The Cut Flower Podcast

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this delightful short episode of *The Cutflower Podcast*, Roz shares her passion for growing, harvesting, and arranging seasonally grown British blooms. Today, she dives into the 10 tips for establishing your very own cutting patch, drawing from her expertise featured in chapter three of the *Seed to Vase*  book.Key Takeaways:1. Size Doesn't Matter: Your cutting patch doesn't need to be vast. Roz suggests starting with a raised bed of about nine square meters, providing ample space for an array of blooms, from Sweet Peas to Cosmos.2. No Need to Speak Latin: Don't be overwhelmed by botanical jargon. Roz simplifies the distinction between annuals, perennials, and biennials, emphasising the joy of growing for delight and sheer abundance.3. Grow What You Love: The heart of your cutting patch should reflect your personal taste and memories. Whether it's the flowers from your wedding bouquet or those mentioned in literature, cultivating what you love is key.4. Choose Your Position: Shelter your patch from the wind, a flower gardener's adversary. Consider using trellis or hedging to protect your blooms, and Roz suggests using foliage plants like eucalyptus for added windbreak.5. Keep Things Turning Round: Rotate your plants to avoid the buildup of pests and diseases. This practice becomes crucial as your flower garden expands.6. Make Sure You Have Some Support: Supporting your plants is essential. From Harris fencing to pea netting and canes, having the right support in place before you need it is a top tip.7. Get Down and Dirty: Understand your soil by investing in a pH and moisture meter. Regardless of your soil type, adding compost or nutrition is crucial as your plants grow from seed to cutting.8. Look After Your Babies: Even without a greenhouse, you can start small with a warm winter sill or a small cold frame. Roz encourages beginners to start small and gradually expand.9. A Hoe and a Spade: Continuously sow and grow. Many seeds are sown directly into the soil, taking around 12 weeks from seed to plant. Get out there and enjoy the process!Join Roz Chandler on their free master classes to delve deeper into the marvels of cut flowers.  You can register here > https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/STV2024 Happy gardening! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Hello flower lovers! Roz Chandler here, your host on The Cutflower Podcast. Today, we're continuing our January Series, focusing on the fantastic world of growing your own cut flowers and, specifically, the mental health benefits it brings.Key Takeaways:1. Mental Well-being: Growing cut flowers isn't just about blooms; it's a powerful way to enhance your mental health and well-being. Whether you're stressed, overwhelmed, or looking to improve your overall mental health, cultivating cut flowers can be a transformative experience.2. Joy Beyond Flowers: The joy of growing cut flowers goes beyond the beauty of the blooms. It extends to the satisfaction of gifting flowers to loved ones, considering a flower farming side hustle, or even contemplating a career change.3. Free Master Classes: Dive deeper into the art of cut flower cultivation by joining our annual series of free master classes starting on February 1st. Find us on Facebook in the "Cut Flower Master Classes 2024" group for valuable resources and insights.4. Therapeutic Gardening: Discover the undeniable therapeutic effects of gardening. Recent discussions with experts like Rosie Dixon emphasise the role of gardening in relieving stress and improving mental health.5. Physical, Mental, and Emotional Benefits: Gardening isn't just a hobby; it's a holistic approach to well-being. From sensory delights to improved sleep, memory, and cognitive function, the garden offers a wealth of benefits for your overall health.So, swap the Lycra for outdoor simplicity, and consider cut flowers not just as a visual delight but as a powerful contributor to your mental health in 2024. Join our free master classes, and let's explore together why cut flowers are a beautiful remedy for your well-being. Until next time, happy gardening! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Hello fellow garden enthusiasts! 🌷 Roz Chandler here, I am thrilled to embark on another delightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Join me as we uncover the magic of blooms and gardening wisdom. As January unfolds, we're knee-deep in our cut flower planting series, gearing up for a spectacular February. Exciting news – our free online master classes starting on February 1st are a must-attend. Get ready for a blooming adventure!Podcast Review and Highlights:Celebrate with me as The Cutflower Podcast blooms at number four on Apple's Home and Garden Podcasts. Let's reminisce about the podcast wonders from last year – a garden journey for every listener, whether you're a seasoned fan or a fresh bud.Blooms for the Soul: Therapeutic Gardens:Step into the serene world of therapeutic gardens with heartwarming stories from Ratio Gardens. Join uplifting conversations