Welcome to another exciting episode of "The Cutflower Podcast" where we delve into the fascinating world of flower farming and all things floral. I'm your host, Roz Chandler, and today we have a special guest joining us, a passionate flower farmer with a love for dahlias and dreams of creating a floral destination. But before we dive into our conversation, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review. Your feedback means the world to us!In today's episode, we're joined by Melanie Farrow, a dedicated flower farmer with a deep love for dahlias, tulips, and peonies. We'll explore her journey into flower farming, from learning about dahlias from her dad to finding inspiration from fellow flower farmers and renowned floral designers. Melanie shares her experiences, challenges, and successes in the world of flower farming.We'll also discuss the complexities of the flower farming business, from educating customers about the value of locally grown, sustainable flowers to the importance of marketing and visibility. Key Takeaways:1. Passion for Flowers: Our guest's journey into flower farming began with a love for dailies, tulips, and peonies. Her passion for these blooms continues to drive her dedication to the craft.2. Educating Customers: Flower farming isn't just about growing beautiful flowers; it's also about educating customers on the value of locally grown, sustainable blooms. Understanding the environmental benefits and quality of British-grown flowers is key.3. Marketing Matters: Flower farming requires effective marketing and visibility. Our guest emphasizes the importance of promoting her business through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and local community events.4. Dreaming Big: The future holds exciting possibilities for our guest's flower farm. Her dream is to create a floral destination that offers a unique experience to visitors and locals alike.5. Persistence Pays Off: Flower farming is a labor of love, and persistence is key to success. Our guest has faced challenges but continues to learn and grow in her journey.Melanie Farrow Resource Links: Website: www.smellaniesgardenflowers.comInstagram: @smellaniesgardenflowersFacebook page: smellaniesgardenflowers  A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

🌿 Welcome to this week's episode! We're thrilled to introduce you to a game-changing innovation in the world of floristry. Join Roz as she sits down with Dundee Butcher, a key figure at Phoam Labs. Dundee shares the remarkable journey behind their sustainable floral product, a revolutionary alternative to traditional foam. Derived from corn-based polylactide, this eco-friendly solution promises to transform the way florists work, offering both creativity and conscientiousness in equal measure. Dive into this episode to uncover the science, passion, and collaborative effort that has gone into creating a product poised to make a significant difference in the floral industry and beyond. 🌸🌿Key Takeaways: Dundee Butcher, a key figure in Phoam Labs, discusses their revolutionary sustainable floral product made from polylactide (PLA) derived from corn.The product is designed to be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional floral foam, which breaks down into harmful microplastics.Dundee emphasizes the importance of providing florists with sustainable tools to support their creative work without compromising the environment.The sustainable floral foam requires a slightly different soaking process compared to traditional foam. It is lighter when wet, offers excellent rigidity, and is highly wettable.Phoam Labs is actively engaged in compostability certification, with early results indicating over 95% degradation in eight weeks in an industrial compost pile.While the sustainable foam may be slightly more expensive than traditional foam, it is competitively priced compared to other sustainable alternatives.The product's potential extends beyond the floral industry, with applications in controlled growing environments and indoor agriculture.Dundee acknowledges the challenges faced during the development process, including the need for patience, overcoming unforeseen logistical hurdles, and maintaining a strong belief in the project's mission.The environmental impact of traditional floral foam, including its presence in landfills, is a significant concern, and education and awareness are crucial.The collaborative effort and expertise involved in this project are central to its success, high https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. This podcast episode is sponsored by First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. A polytunnel is an amazing protective environment for plants, vegetables and flowers, extending any growing season, whether you're growing for pleasure or commercially. Whether you go for a small or a large tunnel, you can be assured of the same high quality product from First Tunnels, poly tunnels. Do pop over to their website and take a look at their range A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

In this episode, Roz  engages in a conversation with Ashley Edwards, a dedicated gardener and garden therapist. Their discussion revolves around the therapeutic influence of gardens on mental and emotional well-being, with a focus on the inspiring work done by Horatio's Garden, a charity building accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centres. The Healing Essence of Gardens:Ashley underscores the remarkable power of gardens to alleviate stress, anxiety, and establish a serene connection with nature. He emphasises how gardens at Horatio's Garden, specifically designed for accessibility, have the potential to profoundly impact the lives of patients recovering from life-changing injuries, offering them both solace and motivation.Horatio's Garden: A Sanctuary of Tranquility:The charity's mission is to create fully accessible gardens in every NHS spinal unit across the country. These gardens serve as sanctuaries of healing, providing patients with spaces to reflect, rejuvenate, and engage in nature's therapeutic embrace.Crafting Accessible Gardens:Designing gardens that cater to diverse mobility needs involves thoughtful consideration of factors like uneven surfaces and wheelchair accessibility. High-quality materials ensure both durability and aesthetic appeal, making these spaces inclusive for all.Gardening Through Seasons and Independence:Ashley shares insights about how the garden at Horatio's Garden is meticulously designed to maintain interest and beauty throughout the changing seasons. The therapy approach encourages patients' independence, allowing them to partake in gardening activities based on their unique abilities, nurturing a sense of achievement and pride.Challenges and Lessons Learned:Ashley reflects on his journey of learning and adaptation, particularly in understanding spinal injuries and varying patient needs. Overcoming perfectionism and embracing imperfections in gardening emerged as essential aspects of creating a welcoming and accommodating space.Inspiration and Future Prospects:Ashley draws inspiration from grassroots gardeners and community leaders who bring about positive transformations through horticultural initiatives. He expresses his desire to elevate the awareness of gardening as a skilled career and participate in more media platforms to foster broader understanding.How to connect with Ashley:If you're looking for more information about Ashley Edwards and his work, you can find him on Instagram at @plantsforwellbeing, where he shares posts about gardening, well-being, and his involvement with Horatio's Garden. Additionally, you can explore the Horatio's Garden website at www.horatiosgarden.org.uk to learn more about their charitable efforts and the access A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

Join us in this engaging episode as Roz chats with Victoria Stanton, a passionate gardener, social media enthusiast, and aspiring garden designer. Victoria shares her journey into the world of gardening, her experiences with social media, her thoughts on sustainable design, and the positive impact of gardens on mental health.Key Takeaways from today's episode:Gardening and Family Influence:  Victoria's love for gardening was nurtured by her family, especially her grandparents who had a beautiful garden. Their influence led her to develop a deep appreciation for nature and plants.The Power of Social Media: Victoria discusses how social media has played a crucial role in connecting garden enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to take up gardening. It has provided a platform to learn, collaborate, and create a positive impact on the environment.Balancing Nature and Design: Victoria emphasises the importance of designing gardens that harmonise with nature rather than dominate it. She believes in creating spaces that support wildlife, biodiversity, and sustainability while also offering aesthetic appeal.Gardens for Mental Health: The conversation delves into the therapeutic aspects of gardening and spending time in green spaces. Victoria highlights how gardens offer solace, purpose, and a connection to the natural world, contributing to improved mental well-being.The Value of Horticultural Education: Victoria shares her experience pursuing an RHS Level 2 horticultural qualification and how it has enriched her understanding of plants and gardening techniques. She values the knowledge gained and the connections formed through the process.Environmental Consciousness: Victoria's passion for the environment and sustainable living shines through. She discusses the significance of leaving plants to decay naturally, attracting pollinators, and creating balanced ecosystems in gardens.Inspiring the Younger Generation: Victoria expresses her desire to encourage younger individuals to embrace gardening as a rewarding and accessible activity. She believes that breaking the stereotype of gardening being only for retirees is crucial for a healthier future.Future Aspirations: Victoria shares her aspiration to become a garden designer and make a positive difference in outdoor spaces. She envisions creating gardens that prioritize well-being, biodiversity, and environmental consciousness.Balancing Work and Family: As a stay-at-home mom, Victoria discusses the challenges of managing her social media presence while raising a family. She talks about the support of her husband and her commitment to inspiring others through her online platforms.Nature's Influence: Victoria's love for woodland environments and water features is highlighted, showcasing her appreciation for the calm A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

In this engaging episode, Roz invites Helen Rogers, a passionate beekeeper and honey expert, to share her captivating journey from an engineering career to the world of bees.Exploring Beekeeping:Helen takes us on her beekeeping adventure, describing how her fascination with bees led her to start beekeeping. She emphasizes the crucial role bees play in pollination and the ecosystem, and explains the joys and challenges of setting up and managing beehives.The Hive Dynamics:Helen unravels the inner workings of a beehive, introducing us to the queen, workers, and drones. Each bee's unique role is vital for the hive's success. She also sheds light on the precious hive products like honey, beeswax, and propolis, which have various uses.The Art of Honey Tasting:Helen shares her enlightening experience of becoming a certified honey sommelier in Italy. She delves into the intricacies of identifying different single-origin honeys by their scent, flavor, and appearance, revealing the unique stories behind each.Unveiling Honey Preferences:Roz and Helen explore the art of honey tasting, discussing the diverse flavor profiles of honeys harvested from different sources. Helen emphasizes how personal memories often influence honey preferences, with people leaning towards honey from their local areas.Honey and Culinary Pairings:The conversation takes a delicious turn as Helen unveils the intriguing world of pairing honey with wine and cheese. She explains how the richness of certain honeys can complement the flavors of various cheeses, leading to delightful tasting experiences.Lessons and Insights:Helen opens up about the patience and learning required in beekeeping, admitting her own mistakes along the way. The significance of effective communication within a bee colony is stressed, along with the profound impact of Dave Goulson's work on bee conservation and environmental awareness.Upcoming Plans:Looking ahead, Helen shares her plans for in-person honey tasting workshops and new products in her online shop. Her commitment to teaching beginner beekeepers and fostering a bee-friendly community shines through.Conclusion:The episode wraps up with a shared fascination for the intelligence of bees and the captivating world of beekeeping. Roz and Helen express their mutual interest in honey tasting and potential collaborations.Key Takeaways:Beekeeping is a rewarding journey requiring patience and continuous learning.Bees are vital for ecosystem health and successful pollination.Honey tasting involves recognizing unique scents, flavors, and appearances of various honeys.Hive communication and decision-making influence the harmony of bee colonies.Dave Goulson's work is a valuable resource for understanding bees and environmental A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective