The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: Cut Flower Farming Podcast for Flower Farmers & Backyard Gardeners

Chelsea Willis is the kind of farmer who notices the frogs in the dahlias. She's the owner of Sweet Delilah Farm on Sauvie Island, just 15 minutes outside Portland, Oregon. But her path to farming wasn't traditional. With a background in psychology and youth counseling, Chelsea originally wanted to find a way to get young people out on the land, because she saw how much easier it was for them to open up when their hands were busy and their feet were in the dirt. Then a piece of land became available. And then another. The second one, a former lavender you-pick farm, she closed on in two and a half weeks. She'd never planned to buy property at that moment. But it felt right. Today, Sweet Delilah Farm is a space where community gathers. Chelsea hosts dahlia workshops, floral design classes, plant dye days, and end-of-season u-picks. She's growing over 88 varieties of sweet peas for seed production, tending close to 250 roses, and dreaming about bringing yoga and meditation back to the farm. For Chelsea, farming isn't just about production. It's about presence, connection, and leaving space for whatever needs to come up, whether that's a pest issue in the field or a conversation that needs to happen. If this episode stirs something in you, I'd love for you to share it with a fellow flower friend. And if you haven't already, subscribe so you never miss a new conversation. Resources and Links Mentioned * Sweet Delilah Farm: sweetdelilahfarm.com [https://sweetdelilahfarm.com/] * Instagram: @sweetdelilahflowerfarm [https://instagram.com/sweetdelilahflowerfarm] * Wild Craft Studio (Portland, plant dyeing classes) * Sweet pea varieties mentioned: Piggy Sue, King's Coronation, Prince of Orange * Rose varieties mentioned: Dainty Bess, Coco Loco, All Dressed Up, Fun in the Sun Guest Bio: Chelsea Willis is the owner and farmer behind Sweet Delilah Farm on Sauvie Island in Portland, Oregon. With a background in psychology, trauma work, and meditation, Chelsea brings a deeply human approach to everything she grows. Her farm is home to workshops, intimate weddings, u-pick events, plant dye classes, and a beloved flower truck. She grows over 88 varieties of sweet peas, tends close to 250 roses, and is passionate about creating space where people can connect with the land and with each other. Sign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

Some of the best flower farming stories start with a moment that changes everything. For Jenny Rae Swan, it was losing her mother at a young age and realizing that the only place she felt truly at peace was in a garden. That grief, paired with a wild amount of courage, led her to quit a stable career in higher education, rent a small plot on a local blueberry farm, and start growing flowers with no land of her own and very little money. She told everyone she knew she was going to be a flower farmer. Most of them thought she was out of her mind. Ten years later, Flower Well is an ever-evolving operation with multiple acres, a dedicated team of women, a thriving wholesale business, a wedding design studio, dahlia tuber sales, holiday wreath classes, and a garden-inspired design style that's earned her a reputation for movement, texture, and color. Jenny Rae is proof that you don't need to have it all figured out to start. You just need to start. Key Takeaways * You don't need land, money, or a perfect plan to begin. Jenny Rae started on a rented plot with savings from selling antiques on Etsy. * Telling people your dream out loud builds accountability. Jenny Rae told everyone she was going to be a flower farmer before she had any idea how. * Farming and floristry feed different parts of the creative soul. Jenny Rae needs both to feel fulfilled. * Hiring help is scary but essential. Your team members will bring strengths you don't have. * The real cost of flower farming is far beyond what most people expect. Tractors, delivery vehicles, equipment, land preparation. It adds up fast. * Gardens are the greatest design teacher. Jenny Rae designs by thinking about how a garden moves, clusters, and breathes. * Joy is the through-line. On the hardest days, an evening walk through the flowers brings everything back. If this episode encourages you, would you share it with a friend who needs to hear Jenny Rae's story? And if you haven't already, subscribe so you never miss a new episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast. Guest Bio Jenny Rae Swan is the owner and founder of Flower Well, a cut flower farm and floral design studio in the countryside of Rochester, New York. A first-generation farmer florist, Jenny Rae started Flower Well in 2015 on a rented plot at a neighboring blueberry farm. Her work is known for its garden-inspired design, focus on color and texture, heirloom varieties, and the way her arrangements move. She recently welcomed her second son and celebrated 10 years of growing flowers. Connect with Jenny Rae at Flowerwell: Website: https://www.flowerwellny.com [https://www.flowerwellny.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerwellny Sign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

If you've ever looked at a dahlia and wondered "what if I could create my own variety?" Kamille is the person you need to learn from.   Her session is unlike anything else at the summit. She's taking us on the journey of a seedling from its first bloom to its official debut and showing how the art of hybridizing is so much more than science.  It's about mentorship, community, and opening your garden to others.  What I love about Kamille's approach is that she believes the most beautiful varieties come from shared wisdom. Growing something new doesn't have to be a solo journey.   Kamille is speaking on Day 2 AND joining our live Q&A panel that afternoon so you'll have the chance to ask her your questions directly.  📅 Day 2 | March 4th | 1:00 PM PST  📅  Q&A Panel | March 4th | 3:00 PM PST   🎟️ Live Access: $99 | All Access: $199 Learn more and grab your ticket: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit Connect with Kamille on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamillesflowers/

Charlotte is a 5th generation farmer and mindset coach and there's a reason she's one of our first speakers on Day 1 of The Profitable Dahlia Summit. Everything starts with mindset. You can learn every strategy in the world for selling dahlias, but if you don't believe you're worth charging for them, none of it matters. Charlotte is going to get your head right so you can take full advantage of every single session that follows. She's tackling the "broke farmer trap," the pricing guilt, the scarcity thinking, all of it. And she's replacing it with the confidence you need to actually build a business that pays you. If you've ever thought "I just feel bad charging people for flowers"... Charlotte has something to say about that. Charlotte is speaking on Day 1  of the summit, March 3rd  at 9:00 AM PST Grab your summit ticket at the link in the show notes. Tickets start at $99. https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit Connect with Charlotte Smith: https://www.instagram.com/charlotte.m.smith/

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing my Instagram Live conversation with Heather Cain of Petal Pink Flower Farm. We talked all about selling dahlias to florists and she shared so much that I know you're going to want to hear her full session at the summit. Have you ever thought about selling your dahlias to florists but weren't sure where to start? What do they actually expect? How do you price for wholesale? How do you even approach them? Heather is answering all of it at the Profitable Dahlia Summit. From what florists look for when they buy dahlias, to how to scale your operation, price your blooms, and pack them like a pro. If you're looking for a consistent, reliable revenue stream for your dahlias, selling to florists could be the game changer. And Heather is the person to learn from. Heather is speaking at the Profitable Dahlia Summit on March 3rd at 2:15 PM PST where she's going even deeper on this topic. The Profitable Dahlia Summit is March 3-5 with 13+ speakers covering every path to profitable dahlias. Tickets start at $99.  Grab your ticket at the link in the show notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/theprofitabledahliaschedule Connect with Heather of Petal Pink Flowers: https://www.instagram.com/petalpinkflowers/

In this bonus episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcst, I'm sharing my Instagram Live conversation with Marryn Mathis of The Farmhouse Flower Farm. We talked about getting ready for her tuber sale season, how it feels like a total rollercoaster, and some of Marryn's favorite dahlias this year. Marryn is speaking at the Profitable Dahlia Summit on March 4th and she's teaching how to host a dahlia tuber sale that sells out in a single day.  Grab your summit ticket at the link in the show notes. Tickets start at $99. https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit Connect with Marryn of The Farmhouse Flower Farm: https://www.instagram.com/thefarmhouseflowerfarm/

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, I'm joined by Melissa Stewart of Sweet Bloom Farm, a boutique dahlia farm in Battle Ground, Washington. Melissa's journey began the way so many of ours do, with a few mystery dahlias from a garden center and a spark she couldn't ignore. What started as six blooming plants in her suburban backyard quickly grew into 20 varieties… then 50… then 100… and eventually into a two-acre farm growing 4,000 dahlias. In this conversation, we talk about: * Scaling from 600 to 4,000 plants in one season * Why their second year on the farm was their hardest * The soil test that saved their crop * Farming no-till in rocky Pacific Northwest soil * Selling dahlia tubers online and shipping nationwide * Whether the dahlia market is oversaturated * Why local flowers matter more than ever * The community that flowers create beyond the blooms Melissa shares openly about balancing a corporate job, raising two children, building a farm with her husband, and learning when to ask for help. If you've ever wondered whether your backyard dahlias could become something more, this episode will inspire you. Book: Weeds & What They Tell Us: https://amzn.to/3ZHkWQO Connect with Melissa: Website: www.sweetbloomfarm.com [http://www.sweetbloomfarm.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbloomfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbloomfarm Sign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here! Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably. You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started. Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/  [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/]

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we're heading south to Australia to visit Florelie, a small-scale but highly productive specialty cut flower farm near Ballarat, Victoria. Jennifer is joined by flower farmer and dahlia breeder Lorelie Merton, who shares how a gifted bunch of homegrown peonies sparked a journey that led her from speech pathology to full-time flower farming. Today, Florelie grows flowers on just 2.5 acres of a 20-acre property, with 20,000 dahlias, a robust dahlia breeding program, and a thriving tuber business serving Australian gardeners and florists. In this conversation, Lorelie opens up about breeding dahlias specifically for cut flower performance, scaling thoughtfully, rotating crops to protect soil health, and building a true family farm alongside her husband Ethan and their three children. She also shares behind-the-scenes insight into dahlia breeding timelines, seedling selection, tuber sales, and why dahlias are such a unique crop for agritourism and education. Whether you're a backyard gardener, aspiring flower farmer, or deeply obsessed with dahlias, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest perspective. In This Episode, You'll Learn: * How Florelie grew from a hobby into a full-time flower farm * Why dahlias became the farm's primary crop * What it takes to manage and evaluate thousands of dahlia seedlings * How Lorelie breeds dahlias specifically for cut flower use * How crop rotation and paddock rest protect long-term soil health * The role Lorelie's husband Ethan plays as farm manager and agronomist * How Florelie offers workshops, tuber sales, and afternoon tea events in the dahlia fields ***Just a quick note about today's episode: We had a bit of connection lag while recording from across the world, so there are just a few spots where we ended up talking at the same time as we couldn't hear one another. It's minor, but I wanted to mention it in case you notice in this episode. The conversation is still great and I know you're going to love hearing from Lorelie! Connect with Lorelie & Florelie * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florelieseasonalflowers/ * Website: https://florelie.com.au [https://florelie.com.au/] Sign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here! Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably. You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started. Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/  [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/]

What's possible when you start with just a small bit of earth—and a love of flowers rooted in childhood stories? In today's episode, I'm joined by Fawn Rueckert, founder of Sego Lily Flower Farm, a thriving suburban flower farm growing on just one-third of an acre in Utah's Salt Lake Valley. Fawn's journey into flower farming began long before her first seed tray—from listening to The Secret Garden as a child to learning from generations of women who gardened before her. What started as a backyard cutting garden evolved into a farmers market business, a regional cut flower plug program serving over 100 growers, hands-on education for backyard gardeners, and leadership as a founding member and president of the Utah Cut Flower Farm Association. In this conversation, we talk about growing cut flowers in small spaces, knowing when to pivot as your business evolves, and why community matters so deeply in flower farming. We also dig into lisianthus—a flower many growers struggle to start from seed—including what it really needs to germinate, why it's so slow, and when it makes sense to grow from seed versus buying plugs. Whether you're growing on an eighth of an acre, dreaming of your first farmers market, or just trying to grow better lisianthus this season, this episode will leave you inspired to try what's possible—right where you are. Links * Sego Lily Flower Farm Website: https://www.segolilyflowerfarm.com [https://www.segolilyflowerfarm.com/]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/segolilyflowerfarm/ * Snuck Flowers at Snuck Farm Website: https://snuckfarm.com/pages/snuck-flowers * The Backyard Cut Flower Garden Course https://snuckfarm.com/products/backyard-cut-flower-garden-course-in-collaboration-with-sego-lily-flower-farm-spring-2026 * Utah Cut Flower Farm Association Website: https://www.utahflowerfarms.com [https://www.utahflowerfarms.com/] Sign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here! Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably. You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started. Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/  [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/]

What if your garden could feed your family, support pollinators, and bring more joy into your everyday life — all at the same time? In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Tasha Medve, creator of The Purposeful You and author of the bestselling book The Purposeful Gardener. Tasha shares how her journey into purposeful gardening began during early motherhood, when making conscious, sustainable choices for her family became a priority. What started as a small garden and a desire to live more intentionally grew into a thriving backyard oasis — and eventually, a global community of gardeners seeking beauty, abundance, and connection. In this conversation, we explore: * How to design a garden that works for real families and busy lives * Why growing food and flowers together creates healthier, more resilient gardens * Raised beds, vertical growing, pumpkin arches, and her famous Wall of Peas * Companion planting strategies that reduce pests naturally * Incorporating native plants and pollinators for long-term garden health * Gardening as a source of healing, meaning, and joy — even through seasons of grief Whether you're growing in two raised beds or dreaming of a larger backyard transformation, this episode will encourage you to start where you are, trust the process, and create a garden that truly feels like home. Connect with Tasha Medve & The Purposeful You * Blog/Website: https://www.thepurposefulyou.com/ * Instagram: @thepurposefulyou [https://www.instagram.com/thepurposefulyou/] * Facebook: The Purposeful You [https://www.facebook.com/thepurposefulyou] * Join the Waitlist for Tasha's Garden Club: https://forms.gle/u7L73xvQxw4VXmqj6 Show notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2026/01/21/the-purposeful-gardener/  Mentioned In Today's Episode: The Dark Side to Floristry Article: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/11/theres-a-dark-side-to-floristry-are-pesticides-making-workers-seriously-ill-or-worse Sign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter ***Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit*** The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here! Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably. You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started. Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/  [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/]

Welcome to Season 3 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast — and to the first episode of 2026. To kick off the new year, I'm doing something a little different. In this episode, I'm sharing the full replay of a live planning workshop I hosted this past weekend called How to Plan Your Most Profitable Dahlia Season Yet. Growers joined live from all over the world — Australia, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand, the UK, and across the U.S. — and the response made it clear this was too valuable to let disappear once the workshop ended. If you're growing dahlias or running a flower farm and want 2026 to feel more focused, profitable, and aligned, this episode will help you step out of overwhelm and into clarity. What You'll Learn in This Episode In this live workshop replay, we walk step-by-step through how to: * Reflect on your 2025 growing season — what worked, what didn't, and what you learned * Clarify what you want 2026 to look and feel like, both personally and financially * Build a realistic, actionable plan instead of guessing or reacting mid-season * Map your year season by season so you're not scrambling later * Choose the right revenue streams for your farm and stay laser-focused While this training was created specifically for dahlia growers, the planning framework applies to all flower farmers who want to grow with intention and profit in mind. Mentioned in This Episode * The Profitable Dahlia Summit (March 3–4, 2026) A 2-day virtual summit focused on real business strategies for dahlia growers — pricing, selling, marketing, tuber sales, farm events, and more. Grab your ticket here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/ There is a free 2026 planning workbook that goes along with this episode. You can download it here and follow along at your own pace: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/2026workbook Your Next Step If you make it through this entire workshop, I encourage you to choose one action to take next — even a small one. Whether that's: * Tracking your numbers * Clarifying your revenue goals * Committing to selling instead of giving your flowers away Momentum comes from action. I'd love to hear what your next step is — you can message me on Instagram or leave a review and share what stood out for you. Let's Make 2026 Count 2026 has been declared the International Year of the Female Farmer, and I truly believe this can be your most profitable and aligned growing season yet — if you plan for it. Grab the workbook, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and let's start planning. Welcome to Season 3 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast.

What if caring for land goes beyond soil tests, nutrients, and visible inputs? In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer is joined by Brittney Herrera, founder and creative director of Thunder Egg, to explore the concept of geotuning—a practice often described as acupuncture for the land. Through her work, Brittney helps harmonize land and spaces by identifying and correcting geopathic stress, subtle disruptions in the Earth's natural field that can impact people, plants, animals, and the overall vitality of a place. Brittney recently worked with Jennifer to tune her new farm property, and after experiencing the process firsthand, Jennifer felt this was a conversation worth sharing with the flower-growing and land-stewarding community. Together, they keep the conversation grounded and practical, discussing how geopathic stress can show up on farms and gardens, how geotuning works in real spaces, and how this approach can complement regenerative agriculture and soil-first practices. They also explore the role of water, copper, frequency, and ancient land wisdom—and how listening more deeply to the land can support long-term resilience and harmony. This episode is an invitation to curiosity. Whether you're a flower farmer, gardener, or someone who feels deeply connected to the land you care for, this conversation offers a new lens for understanding what it means to truly listen to a place. Connect with Brittney Herrera & Thunder Egg Thunder Egg: https://www.thunderegg.com [https://www.thunderegg.com/]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunder_egg_collaborative/ Geotune: https://www.geotune.com [https://www.geotune.com/]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geotune_energy/ Brittney Herrera: https://www.brittneyherrera.com [https://www.brittneyherrera.com/]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittney_herrera_designer/ Mentioned in Today's Episode: Braiding Sweetgrass: by Robin Wall Kimmerer: https://amzn.to/4s5HQhw Sign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter ***Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit*** The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here! Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably. You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started. 🎟️ Early bird tickets start at just $49 through January 11, 2026. Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/  [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/] **This episode may contain affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.*

What if growing dahlias wasn't about doing everything perfectly—but about showing up, finding joy, and learning to flourish right where you are? In today's episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we are joined by Anne Long of The Dahlia House, a longtime dahlia grower, educator, and creative who has spent more than two decades growing flowers—and helping others discover that you don't need a huge farm, endless time, or a picture-perfect life to fill your days with beauty. This honest, heartfelt conversation weaves together stories of resilience, loss, hope, and humor, as Anne shares how growing dahlias became both her creative outlet and her life's work. From devastating setbacks with wireworms and disease, to learning how to build a flower business that fits real life, Anne offers wisdom that will resonate deeply with gardeners, flower farmers, and anyone feeling stretched thin. This episode is a reminder that flowers don't ask for perfection—only your presence. In This Episode, You'll Learn: * How growing dahlias can teach resilience through life's hardest seasons * Why perfectionism can hold us back in both the garden and business * What flowers reveal about presence, hope, and living within our limits * How to build a dahlia-focused business that aligns with your values and capacity * Why self-care matters just as much as soil care * How boundaries, clarity, and joy lead to more sustainable success with flowers Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/12/23/ep-80-growing-dahlias-with-anne-long/ Connect With Anne & The Dahlia House: * Website: https://thedahliahouse.com [https://thedahliahouse.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.dahlia.house * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDahliaHouse2020 Mentioned in today's episode: Veda Austin- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedaaustin_water/ ***Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit*** The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here! Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably. You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started. 🎟️ Early bird tickets start at just $49 through January 11, 2026. Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/  [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/] **Function Health** – comprehensive blood testing that helps you understand what your body actually needs. Currently on sale for $365 (normally $499)** 👉 https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=JGULIZIA10&_saasquatch=JGULIZIA10 **This episode may contain affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.* Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

How do you grow flowers in a region known for long winters, short seasons, and frequent frosts? In this episode, we are joined by Annie Amrich of Janniebird Farm, a Zone 4 flower farmer thriving in the high-altitude climate of Gunnison, Colorado. Annie shares how she forces thousands of tulips each year, grows without greenhouses, and keeps flowers blooming nearly year-round in a place where frost can arrive any month of the year. Annie's journey — from athletic training and medical sales back to the creativity she grew up with — is a beautiful reminder that it's never too late to follow what feels true. She opens up about leaning into hardy crops, building community in a small mountain town, and developing a new perennial field designed for workshops, gatherings, and connection. What You'll Learn in Episode 79: * How Annie grows successfully in Zone 4 without tunnels or greenhouses * What it takes to force thousands of tulips for winter and holiday blooms * How she markets flowers in a small town and builds loyal community support * Lessons from rehabilitating new soil and planning a perennial-focused expansion * Encouragement for anyone growing — or dreaming of growing in a cold climate Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/12/23/ep-79-zone-4-flower-farming-with-janniebird-farm/ Connect with Annie: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janniebirdfarm/  [https://www.instagram.com/janniebirdfarm/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janniebirdfarm * Website: https://www.janniebirdfarm.com/  [https://www.janniebirdfarm.com/] Connect with Jennifer, Host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: * Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ * Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here! Whether you're dreaming of a small side hustle, saving for your next vacation, or building a full-fledged dahlia focused business — this 2-day online virtual event will show you how. Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably. You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started. 🎟️ Early bird tickets start at just $49 through January 11, 2026. Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/  [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/] *** 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. New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered how a simple backyard garden can grow into a thriving YouTube channel that inspires gardeners everywhere? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Claudia of In The Garden with Claudia, a Zone 8b gardener in Oregon who transformed a small suburban space into a blooming cut flower haven. What began as a creative outlet during the pandemic soon became a beloved YouTube channel where gardeners turn for honest tips, beautiful garden tours, and a dose of encouragement. Claudia shares how she started gardening only a few years ago, the steps she took to rebuild her clay soil, why dahlias became her signature flower, and how she balances content creation with a full-time job. She also opens up about perfectionism, embracing failure, following big dreams, and staying true to your creative path. If you have ever felt intimidated by gardening or wondered whether to share your own story online, this conversation will inspire you to begin right where you are. Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/12/05/ep-78-in-the-garden-with-claudia/ Connect with Claudia: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InTheGardenWithClaudia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthegardenwithclaudia Join the waitlist for the first ever Profitable Dahlia Summit: The first ever Profitable Dahlia Summit is happening March 3 to 4, 2026 as a virtual two day event. It will feature an incredible lineup of growers, educators, and experts who will walk you through what it takes to grow, market, and sell dahlias with confidence. Join the waitlist to get early access to tickets, bonus trainings from speakers, and the best pricing. If you want to learn from some of the most inspiring voices in the dahlia world, add your name today: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/np92jqeu5a Connect with Jennifer, Host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhousehttps://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/ Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ 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. New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to build a creative and meaningful life in the floral world, especially when your journey starts far from where you end up? In this episode, we are joined by Julio Freitas of The Flower Hat, a Montana-based floral designer and flower farmer whose work has influenced and inspired thousands. Julio shares how he went from hotel management to running a thriving floral design studio and one acre flower farm, and how following small sparks of curiosity eventually led him into a life fueled by creativity and connection. In Episode 77, you will hear about: * How Julio found the confidence to step into his future self * Why saying yes opened unexpected doors in his floral career * What it takes to grow premium flowers in Montana's short and intense season * How weddings, farming, and business growth shaped his mindset * The importance of letting go, pivoting, and embracing the seasons of life * Where joy and clarity are leading him next Julio also shares a personal story about rediscovering what truly matters to him and how tuning into nature, rest, and intention transformed the way he sees his work. Whether you are a flower farmer, floral designer, or a creative who wants to build a more aligned and fulfilling path, this conversation offers practical wisdom, gentle reminders, and heartfelt insight. Flowers may be the medium, but this episode is really about growing through every season. Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/12/04/ep-77-flower-farming-and-floral-design-in-montana/ Connect with Julio Website: https://www.theflowerhat.com [https://www.theflowerhat.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflowerhat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theflowerhat Connect with Jennifer, Host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhousehttps://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/ Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ 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. New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered how to confidently sell your flowers and build a thriving flower business? In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with Lennie Larkin, flower farmer, educator, and founder of Flower Farming for Profit [https://www.flowerfarmingforprofit.com/]. Lennie shares her expert advice on pricing, mindset, and how to approach flower sales with clarity and confidence. Tune in to Episode 76 to learn: * How to know when you're ready to start selling your flowers * The biggest myths about flower sales (and what actually works) * Mindset shifts that help you charge your worth * How to attract loyal customers who value your story * What to expect at the upcoming Sell Your Flowers Summit Whether you're dreaming about turning your garden into a business or already running a small flower farm, this conversation will help you sell your flowers with purpose and profitability. Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/11/11/ep-76-how-to-sell-your-flowers-with-confidence/ Learn more and connect with Lennie: 👉 Website: flowerfarmingforprofit.com [https://www.flowerfarmingforprofit.com/] 👉 Instagram: @flowerfarming.forprofit [https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarming.forprofit/] 👉 Sell Your Flowers Summit: Join the Summit [https://flower-farming-for-profit-academy.mykajabi.com/syfs]: https://flower-farming-for-profit-academy.mykajabi.com/syfs 💐 About the Sell Your Flowers Summit: The Sell Your Flowers Summit is a free three-day online event designed to help small-scale and backyard flower farmers sell more flowers with confidence. Hosted by Lennie Larkin of Flower Farming for Profit, the summit features leading voices in flower farming, sales, and marketing. Each session is short, actionable, and focused on real strategies that work in today's floral marketplace. 👉 Learn more and register for the summit: https://flower-farming-for-profit-academy.mykajabi.com/syfs Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ 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!

As another growing season comes to a close, Jennifer invites you to pause and reflect on the power of gratitude. In this solo episode, Jennifer shares how gratitude can carry us through each stage of growth, from the early seeds of an idea to the quiet rest of winter. She looks back on this past year of farming with honesty and perspective, offering gentle reminders that growth often happens in the unseen moments. Through her reflections, Jennifer encourages you to find gratitude not only in the beauty of what has bloomed, but also in the challenges that helped you grow. Whether you're wrapping up your season or already dreaming about spring, this episode offers a moment to slow down, look back, and give thanks for all that has taken root this year. Connect with Jennifer, Host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhousehttps://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/ Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ 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. New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

In this heartfelt conversation, Jennifer sits down with Nicole Pitt, the flower farmer and creative behind Flower Hill Farm and Boon Street Nursery in upstate New York. Nicole is also the voice and heart behind the popular Flower Hill Farm YouTube channel, where she shares her authentic journey as a farmer, creator, and community builder. Nicole opens up about how life's unexpected seasons have shaped her perspective, what it means to grow through change, and how the flower community has supported her through it all. From rebuilding her business with renewed purpose to manifesting hope and growth — even in challenging times — Nicole's story is a beautiful reminder of resilience and connection. You'll also hear about her plans for a new hoop house, her vision for expanding Boon Street Nursery (thanks to a major grant!), and her exciting new project — a brand-new podcast launching later this month. Connect with Nicole: * Flower Hill Farm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlowerHillFarm * Flower Hill Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerhillfarmny/ * Flower Hill Farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowerhillfarmny/ * Flower Hill Farm Website: https://www.flowerhillfarmny.com/ Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/11/06/ep-74-nicole-pitt-of-flower-hill-farm/ Mentioned in this episode: * Farmer's Friend pre-burned landscape fabric: https://www.farmersfriend.com/p/quick-plant-fabric?rid=floweringfarmhouse Connect with Jennifer, Host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhousehttps://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/ Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ 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. New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

As the flowers fade and the farm quiets down for winter, Jennifer reflects on what this past year of rebuilding her farm has taught her about patience, gratitude, and growth. Inspired by the timeless reminder that "it's not the destination, it's the journey," she shares how slowing down and being present has brought new meaning to the work of tending both the land and the heart. This episode is an invitation to pause and reflect, to notice the beauty in what's already growing, to find joy in the process, and to move forward with faith even when the outcome isn't yet visible. Jennifer shares lessons learned from transforming a fallow field into a thriving flower farm, from the small wins to the moments that stretched her the most. Along the way, she offers reflections to help you reconnect with your own journey, the one that's unfolding right now between the planting and the bloom. Whether you're a flower farmer, gardener, or simply navigating a season of change, this episode is a gentle reminder that growth takes time and that the real magic isn't found at the finish line but in who we become along the way. Podcast Listeners Enjoy 7 Days of Growth Day FREE: Try the GrowthDay App, Jennifer's favorite tool for journaling, tracking habits, and staying grounded in personal growth https://app.growthday.com/signup/referral-trial/floweringfarmhouse Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/10/25/ep-73-journey-to-bloom/ Connect with Jennifer: Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhousehttps://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/ Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ 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!