with Dr. Olivia Chappell, Dr. Richard Claxton, and garden therapist Ashley Edwards. Discover the healing power of gardening for mental well-being.Nurturing Mental Well-being:Explore episodes focused on mental health and gardening with guests like Helen Cross and Alice Vincent. Unearth the profound impact of gardening on well-being and the joy of connecting with nature.Wildlife, Biodiversity, and Football Gardens:Embark on a delightful journey with beekeeper Helen Rogers and Professor Dave Goulson into the world of bees and biodiversity. Meet Michael Canard, the green mind behind a coastal compost club intertwining football and gardening. Footballers turned gardeners? Let's kick off this green revolution!Adapting to Climate Change:Navigate the green path with Sally Morgan's insights on resilient gardening and Marianne Boswell's wisdom on sustainability in the face of climate change. Listen as Professor Alastair Griffiths shares the RHS perspective on tackling climate challenges.Sowing Seeds of Inspiration:For aspiring flower farmers, don't miss the inspiring journey of Sue McGlasson. From seedling dreams to blooming reality, her story is a testament to the flourishing possibilities in the world of flower farming.As we wrap up this vibrant bouquet of insights, mark your calendars for our master classes on the first, second, and fifth of February. Join our Facebook group, Cut Flower Masterclasses 2024, and let's continue growing together. Until next time, happy gardening! 🌻 https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Roz Chandler here! January vibes on planning your cutting patch. Don't miss our Feb 1st cut flower master classes on Facebook (Cut Flower Master Classes 2024).Plot Planning Essentials:Purpose: Define goals – personal joy or potential flower farm?Space: Tailor plans to your available space.Layout: Separate flower areas for charm. Consider raised beds.Sunlight: 6-8 hours' exposure; windbreaks if needed.Soil: Test pH, add compost. Go eco-friendly, avoid herbicides.Watering: Plan irrigation; rainwater harvesting is a plus.Germination: Choose a suitable space; care as seedlings grow.Tips for Success):Successional planting keeps blooms coming.Variety is key – perennials, biennials, herbs.Mind spacing, stake tall plants, embrace mulching.Manage pests with bio-controls, clean tools, and stay eco-friendly.Enjoy the process; initial setbacks are part of learning.Conclusion:Cheers to the journey! Embrace the learning curve, celebrate fresh blooms. Happy gardening! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Cutflower Podcast! In this episode, Roz is honoured to have three distinguished guests, Professors Dave Goulston, Marian Boswell, and David Beck, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these experts delve into the fascinating realm of sustainability in the flower industry, providing valuable insights and perspectives. Join Roz as she explores the intersection of academia, biology, landscaping, and economic development, unravelling the complexities and opportunities that shape the world of cut flowers.Guest Introductions: 1. Dave Goulston: Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex.A lifelong insect enthusiast, specialising in bumblebees.Author of books such as "The Garden Jungle" and "Silent Earth."Advocate for insect conservation and sustainable gardening.2. Marian Boswell:  Landscape architect and former lecturer at the University of Greenwich.Specialised in historic garden conservation.Author of the book "Sustainable Garden."Focuses on regenerative design and sustainability in landscaping.3. David BeckRecently appointed Professor of Sustainability and Economic Development at Coventry University.Background in geography and development studiesExpert in sustainability-related aspects of horticultural supply chains.Co-founder of the Sustainable Cut Flowers Project.Episode Highlights:1. Dave Goulston on Bumblebees and Insect Conservation:Discussion on the decline of bumblebees and the importance of insect conservationThe role of gardens in supporting insect biodiversity.Sustainable gardening practices and the value of rewilding.2. Marian Boswell on Sustainable Landscaping:Exploring Marian's journey in historic garden conservation.The significance of honouring the past in landscaping.Sustainable and regenerative design principles in gardening.3. David Beck on Sustainability in the Flower Industry: Insights into David's academic journey and research interests.The Sustainable Cut Flowers Project and its mission.Challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainability in the flower industry. First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.SummaryIn this conversation, Michael Perry, also known as the Plant Geek, discusses his journey in the gardening industry and his passion for plants. He shares his early experiences gardening with his grandparents and how it shaped his love for plants. Michael talks about his career at Thompson & Morgan and his transition to a mixed portfolio of work. He also discusses his book, Water's Curious, and the inspiration behind it. Michael shares his approach to building a following on Instagram and the challenges he has faced in his career. He emphasises the importance of following instincts and staying open to opportunities. In this conversation, Michael and Roz discuss various topics related to work, travel, and future plans. They talk about the balance between work and personal travel, with Michael expressing his satisfaction in being able to travel for work and enjoy his job. They also discuss investing in Substack, a blogging platform, and the opportunities it provides for monetising knowledge. Michael shares his upcoming plans, including speaking at events and travelling abroad. They also touch on the American Association of Specialty Cut Flower Conference and the cooperative model of flower farmers. The conversation concludes with Roz expressing appreciation for Michael's knowledge and sharing his contact details.TakeawaysEarly experiences gardening with grandparents can shape a lifelong passion for plants.Transitioning to a mixed portfolio of work can provide new opportunities and challenges.Building a following on social media, such as Instagram, can serve as a portfolio and connect with industry professionals.Following instincts and staying open to opportunities can lead to a fulfilling career.Passion for plants and gardening can be shared through various mediums, such as books and podcasts. Balancing work and personal travel can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle.Investing in platforms like Substack can provide opportunities to monetize knowledge.Attending conferences and events can offer valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities.Cooperative models in industries like flower farming can be effective for distribution and collaboration.Michael Perry Resources:Website: https://mrplantgeek.com/https://www.instagram.com/mr_plantgeek/ First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome, flower enthusiasts! Join me, Roz Chandler, on another delightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, I have the pleasure of hosting the talented Leigh Chappell, a floral designer, photographer, and stylist, whose journey from Wales to London brings a unique perspective to the world of flowers.Summary:In this episode, Leigh shares her creative evolution from a graphic designer to a florist, emphasising her love for British flowers and sustainable practices. The conversation unfolds to unveil the inception of the Strawberry Hill Sustainable Flower Festival, a remarkable event celebrating the artistry and diversity of floristry. Leigh reflects on the challenges and triumphs of promoting British flowers and fostering collaborations among growers, florists, and artisans.Key Takeaways:Artistry in British Flowers: Explore the beauty of British flowers without the need for floral foam, as Leigh sheds light on the artistic expression and sustainable practices showcased at the Strawberry Hill Flower Festival.Collaboration for Growth: Discover the potential of collaborative efforts between growers and florists, addressing the distribution challenges and promoting a shift towards British-grown blooms in the floral industry.Educating Florists: Recognize the importance of educating florists about the unique qualities and possibilities offered by British flowers, challenging traditional practices and fostering a mindset shift towards sustainability.Leigh Chappell Resources:Website: https://www.leighchappellflowers.com/https://www.instagram.com/leigh.chappell.flowers/Thank you for joining us on this blooming journey. Stay tuned for more captivating stories and insights in the world of flowers. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share The Cutflower Podcast for your regular dose of floral inspiration. First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome, to another fascinating episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, we dive into the world of horticulture with Ed Boers, the passionate mind behind Fibrex Nurseries, renowned for their exquisite pelargoniums. Join me as we uncover Ed's journey, challenges, and aspirations.In this episode, Ed shares insights into the unique scented plants he incorporates into marquee weddings, creating an aromatic English country garden ambience. He discusses the challenges of remembering the multitude of plant names, especially as a dyslexic, adding a touch of humour to the conversation.Ed reflects on the transition of Fibrex Nurseries, detailing the move and the unexpected learning curves, emphasizing the time and care required for plant cuttings. Roz, the host, explores the distance between the two locations and the balance between public visits and online sales.The conversation turns personal as Ed reveals his childhood dream job – a chef, and how his perspective on winning the lottery has shifted towards investing in gardening equipment rather than extravagant properties. As for the future, Ed outlines his vision for 2024, focusing on being present, learning the business inside out, and expanding into younger markets through channels like Instagram.In a delightful exchange, Roz encourages Ed to embrace social media, sharing her experience with Instagram authenticity. Ed expresses his intention to take the leap, and Roz, with her characteristic enthusiasm, urges him to share more of his journey with the world.Key Takeaways:1. Scented plants add a unique and aromatic touch to events, creating a memorable ambience.2. The challenges of moving a nursery, including the time-consuming process of plant cuttings and name memorization.3. Ed's childhood dream job was to be a chef, showcasing the diverse paths that lead to horticulture.4. Fibrex Nurseries' future involves a focus on being present, learning the business thoroughly, and expanding through online channels like Instagram.Join us in this insightful conversation, exploring the intersection of passion, challenges, and dreams in the world of horticulture. Ed Boers Resource Links: Website: https://www.fibrex.co.uk/email - sales@fibrex.co.ukTwitterFacebookInstagram First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to this week's episode of The Cutflower Podcast. This week Roz is joined in the studio by Patrick Vernuccio. Patrick, known as the Frenchie Gardener on Instagram, shares his journey from a corporate marketing career to becoming an urban gardener. He emphasizes the importance of urban gardening and shows how it is possible to grow food in small spaces like balconies. Patrick provides tips for getting started with balcony gardening and highlights the therapeutic aspect of gardening. He also discusses the challenges of adapting to climate change and the need to embrace failure in gardening. Patrick shares his top three plants to grow on a balcony and offers insights into creating engaging content on Instagram. He concludes by discussing his future plans, including writing books and travelling to explore different gardening practices.Key Takeaways:Urban gardening is a viable option for growing food in small spaces like balconies.Gardening provides therapeutic benefits and helps to reconnect with nature.Embracing failure is an important part of the gardening journey.Creating engaging content on social media requires consistency, storytelling, and staying true to oneself.Connect with Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/thefrenchiegardener/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcjYks2qqWI&feature=youtu.be First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection 

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast! 🌸In this delightful episode, your host Roz engages in a lively conversation with Jenny Williams, a passionate gardener and guest extraordinaire. Join them as they delve into the world of gardening, podcasts, dreams, and more.Roz and Jenny explore a myriad of topics, from the use of AI in crafting Instagram posts to the challenges of maintaining restraint in the face of creative ideas. They share insights into the profound impact captions can have on social media engagement, drawing from personal experiences and light bulb moments.Jenny opens up about her biggest challenge – the struggle with restraint, a force that keeps her buzzing ideas in check. The discussion seamlessly transitions to the evolution of Jenny's garden, a metaphorical fourth child nurtured over the years. They touch upon the emotional pride that comes with seeing their hard work bloom and resonate with others.As avid readers, they discuss their preferences, with Jenny favoring magazines and occasional book indulgences. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as they share their childhood dreams, both revealing a surprising desire to be air hostesses.Key Takeaways:1. Caption Magic: Captions can be the secret sauce for engaging content on social media, turning personal moments into compelling narratives.2. Garden as a Teacher: The garden, for Jenny, is not just a collection of plants but a living, breathing teacher, guiding them to slow down and savor the journey.3. Dreams Evolve: Childhood dreams of becoming air hostesses reflect the whimsy of youth, contrasting with the fulfilled and content lives they lead today.4. Favourite Flowers by Season: Hellebores for hope in winter, diva roses, and practical yet beautiful dahlias – Jenny's favorites change with the seasons.5. Water Feature Project: The anticipation of a water feature project in Jenny's garden promises excitement, cobbles, and the soothing sound of water.Join Roz and Jenny in this episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and a shared love for the simple joys found in gardens and dreams. Don't miss the parting promise of attending the grand opening of Jenny's water feature – a symbol of beauty, patience, and the joy of gardening. Connect with Jenny:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaundrygarden/Website: https://thelaundryretreatnorthwales.co.uk First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newslettersThe Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclubLots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers   Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming  - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection