Ever wonder how those stunning orchids end up in your local grocery store? This eye-opening conversation with Toine Overgaag, president of Westerlay Orchids, reveals the fascinating journey from Dutch immigrant orchid growers to building one of America's largest sustainable greenhouse operations.

When South American imports decimated the domestic rose industry, Tuan and his father made a pivotal decision to transition to orchids—plants that couldn't be easily shipped in from abroad. What started as a stopgap career move during the Y2K crisis blossomed into a passion and eventually an empire producing over 4 million orchids annually across 18 acres of glass greenhouses in California.

The conversation goes far beyond horticulture, delivering profound business wisdom about values-driven leadership and team building. Tuan shares how implementing core values of pride, responsibility, support, and continuous improvement transformed their company culture. He offers a particularly insightful observation about talented employees who don't align with company values being potentially destructive forces—a lesson applicable to businesses of any size.

Environmental sustainability emerges as a central theme, with Toine describing innovative dehumidification technology that reduces natural gas usage while improving plant health. These initiatives demonstrate how profitability and responsibility can work hand-in-hand rather than in opposition.

Whether you're a backyard grower with a single orchid on your windowsill or building your own flower business, this episode delivers practical wisdom about growing your passion into something sustainable and meaningful. As Toine says, reflecting on the best advice he's received: "Make decisions, or decisions will be made for you."

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

Ever caught yourself apologizing to a withering houseplant? You're not alone. The myth of the "black thumb" has discouraged countless would-be plant parents from bringing green life into their homes. But here's the liberating truth we unpack in this episode: nobody is born with a universal talent (or lack thereof) for growing plants.

Through candid conversations and light-hearted plant confessions, we reveal how success with one type of plant doesn't guarantee success with another. Our hosts share personal triumphs and failures—from orchids that bloom year after year to cacti that mysteriously shrivel within weeks. This isn't about natural talent; it's about finding the right match between plant, environment, and your caregiving style.

For those scarred by past plant casualties, we offer hope in the form of nearly indestructible houseplants. Pothos vines that forgive irregular watering, snake plants that thrive on neglect, and peace lilies that dramatically signal when they're thirsty top our recommendations. We demystify common problems like yellowing leaves (often not what you think!), crispy tips, and pest management with practical, jargon-free solutions.

Pet owners will particularly appreciate our segment on creating a harmonious home for both furry and leafy family members. From strategic placement to simple hacks like using plastic forks in soil to deter digging pets, we address the unique challenges of multi-species households with humor and understanding.

Whether you're hesitantly considering your first houseplant or already turning your apartment into an urban jungle, this episode offers both the encouragement and practical knowledge to transform your relationship with indoor plants. Share your plant victories with us—snap a picture of your favorite houseplant, tag us @wildlynative, and join our community of plant enthusiasts where both black and green thumbs are welcome!

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

The muddy, exhausting, and deeply rewarding reality of flower farming doesn't match the idyllic images you see on social media. When you picture flower farmers, you probably imagine whimsical figures floating through fields in flowy dresses, effortlessly gathering perfect blooms. But as Kenley and Lizzie of Wildly Native Flower Farm reveal, the truth involves 5:30 AM starts, battles with intimidating insects called cicada killers, and planning complex crop rotations 18 months in advance.

The misunderstandings are constant and sometimes comical. From Kenley being mistaken for a plumber while grabbing lunch covered in mud, to Lizzie repeatedly being asked if she's a wedding planner while delivering arrangements, these women constantly defend their profession as "real work." They navigate a complex business that spans growing, designing, retail partnerships, weddings, and even culinary flowers—all while managing the unpredictable variables of agriculture.

What makes their story particularly compelling is how they've built successful careers despite these challenges. Kenley proudly shares that she bought her first house at 19 through her flower farming work, defying expectations about what's possible in this industry. The team has expanded to include loyal staff who become like family, recognizing that in a small business, each person needs to understand the entire operation's flow.

For aspiring flower farmers or anyone who's ever admired a beautiful arrangement, this episode offers a glimpse behind the curtain. The reward for all this hard work? Seeing a bride's face light up when receiving her bouquet, or watching the cooler fill with seasonal blooms after months of careful cultivation. These moments of joy and accomplishment make the mud, sweat, and confusion worthwhile.

Want to experience locally-grown flowers with exceptional quality, sustainability, and unique varieties? Find Wildly Native Flower Farm's arrangements at several local shops or follow them to learn more about their wedding and event designs. Share your thoughts on the real work behind beautiful things—we'd love to hear from you!

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

Ever wondered what it's really like to run your own business? Behind the Instagram-worthy moments and "follow your passion" platitudes lies a complex reality that entrepreneurs rarely discuss openly.

"Being human and owning your own business is feeling everything deeply, but having to put a good face on." This powerful insight from our conversation captures the essence of entrepreneurship – a journey filled with both magical moments and challenging realities that test your resolve daily.

When I left teaching with its pension and health benefits to start Wildly Native Flower Farm, people thought I was crazy. Those first years brought sleepless nights, constant decision-making, and the weight of responsibility for everything from payroll to broken equipment. The financial rollercoaster means some weeks you're thriving while others you're carefully counting every penny. And unlike employees who receive regular paychecks, business owners face seasonal fluctuations, unexpected expenses, and the responsibility of ensuring everyone else gets paid first.

Perhaps most surprising is the isolation. When faced with difficult decisions or financial concerns, it's hard to find people to confide in. Employees look to you for stability, while sharing vulnerabilities with competitors risks appearing inexperienced. This creates a unique loneliness that few understand unless they've experienced it themselves.

Yet despite these challenges, there's profound joy in building something authentic that aligns with your values. The freedom to prioritize what matters most – whether that's family time, community impact, or creative expression – makes the difficult days worthwhile. The moment a bride sees her flowers for the first time or the look on someone's face when receiving an unexpected delivery reminds us why we do what we do.

If you're considering entrepreneurship or struggling in the "messy middle" of building your business, know that you're not alone. The path isn't easy, but for those who choose it, the ability to create something meaningful that reflects your values makes the journey worthwhile. Take the leap – and know that sometimes your parachute may look different than expected, but you'll find your way.

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

Ever poured your heart into a new product only to hear crickets when you finally announce it? You're not alone. The difference between underwhelming launches and sold-out success isn't just about having a great product—it's about mastering the art of the launch itself.

This episode pulls back the curtain on what really makes launches work in the flower business. Forget simply posting "link in bio" and expecting magic to happen. We're talking about the psychology, energy, and strategy behind launches that convert browsers into buyers.

You'll discover why a launch is more like a performance than an announcement. We break down the "pregame" phase where you build anticipation weeks before ever asking for a sale, the launch window where you need to overcome your fear of being "too much," and the post-launch strategies most people completely overlook. Plus, we tackle the mindset shift needed to sell with confidence—because if your product genuinely improves someone's life, you owe it to them to promote it boldly.

Whether you're selling bouquets, workshops, or digital products, these principles apply across the board. The most successful flower entrepreneurs understand they're not just selling flowers—they're selling transformation and possibility. Ready to stop whispering in a hurricane and start launching with impact? This episode shows you exactly how to create the buildup, energy, and authentic urgency that turns launches from forgettable to unforgettable.

Tag us on Instagram @WildlyNativeFlowerFarm or @TheFlowerFiles with a screenshot of this episode and tell us what you're launching next. We can't wait to see you step into your selling power and create launches that truly bloom!

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

Dive into the vibrant intersection where culinary arts meet floral design as we explore the transformative world of edible flowers. No longer relegated to mere garnishes, these botanical wonders are revolutionizing everything from cocktails to cakes, steaks to grazing tables – creating multi-sensory experiences that guests won't forget.

The journey begins with dispelling common misconceptions about edible blooms. While pansies, violas, and lavender may be familiar faces in the culinary floral landscape, we venture beyond these standards to uncover unexpected flavor profiles. Did you know that delicate snapdragons pack a spicy punch comparable to salsa? Or that the Instagram-trendy baby's breath adorning countless wedding cakes is actually toxic? We navigate these waters with expert insight, helping you discern which blooms truly belong on the plate.

From butter infused with dehydrated petals for finishing a perfect steak to confetti-like flower additions that transform ordinary popcorn into a colorful celebration, we explore practical applications that anyone can try. Learn why dehydrated flowers maintain their vibrant color in baked goods without bleeding, how to incorporate fresh blooms into place settings that are both beautiful and functional, and why coordinating your florist with your chef might be the secret to event design harmony.

This episode stands at the fascinating crossroads where beauty meets functionality, where visual delight enhances gustatory pleasure. Whether you're a professional event designer, an ambitious home cook, or simply someone who appreciates the marriage of aesthetics and flavor, you'll walk away inspired to view flowers not just as decorations, but as ingredients with purpose. Join us in discovering how nature provides everything we need to create memorable, multi-sensory experiences – no artificial additives required.

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

Dive into the enchanting world where beauty meets flavor as we explore the art and science of culinary florals. From those delicate viola-topped wedding cakes to peppery nasturtiums bringing life to summer salads, edible flowers create magic beyond mere visual appeal – they transform ordinary dishes into sensory experiences.

Growing flowers for consumption requires a completely different approach than standard flower farming. We break down exactly what it takes: the commitment to organic practices, the precise timing of harvests (those early mornings matter!), and the meticulous handling required to deliver pristine, flavor-packed petals. Whether you're cultivating for chefs or simply wanting to elevate your home cooking, understanding these fundamentals changes everything about how you'll approach your garden.

We walk through the stars of the edible flower world – those beginner-friendly varieties that deliver both reliability and crowd-pleasing results. Discover why pansies and violas earn their reputation as culinary powerhouses, how calendula serves as a saffron alternative, and why nasturtiums deliver that perfect peppery punch. Learn about the business opportunities waiting in this specialized niche, from restaurant partnerships to product development like our floral sugars and salts. The edible flower world isn't just about growing pretty things – it's about cultivating wonder and reconnecting with food in a way that's both sensory and meaningful. Tag us and show how you're bringing culinary blooms into your life!

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

The life of a flower delivery person is filled with unexpected adventures that rarely make it to social media. In this candid and entertaining episode, host Liza Goetz along with team members Kenley and Amber pull back the curtain on the chaotic reality behind those perfect flower deliveries.

From the daily struggle of keeping water-filled buckets upright during transport (and the inevitable mold that grows when spills happen) to the surprisingly common challenge of finding unmarked houses down winding farm lanes, delivering flowers requires creativity, patience, and sometimes a good pair of running shoes. The team shares laugh-out-loud stories about being chased by farm animals, awkwardly interrupting half-dressed wedding parties, and the delicate art of delivering sensitive messages through flowers without reading explicit notes aloud.

Wedding deliveries bring their own special brand of chaos, where emotions run high and communication between planners, photographers, and the bridal party often breaks down. The florists reveal how they've navigated critical mothers-of-the-bride, last-minute location changes, and the surprisingly common question: "Do we carry the flowers in the vases?"

Despite the challenges, there's something meaningful about being the messenger who delivers moments of joy, sympathy, or celebration. The team shares their creative solutions for safely transporting delicate blooms, from restaurant racks to anti-slip mats and strategically placed seatbelts.

Whether you're a fellow florist who'll nod in recognition or someone who's simply curious about what happens between the flower shop and your doorstep, this episode offers a delightful peek behind the scenes of flower delivery – the final and sometimes most adventurous step in bringing floral beauty into people's lives. Share your own delivery stories with us on Instagram or via email!

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

The devil truly is in the details when it comes to wedding flowers, but those meticulous touches create the magic that transforms a beautiful day into an unforgettable experience. At Wildly Native Flower Farm, our approach to wedding florals starts not with color palettes or Pinterest boards, but with your unique love story.

Walking you through our personalized wedding journey, we reveal how our process differs from traditional florists. We limit our wedding calendar deliberately, ensuring each couple receives our undivided creative attention rather than becoming another templated production. Growing our own flowers gives us extraordinary flexibility—allowing us to time blooms perfectly for your date or walk into the field when you suddenly decide you need "something blue." This farm-to-vase approach creates arrangements with character that mass-produced imports simply can't match.

Behind every seamless wedding day is a meticulously organized planning process. From our initial consultation where we get to know you personally, through our comprehensive design meetings, to our final checks of every last votive candle, we've developed a system that ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Those tiny details—incorporating grandmother's lace, positioning memorial tributes, selecting the perfect ribbon treatment—often hold the most emotional significance. Our commitment to clarity and communication means you can confidently check "flowers" off your planning list, knowing everything is handled with intention and care.

Ready to experience wedding flowers that tell your unique story? Follow us @WildlyNativeFlowerFarm or reach out through our website to begin your personalized floral journey. If you're a fellow creative entrepreneur inspired by our organizational approach, use the code in our show notes for 30% off HoneyBook—the system that helps us balance artistry with efficiency.

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout

Ever found yourself dragging a garden hose at sunset, wondering if there's a smarter way to keep your flowers hydrated? You're not alone. Irrigation might be the least glamorous part of flower growing, but it's the foundation that determines whether your garden merely survives or truly thrives.

The balance is delicate – too much water invites disease and rot, while too little results in stunted growth and what I affectionately call "Barbie doll-sized flowers." Finding that sweet spot of consistent, deep watering builds strong root systems that support magnificent blooms, longer vase life, and healthier plants overall.

Your perfect irrigation solution depends on your unique setup. Small raised beds might do fine with hand watering or soaker hoses, while larger production fields demand more sophisticated systems like drip tape. We've tried it all at Wildly Native Farm – from battling with moles chewing through irrigation lines to experimenting with different hose types and nozzles. After years of trial and error across our five acres, I'm sharing what actually works in real-world conditions, not just theory.

Beyond equipment, timing matters tremendously. Early morning watering reduces evaporation and disease pressure. Watering deeply but less frequently encourages roots to grow downward rather than spreading across the surface. And strategic mulching acts as a water-saving blanket that makes every drop count.

Whether you're growing in backyard beds or managing acres of blooms, getting smart with irrigation is one of the best investments you can make. Download our free guides at wildlynative.com for more flower farming insights, and transform your watering routine from a daily chore to a strategic advantage for growing the gorgeous flowers you've always dreamed of.

The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿

https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast

Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸

https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm

Find more of everything on our website!!

https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Goal Planner 🪴

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KDBK8Qmz/checkout

Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻

https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/offers/KupKCEsZ/checkout