The Cut Flower Podcast

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast!Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, your host, and I’m thrilled to take you on another journey into the world of flowers, creativity, and sustainability. In this episode, I sat down with the amazing Susan Dye and Ashley from Nature's Rainbow. Together, they’ve built a life around growing natural dye plants and educating others about this beautiful craft.Episode SummaryI had the privilege of learning about Susan and Ashley’s story, from childhood inspirations to creating a dye garden in Hitchin. We talked about their journey into natural dyes, the technicalities of extracting colours, and the sheer joy of wearing or using something made entirely from scratch. We also explored how some dye plants can double as cut flowers and why reconnecting with these sustainable practices is so rewarding.Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:Natural dyeing is a beautiful blend of art, science, and sustainability.Key plants like madder, woad, and weld are not only vibrant but also steeped in history.The preparation process is crucial for achieving bright, long-lasting colors.Workshops and mentoring bring the joy of natural dyeing to life for everyone.There’s something special about creating with plants you’ve grown yourself—it’s a soul-nourishing experience.Resources for YouExplore Susan and Ashley’s incredible work at Nature’s Rainbow.Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (links on their website).Join our growing community: The Cut Flower Collective Facebook Group.Get Involved!If this episode inspired you, tag us with #TheCutflowerPodcast and #Nature’sRainbow. I’d love to hear your questions and comments! You can also pop into The Cut Flower Collective on Facebook to join the conversation.Let’s Stay ConnectedAre you thinking of starting your own dye garden? Susan and Ashley’s workshops and blog are a fantastic place to start. I know I’m inspired to dive in and try something new. Let me know if you’re joining this journey, too! Visit Https://audioandco.com for all your audiobook, video and podcast needs. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters 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: 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.Hi, I’m Roz, and welcome back to The Cutflower Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back Roisin Taylor, who joins us for an insightful follow-up discussion. Earlier this year, we spoke about her Nuffield Farming Scholarship and her fascinating work on climate adaptation in the British cut flower industry. Now, we dive into her latest findings and her vision for the future of flower farming in the UK. Let’s get into it!Episode SummaryIn this compelling episode, Roisin Taylor shares her research into the resilience of the British cut flower industry amid the challenges of climate change. From storm-damaged gardens to scorching summers, her Nuffield Farming Scholarship journey revealed both vulnerabilities and opportunities in this growing sector.We discuss her travels, including eye-opening visits to Kenyan and Dutch flower farms, lessons learned from their practices, and the troubling lack of transparency in flower production. Roisin unveils her plan to establish a British Cut Flower Association—a body to support growers, florists, and stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable and thriving industry.Key TakeawaysClimate Change Impacts: Understanding how flooding, drought, and extreme heat are challenging the resilience of British flower farms.The Need for Advocacy: Why the industry requires a dedicated national body to support growers, address labour issues, and drive sustainability.Labelling and Transparency: Advocating for clearer labelling to help consumers make informed choices about the flowers they buy.Collaboration Over Competition: How hubs, cooperatives, and community efforts could transform the supply chain and make British flowers more accessible.Lessons from Abroad: Insights from Kenya, the Netherlands, and beyond on building a sustainable and profitable flower industry.Resource Links:Learn more about the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.Connect with Roisin: https://bio.site/roisinbt  Visit Https://audioandco.com for all your audiobook, video and podcast needs. New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters 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: 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.Hi, I’m Roz, and welcome to another episode of The Cutflower Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to have a very special guest, Ed Boers, joining me. Ed has had an incredible journey this year, stepping into the world of Fibrex Nurseries and saving a much-loved family business. If you’re curious about the beauty and versatility of pelargoniums or dreaming of creating your own blooming paradise, you’ll love this episode!Episode SummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Ed Boers, the passionate owner of Fibrex Nurseries. We dive into his remarkable story of taking over the renowned family-run nursery, known for its exquisite pelargoniums, ferns, and ivies. Ed shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by plants to becoming the driving force behind revitalising this specialist nursery.We talk about everything from his background in plant propagation to the challenges of moving an entire nursery operation, and even some tips on caring for tender perennials like pelargoniums through the winter. Whether it’s the scent of a pelargonium bouquet or the joys of running a family business, Ed’s enthusiasm is infectious.Plus, we explore the growing trend of container gardening and how pelargoniums are the perfect fit for balconies and urban spaces. With insights into marketing strategies, the power of Instagram, and Ed’s plans for 2024, this episode is packed with inspiration for plant lovers and entrepreneurs alike.Key TakeawaysPelargoniums 101: The difference between pelargoniums and geraniums, and why pelargoniums are such a versatile, superior plant for bouquets, containers, and more.Winter Care Tips: How to protect tender perennials like pelargoniums from frost and make the most of their cutting potential.Building a Niche Business: Ed’s approach to preserving Fibrex’s legacy while expanding its reach through mail order and social media.Growing Trends: The rise of container gardening and how pelargoniums are ideal for small urban spaces.Inspiration for Entrepreneurs: Insights into managing a family-run business, staying authentic on social media, and balancing passion with practicality.Resources Mentioned & LinksFibrex Nurseries: Visit fibrex.co.uk to pre-order pelargoniums and other plants. Dispatch begins March 2025.Follow Fibrex on Instagram for updates: @fibrex_nurseriesFo Visit Https://audioandco.com for all your audiobook, video and podcast needs. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters 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: 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 episode, Roz interviews Kristine Albrecht, an award-winning Dahlia hybridiser, farmer, and vice president of the Monterey Bay Dahlia Society. Kristine shares her journey into dahlia cultivation and hybridisation, as well as insights into her unique approach to developing new dahlia varieties. With over 1,800 dahlias on her urban quarter-acre farm in Santa Cruz, California, Kristine has become a sought-after expert, particularly in creating colours and forms that captivate both exhibitors and florists.Episode SummaryKristine’s Journey: How Kristine turned a quarter-acre plot into a dahlia haven.Hybridising Dahlias: The art and science of creating new dahlia varieties, including Kristine’s techniques and goals.The Dahlias Genome Project: Kristine's role in an ambitious project to decode the genetic blueprint of dahlias.Challenges of Flower Farming: Insights on managing viruses, cross-pollination techniques, and more.Innovations and Inspirations: Kristine’s ongoing quest for unique dahlia colours like brown and Coco Loco-inspired shades.Key TakeawaysThe Art of HybridisationKristine details the hybridisation process, including hand-pollination techniques and how to create new, vibrant varieties. Hybridisers can start by letting dahlias naturally cross-pollinate or manually selecting pollen sources to reach specific goals.Building Florist-Friendly VarietiesKristine emphasises breeding dahlias for florists with versatile colours like blush and antique tones, meeting the demand for trendy, event-worthy flowers.Navigating Challenges in FarmingHandling dahlia viruses and preserving healthy stock for clients are major challenges. Kristine shares her methods, from sterilising tools to testing for virus-free plants.Community and CollaborationBy working with licensed sellers to multiply and distribute her varieties, Kristine sustains her business. She also collaborates closely with florists for feedback on new Dahlia traits that resonate with designers.ResourcesFollow Kristine on Instagram: Visit Https://audioandco.com for all your audiobook, video and podcast needs. New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025 https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters 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: 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