ASCFG, Janis also shares her personal experience as a member and the benefits of membership in this great organization for cut flower growers.

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Ed Coughlin

Southern Eucs

Some may have a like/dislike relationship with the continued trend of eucalyptus but there is no mistake it is among one of the most requested greeneries still. I am actually a fan but perhaps that may be because I have had the opportunity to explore the numerous varieties. Most are familiar with a few varieties but did you know there are other eucs besides 'Silver Dollar' and Seeded? And this tree is a wonderful choice for your landscape design too! Ed Coughlin, owner of Southern Eucs. Ed has been seeking species of eucalyptus that have a resilience to colder temperatures allowing for more production in these regions.

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Sarah Daken & Tom Precht

Grateful Gardeners

 Sarah Daken and Tom Precht, Founders of Grateful Gardeners were disenchanted with their corporate careers and desired to go back to the basics and be stewards of the environment. Committing themselves to farming beautiful flowers through sustainable practices such as no-till farming, cover crops, worm and compost tea fertigation, and hydroponics, Sarah and Tom are also committed to serving their own local community and sharing their knowledge of flower growing.

Kimberley Hautau

Hautau and Sons, LLC

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'Kerry Patel of the Flowery realized the economic impact that was facing the floral industry. Seeing an opportunity to help ease this economic impact more locally, Kerry reached out to Kimberley Hautau and the two joined forces to begin selling bouquets of gorgeous greenhouse-grown flowers within their community - donating the proceeds from the sales to local charities that helped both struggling restaurants feed front line workers and the furloughed employees of the community YMCA.' A beautiful story of what is possible when we embrace friendship, flowers, and life's challenges.

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We at The Flower Podcast are thankful to be a part of the floral industry and delighted to have the opportunities to share with others. Thank you again to all of our guests and listeners in allowing us to spread flower goodness throughout the world. As we begin a new season, we are looking forward to more exciting guests and hopefully more personal interactions with all of you. As always, please feel free to contact me with your thoughts, suggestions, and requests.

Scott Shepherd

Wedding Bouquet Inspiration for 2021

Undeniably, the elaborate wedding and event productions have been replaced with more intimate small scale gatherings in recent months; nevertheless the style and substance of beautifully created floral bouquets have continued to be visions of love, hope, inspiration, and new beginnings.

I am not a forecaster of trends and quite honestly after researching for bouquet inspirations, I am quite confused. Numerous publications, insights by trendsetters and influencers, countless images with one just as different as the other, color palettes ranging from rich jewel tones to the purest white and styles from wild and whimsical to timeless and classic flood the internet. So where does inspiration for gorgeous wedding bouquets come from these days? After speaking to numerous guests of the podcast and years of serving my customers in floral wholesale, I believe bouquets are inspired by EVERYTHING! Designers of course, begin creating to fulfill their client’s dream but along the way the designer may be influenced by the organic movement of a flower, a unique structural component of a branch, nature inspired color palettes, a heart touching memory of the bride’s love story, a simple vessel….it truly is endless and encapsulates everything around us.

I would like to share a lovely collection of wedding bouquets from guests of The Flower Podcast. Every stunning floral piece uniquely inspired and created by amazing talent and gifted designers. The wedding or event size may have changed and the landscape of wedding production may not be as glamorous but the language of a bridal bouquet is quietly spoken and well understood.

Image by Mindy Rice/ Image by Jose Villa

Image by Mindy Rice/ Image by Jose Villa

Florals by Ariella Chezar/ Image by Corbin Gurkin

Florals by Ariella Chezar/ Image by Corbin Gurkin

Florals by Sinclair and Moore/ Image by O’Malley Photographers

Florals by Sinclair and Moore/ Image by O’Malley Photographers

 
Florals by Mindy Rice/ Image by @abbyandlauren

Florals by Mindy Rice/ Image by @abbyandlauren

I believe with their ancient origins symbolizing new beginnings or selected because of their fragrance or meaning, bridal flowers remain the crowning jewel and accentuating piece highlighting the center of attention, the bride. The bridal bouquet is a culmination of her vision for her special day brought to fruition through the creative talent of her floral designer. With the creation of each bouquet, the artist seeks inspiration through their own processes.

Over the seasons of The Flower Podcast, I continue to be inspired by the beauty created by such amazing individuals. Each image uniquely crafted to interpret the dreams of every bride and groom expressed through flowers. Our floral industry is an everlasting treasure trove of remarkable talent sharing in our forever love of flowers.