The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

Battling aphids on delicate ranunculus, chasing Japanese beetles off prized dahlias, and racing against an incoming thunderstorm to stake sunflowers—these are just glimpses into the not-so-glamorous side of flower farming that we're diving into headfirst.Flower farmers face a relentless trifecta of challenges: persistent pests, sneaky diseases, and unpredictable weather patterns that can transform a perfect field into a disaster zone overnight. From the vampiric aphids that multiply faster than you can count to the powdery mildew that creeps across zinnias after a single humid night, we're breaking down the enemies and our battle strategies with refreshing honesty.Growing beautiful flowers isn't just about planting and harvesting—it's about developing resilience and flexibility in the face of challenges that are simply part of working with nature. Ready to transform your growing practices? The lessons we've learned through trial, error, and numerous broken shovels await.Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Ever wondered if your choice of cutting tool is affecting your flowers' longevity? In this refreshing deep-dive, mother-daughter duo Liza and Lizzy from Wildly Native Flower Farm tackle the great clipper versus knife debate that divides the floral industry.The science behind flower cutting is fascinating—creating a clean wound at the stem end significantly impacts water uptake and vase life. As Liza explains, "When you cut a flower, you're making a wound, and how you make that wound affects how long the flower will last." This episode unpacks why traditional florists often prefer the precision of a sharp knife while farmers typically reach for ergonomic clippers when harvesting hundreds of stems in the field.Join our blooming community on Instagram @wildlynative, where we'll be sharing demonstration reels on proper harvesting techniques and clipper maintenance. Tell us about your preferred cutting tool and why—we'd love to hear from fellow flower enthusiasts who understand there's both art and science behind every perfect cut!Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

The conversation doesn't shy away from practical challenges like preserving flowers in sweltering summer heat ("chasing the shade" and keeping everything in water until purchase), navigating social media strategies across different platforms, and battling the market vendor's worst enemy: wind. You'll laugh at Renee's advice for couples at the market: "If your partner stops to admire flowers and you keep walking, you've messed up!"Whether you're a seasoned market vendor or considering your first booth, this episode delivers actionable insights wrapped in warm, honest conversation. Share your own market setup photos with us on Instagram or tell us your favorite farmer's market story. Subscribe, leave a review, and join our community of flower enthusiasts who are transforming market booths into unforgettable experiences that customers can't resist.Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Ever wondered why some cut flowers wilt after two days while others stay vibrant for weeks? The answer isn't expensive preservatives or complicated tricks—it's about understanding the fundamentals of flower care from harvest to vase.Flower farm florist Lizzy Frey pulls back the curtain on professional flower longevity secrets in this practical, tip-filled episode. You'll discover why morning harvest matters, how local flowers dramatically outlast imports, and why keeping leaves out of water prevents premature wilting.Whether you're looking to maximize your farmer's market purchases or properly care for flowers from your own cutting garden, these professional insights will help your blooms last days or even weeks longer. A Few Flower-Specific TipsLet me drop some quick tips for common varieties:•Dahlias hate dirty water—change it daily.•Tulips keep growing in the vase, so trim them if they get leggy.•Zinnias love warm water and benefit from a dip in hot water before arranging.•Sunflowers drink a ton—refill their water often!And if you’re buying from Wildly Native (hey, thank you!), know that we’ve already done a lot of the hard work for you—our blooms are conditioned and harvested at their peak, so you’re starting with the best.Subscribe for more flower-filled wisdom, and tag us on Instagram with your long-lasting arrangements—we love seeing our flowers bring joy to your homes! Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Join Liza, Kenley, and Lizzy as they pull back the curtain on what spring really means for flower farmers. From pre-dawn alarms and caffeine-fueled early mornings to the meticulous tracking of thousands of seedlings, you'll discover why this season both exhausts and exhilarates those who grow flowers professionally.The team shares candid insights about the controlled chaos of spring farming – battling unpredictable weather patterns, managing planting schedules that can make or break the entire season, and processing the notoriously messy tulip harvest. The spring hustle might be exhausting, but as the team reveals, those first specialty blooms make every sore muscle and early morning absolutely worth it.Have you experienced spring's particular challenges in your own garden? We'd love to hear about it! Tag us on social media or respond to our newsletter to continue the conversation about the most pivotal season in flower growing.Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Starting flowers from seed is a transformative journey that opens up a world of possibilities most gardeners never experience. While it might seem intimidating at first, the rewards are worth it – greater variety, significant cost savings, and the pure satisfaction of nurturing something from its very beginning.As Kenly reveals from her years of experience managing our seed starting program, success comes down to understanding some fundamental principles. The 128-cell trays we use hit that perfect sweet spot for most flower varieties – enough space for healthy root development without the risk of becoming root-bound too quickly. Proper soil moisture is also crucial – damp enough to hold together when squeezed but never soggy, leading to the dreaded damping off that claims so many seedlings.Ready to experience the magic of growing flowers from seed? Start small, be patient with yourself, and don't procrastinate – as Kenly wisely notes, Mother Nature waits for no one. These tiny miracles begin with your cutting garden, bouquets, or flower farm. What seeds will you start growing today?Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

In this Flower Files episode, we take a refreshing dive into the vital world of soil—the unsung hero of any flourishing garden. Many people underestimate the difference between dirt and soil, completely missing how deeply they affect gardening outcomes. Drawing on our personal experiences at Wildly Native Flower Farm, we discuss various soil types—sandy, clay, silty, and loamy—and how each plays a distinct role in nurturing flower growth.Join us as we unravel the complexities of soil amendments and strategies to boost soil health, ensuring your flowers flourish with vivid colors and lush foliage. We’ll share practical insights on maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem, with tips on incorporating organic matter, understanding soil testing, and selecting the right soil type for your blooms.Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Step into the vibrant world of floral design in our latest episode, where we unveil the often-overlooked potential of greens. We'll delve into practical advice on sourcing greens, highlighting sustainable practices such as foraging from your own garden. Discover the joy of incorporating personal touches in your work while also embracing current trends that put greens in the limelight. From lush installations to minimalist settings where greens take center stage, we cover it all. By the end of our chat, you'll see greens through a new lens and understand their significant role in your creations. Don't miss out on this exploration of a crucial yet often underestimated element of floral design. Tune in, engage with us, and elevate your floral game! Be sure to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review!Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Ever wondered why certain plants, like eucalyptus and snapdragons, seem to have it out for your sanity? We share our personal encounters with these stubborn growers, recounting humorous mishaps and hard-earned lessons. Our greenhouse adventures include a laugh-out-loud tale of overflow chaos, and we emphasize the importance of strategic planning, especially with big events like Mother's Day on the horizon. If you've ever struggled with germination, our candid confessions might just make you feel a little less alone.Listen in to enjoy and get a giggle or two!Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Ever wonder what goes into crafting those awe-inspiring floral arches? Join Lizzy as she demystifies the complex process, spotlighting the intricate mechanics behind these breathtaking installations. From the strategic use of chicken wire and floral foam to the collaboration with talented visionaries, Lizzy offers a comprehensive guide to turning ambitious concepts into reality. She also opens the floor to you, the listeners, inviting you to share your own experiences with memorable floral installations.Support the showInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz