By Jennifer Gulizia
Welcome to 'The Backyard Bouquet,' a cut flower podcast where vibrant stories bloom from the fields of local flower farmers and home gardeners alike. Join host Jennifer Gulizia of The Flowering Far
... more
4.8
5353 ratings
The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.
Throughout this episode, Lennie candidly shares the challenges she faced, including rapid growth and personal burnout. These experiences led her to seek advanced training in small business management, which dramatically transformed her farm into a model of profitability and sustainability. She emphasizes that while many flower farmers are passionate about growing flowers, they often lack the business acumen necessary to thrive. Lennie aims to bridge this gap by providing coaching and resources to flower farmers nationwide.
Lennie discusses the importance of setting realistic sales goals and understanding the financial aspects of running a flower farm. She encourages aspiring farmers to think strategically about their business models, emphasizing that while it is possible to be profitable in the first year, it is often more realistic to aim for profitability in the second or third year.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a wealth of knowledge that can inspire anyone interested in profitable cut flower farming.
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:01:37: From Passion to Profession: A Journey from Education to Flower Farming
10:43: Bridging Agriculture and Business in Flower Farming
15:09: Lessons from Early Flower Farming Experiences
17:22: Achieving Profitability as a First-Year Flower Farmer
19:21: Strategies for Farm Profitability: Setting Realistic Goals and Efficient Practices
27:29: Optimal Farm Size for Beginners and Strategies for Efficiency
29:02: Small-Scale Farming for Profitability
32:04: Scaling A Wedding Business
35:58: Embracing Collaboration: The Value of Sourcing Flowers from Other Farms
42:52: Transitioning to Oregon: Challenges and New Beginnings in Flower Farming
49:23: Empowering Flower Farmers Through Coaching and Community
57:02: Embracing Marketing and Sales in Flower Farming
Learn More About Lennie Larkins & Flower Farming For Profit:
Podcast Listens Can Enjoy One-Month Free Subscription To The Dahlia Patch!
Join Here: https://bit.ly/backyardbouquet
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review?
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
What happens when a dahlia unexpectedly takes on the appearance of a daffodil? In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Kelsey Hall of Cattle & Cut Flowers shares her remarkable journey in flower farming and the intriguing story behind her recent discovery, the “Daffodahlia.”
Kelsey, who runs a charming family-operated farm in Enumclaw, Washington, recounts how her farming adventure began in 2017 when she and her husband purchased a foreclosure property. Initially focused on creating a sustainable homestead with livestock, Kelsey gradually found her passion for flowers, starting with just 30 dahlia plants. Fast forward to today, and she now cultivates over 4,000 dahlias each year, showcasing her dedication and love for floral farming.
During the conversation, Kelsey reveals the fascinating tale of the "Daffodahlia," a unique dahlia sport that emerged unexpectedly in her high tunnel. This striking flower features a daffodil-like shape, captivating flower enthusiasts and even catching the attention of Martha Stewart. Kelsey shares her initial concerns about the mutation, fearing it might indicate a disease, but her journey of discovery leads her to realize the beauty and potential of this extraordinary bloom.
Kelsey shares about her challenges of balancing family life with the demands of farming, as well as her approach to wedding floral design. She discusses her plans to expand her dahlia production while also emphasizing the importance of responsible farming practices and thorough testing before introducing new varieties to the market.
Kelsey’s story is one of passion, resilience, and the magic that can unfold in the world of flower farming. Tune in to hear the full conversation and be inspired by Kelsey’s journey, the beauty of dahlias, and the unexpected surprises that nature can bring!
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:00:05:30 - Introduction to Kelsey Hall and Cattle and Cup Flowers
00:10:00 - Kelsey's Journey into Flower Farming
00:15:30 - Transitioning from Livestock to Flowers
00:25:30 - Balancing Family Life and Farming
00:30:00 - Sales Outlets and Business Strategies
00:35:30 - The Discovery of the Daffodahlia
00:45:30 - Future Plans for the Daffodahlia
00:50:00 - Dahlia Seed Collection and Pollination
00:55:30 - Growing Zone and Seasonal Changes
Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/10/30/ep-41-kelsey-hall-how-the-daffodahlia-discovery-is-shaping-her-farm/
Learn More About Cattle & Cut Flowers:
Podcast Listens Can Enjoy One-Month Free Subscription To The Dahlia Patch!
Join Here: https://bit.ly/backyardbouquet
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
This episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast features a replay from the Growing Beautiful Dahlias Interview Series hosted by Valerie Miller of Steel Cow Lavender Farm. In this episode, Valerie interviews Jennifer Gulizia, the host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast and a passionate flower farmer based in Hood River, Oregon.
In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey as a cut flower farmer, her love for dahlias, and her recent transition to a new 20-acre farm.
Throughout the conversation, Valerie and Jennifer discuss the importance of soil health, land selection, and the process of hybridizing dahlias. Jennifer explains how she hybridizes dahlias, the significance of understanding soil conditions, and the steps involved in saving seeds. She emphasizes the need for careful planning and strategic decision-making when it comes to growing flowers sustainably.
Be sure to tune in to hear the full conversation, filled with insights and tips for finding farmland and growing beautiful dahlias.
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:00:03:54 - Acquisition of 20 Acres: A New Beginning
00:05:09 - Challenges of the New Property
00:08:19 - Strategic Planning for the Future
00:09:35 - Restoration Plans for the Land
00:11:00 - Importance of Soil Health
00:19:40 - Land Selection for Growing Dahlias
00:24:14 - Leasing Land: Legal Considerations
00:30:34 - The Importance of a Lease Agreement
00:32:06 - Seed Saving and Hybridizing Dahlias
01:02:15 - Community and Support in Flower Farming
01:05:00 - Advice for Aspiring Flower Farmers
01:10:45 - Sustainability Practices in Flower Farming
01:13:00 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/10/26/ep-40-grow-beautiful-dahlias-interview-series-replay/
Learn More About Growing Beautiful Dahlia Series:
Podcast Listens Can Enjoy One-Month Free Subscription To The Dahlia Patch!
Join Here: https://bit.ly/40lbDaK
Learn More About The Flowering Farmhouse
If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
Are you curious about what it takes to hybridize dahlias in your own backyard? Tune in to hear how Vonda VandeHoef, PNW gardener, has become a backyard dahlia hybridizer.
In this episode we are joined by Vonda VandeHoef, a passionate backyard gardener from the Pacific Northwest. Vonda shares her journey from growing up around flowers to becoming a passionate backyard dahlia hybridizer.
Vonda's love for flowers is deeply rooted in her family history, having grown up with a mother who ran a flower shop. She recounts how her early experiences in the floral industry planted the seeds for her current passion. Despite facing significant personal losses, including the sudden deaths of her sister, mother, and brother-in-law, Vonda finds solace and healing in her garden. Her story is a testament to the therapeutic power of gardening.
Listeners will be inspired by Vonda's detailed process of hybridizing dahlias, from saving seeds to growing out new varieties over several years. She discusses the challenges and joys of cultivating a diverse range of dahlias, including her favorite anemone types and the unique seedlings she has developed. Vonda also touches on her plans to name some of her dahlias in honor of her loved ones and her aspirations to support her family through her gardening endeavors.
Tune in to hear Vonda's heartfelt journey, her expert tips on dahlia hybridization, and how she manages to grow over 1,300 dahlias in her backyard. This episode is a beautiful blend of personal stories and practical gardening advice that will leave you feeling inspired and eager to let your own backyard bloom.
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:00:03:14 - Vonda's Early Passion for Flowers
00:05:45 - Transition from Interior Design to Floristry
00:07:09 - Color Theory in Floristry and Photography
00:09:29 - Vonda's Current Home and Garden
00:16:14 - Coping with Loss & Finding Healing Through Gardening
00:26:06 - Process of Hybridizing Dahlias
00:31:06 - Evaluating and Saving Dahlia Seedlings
00:32:50 - Favorite Dahlia Varieties
00:37:16 - Family Support and Business Aspirations
00:41:07 - Evolution of Vonda's Garden
00:43:39 - Sharing Flowers with the Community
00:44:47 - Plans to Release Hybridized Dahlias
Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/10/16/ep-39-vonda-vandehoef-backyard-dahlia-hybridizer/
Learn More About Vonda VandeHoef:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vondavhoef/
Podcast Listens Can Enjoy One-Month Free Subscription To The Dahlia Patch!
Join Here: https://bit.ly/backyardbouquet
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
How can legacy farming and mental health intertwine to create a thriving community?
In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we are joined by Trina Galloway, a third-generation farmer from Mt. View Orchards in majestic Parkdale, Oregon. Trina shares her heartfelt journey from being a mental health nurse practitioner to returning to her family farm, where she has beautifully blended her rich heritage with innovative approaches. She discusses the addition of a vibrant you-pick flower field alongside her family's traditional fruit orchards and the launch of Grateful Vineyard, Mt. Hood's first winery, cidery, and brewery.Trina delves into the challenges and rewards of legacy farming, emphasizing the importance of diversification and soil health. She also highlights the mental health benefits of gardening, drawing from her experience as a mental health nurse practitioner. Trina's story is a testament to the power of dreams, gratitude, and community in creating a sustainable and fulfilling farming practice.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, where we dig into the intersection of agriculture, hospitality, and mental wellness, offering valuable insights and inspiration for both seasoned farmers and gardening enthusiasts. Don't miss this enriching episode that cultivates wisdom and joy through flowers and farming.
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:00:03:30 - Trina's Childhood and Early Dreams
00:08:18 - Trina's Career Journey and Return to the Farm
00:11:05 - Succession Planning and Family Collaboration
00:13:30 - Diversifying the Farm
00:18:29 - Expanding the Farm Stand and Adding Flowers
00:20:03 - Launching Grateful Vineyard
00:30:20 - Soil Health and Pest Management
00:33:20 - Planting Sunflowers During COVID
00:40:17 - Mental Health and Farming Community
00:42:34 - Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health
00:49:08 - Growing for the Community
Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/10/11/ep-38-mt-view-orchards-the-healing-power-of-flowers/
Learn More About Mt.View Orchards:
Podcast Listens Can Enjoy One-Month Free Subscription To The Dahlia Patch!
Join Here: https://bit.ly/backyardbouquet
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I’d love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we are joined by Katy King, of Hidden Springs Flowers in central Pennsylvania. Katy shares the inspiring journey of transforming a century-old family farm into a thriving cut flower business. She and her husband Jim started Hidden Springs in 2018, turning a simple backyard veggie patch into two acres of stunning seasonal cut flowers. Katy discusses the challenges and joys of balancing her roles as a farmer, entrepreneur, educator, and mother.
Tune in to learn about the farm's history, dating back to Jim's great-grandparents, and how Katy's passion for gardening and business led her to flower farming. She details the evolution of their business model, from selling to florists to focusing on retail and subscription bouquets. Katy also shares insights into her planting schedule, the importance of making the business fit around her life, and her strategies for managing the farm with minimal help.
Additionally, Katy talks about her passion for educating others in the floral industry, particularly on the business side of flower farming. She offers tips on using social media effectively and discusses her online course designed to help aspiring flower farmers.
Listen now to hear the full conversation and gain valuable insights from Katy King's journey with Hidden Springs Flowers.
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:00:03:36 - History of Hidden Springs Flower Farm
00:05:23 - Transition from Vegetable Farming to Flower Farming
00:09:58 - First Flower Sales and Pop-Up Markets
00:19:44 - Adjusting Business Model for Family Life
00:29:53 - Current Flower Varieties Grown
00:31:05 - Year-Round Business Operations
00:32:31 - Selling Subscriptions During Holidays
00:34:15 - Starting Flowers from Plugs
00:40:03 - Passion for Educating Others
00:43:02 - Using TikTok for Business
00:45:58 - Importance of Storytelling in Business
00:46:36 - Online Flower Farm Course: In The Weeds
Learn More About Hidden Springs Flowers:
Join me inside Amy Porterfield’s Course Confident: A LIVE Bootcamp to Get Digital Course Clarity, Attract Your Audience, and Show up with Confidence Online.
Save Your Seat For Only $47: https://bit.ly/apcourseconfident
******Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review?New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
As fall swiftly approaches, the changing of seasons brings new challenges and opportunities for gardeners. In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we welcome back Kara Jamison of Blooming Joy Flower Co.
Kara discusses the importance of soil health, revealing her methods for cultivating rich, organic soil that has helped her garden thrive even through a hot, dry summer. She explains how she uses organic materials like compost, animal manures, and wood chips to improve soil moisture retention and fertility.
This conversation also delves into the joys and challenges of growing specific flowers. Kara shares her success with celosia and stock, offering tips on how to grow these beautiful blooms. She also talks about her passion for dried flowers and how she creates stunning arrangements and petal confetti from her garden's bounty.
Kara's story is not just about flowers; it's also about balancing life as a flower farmer. As a homeschooling mother of four and a caregiver, she manages to find time for her garden by carefully scheduling her days. Her dedication to both her family and her passion for flowers is truly inspiring.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and gain valuable insights into fall gardening, soil health, and the art of growing and drying flowers. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help your garden bloom.
Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/09/07/ep-36-how-blooming-joy-flower-co-is-transitioning-into-fall-with-dried-flowers-and-cool-flowers/
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:04:47-10:39: "Building Healthy Soil with Organic Practices"
13:43-17:58: "Successful Greenhouse Gardening: Growing Stock Flowers"
19:05-22:13: "Passion for Celosia: Cultivating Dried Flowers"
22:14-28:01: "Creating Seasonal Floral Crafts: Petal Confetti and Zinnia Garlands"
28:16-31:19: "Summer Gardening Discoveries: A Colorful Palette of Blooms"
35:56-40:53: "Balancing Family Life and Flower Farming"
42:53-46:10: "Embracing Fall: Gardening Joy and Winter Preparations"
49:49-53:36: "Adapting Flower Planting Schedules for Busy Lives"
57:17-01:02:26: "Growing and Enjoying Yarrow and Feverfew in the Garden"
Learn More About Blooming Joy Flower Co:
Join me inside Amy Porterfield’s Course Confident: A LIVE Bootcamp to Get Digital Course Clarity, Attract Your Audience, and Show up with Confidence Online.
Save Your Seat For Only $47: https://bit.ly/apcourseconfident
******Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
Have you ever marveled at how a tiny seed encapsulates not just life but also the past, present, and future? Dive deep into this concept with Erin Benzakein, the founder of Floret, one of the most influential flower farms and seed companies globally, on this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast.
Erin's love for flowers sprouts from cherished childhood memories and blossomed into a profound passion that would redefine her life’s path. Starting with a modest garden while raising her young children, Erin's journey is a testament to how a simple backyard project can evolve into a pioneering enterprise in sustainable agriculture and floral education.
Throughout our conversation, Erin opens up about the parallel growth of her business and her children, sharing how each stage of their lives influenced her strategies and decisions. She discusses the delicate balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship, revealing her personal philosophy on taking things slowly and embracing patience.
Erin also delves into the dynamics of building a supportive team, highlighting how recognizing her own limitations allowed her to focus more on her strengths—cultivating flowers and fueling her creativity.
Join us for a truly enlightening dialogue with Erin Benzakein, filled with enduring lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the joys of flower farming. Tune in to get inspired by Erin's flowering journey and her passionate commitment to the beauty of blooms. Plus, be sure to sign up for her free Seed-Saving-Mini-Course!
Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/08/27/ep-35-floret/
Learn More About Floret:
Take the quiz: https://bit.ly/3typesofpeoplereplacingincomewithadigitalcourse
******Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
Today, we're excited to welcome back Marryn Mathis from The Farmhouse Flower Farm in Stanwood, WA to celebrate the pre-launch of her new book, 'Sweet Pea School,' which is set to be released on February 25, 2025. This book is a treasure trove of insights into growing, nurturing, and saving seeds from one of the garden’s most beloved flowers, the sweet pea.
Marryn is here today to give us a sneak peek into her book and share some expert tips on saving sweet pea seeds, a timely topic for gardeners preparing for the next growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out with sweet peas, you’re in for a treat with this bonus episode.
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:Pre-Order Book:
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
Have you ever thought about not having to do everything, but instead focusing on what you truly enjoy? Join today’s conversation with Laura Ward from Blackburn Gardens as she shares her journey from dreaming about dirt and flowers as a child to creating a local garden haven. Hear how Laura transitioned from a vegetable CSA model to a successful You-Pick flower farm, finding joy in sharing her space with others and drying flowers for beautiful arrangements.
Laura's dedication to growing beauty and community spirit is truly special, as she nurtures her lifelong passion for gardening into a thriving oasis. From her bustling roadside flower cart to the magical three-fourth acre farm where she meets neighbors and shares blooms for every occasion, Laura's journey is a testament to following one's passion and finding success in doing what brings you joy. Learn about the unique challenges and rewards of running an urban flower farm, and how Laura's love for flowers has transformed into a flourishing business that continues to bloom.
Tune in to hear more about Laura’s favorite flowers to dry, her upcoming workshops, and the magic that happens at Blackburn Gardens.
Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/08/20/ep-34-blackburn-gardens/
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:Take the quiz: https://bit.ly/3typesofpeoplereplacingincomewithadigitalcourse
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter
***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.
New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.
186 Listeners
341 Listeners
1,791 Listeners
245 Listeners
327 Listeners
19 Listeners
271 Listeners
197 Listeners
382 Listeners
276 Listeners
138 Listeners
105 Listeners
37 Listeners
118 Listeners
6 Listeners