Claim OwnershipThe Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast
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© 2025 The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast
Description
Join this podcast team of flower lovers while they take you along their journey as flower farmer florists pursuing business, family, strategy, mother nature, wedding installs, and everything in between including fieldwork, and floral design all the way to the day of event execution. A weekly show that talks about all things flowers including the reality of flower farming, using locally grown flowers in wedding design, and other flower use with an environmentally focused perspective based in a small town but close enough to reach big cities. This women-run business features a mother-daughter team with a best friend to keep them all balanced and includes a variety of guests who are flower lovers, users, sniffers, and enthusiasts that will talk on a range of topics or ramble on about other things… Depending on where the seasons take us!
78 Episodes
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What if the flowers from your wedding day, memorial service, or special celebration could last forever? Andrea Cole, founder of Designs by Andrea, brings this possibility to life through her remarkable flower preservation artistry. In this captivating conversation, Andrea reveals how a Valentine's bouquet and the discovery of her husband's grandmother's pressed flower hobby sparked a passion that evolved into preserving thousands of meaningful floral arrangements. Andrea walks us through the...
Ever felt that gut-wrenching disappointment when a potential client ghosts you after what seemed like the perfect consultation? You're not alone. In this refreshingly honest episode, we dive deep into why couples don't book with flower vendors—and why that might actually be the best thing for your business and mental health. From the messy day-to-day realities of running a flower farm to the delicate dance of client expectations, we're pulling back the curtain on what really happens when pot...
Customer reviews aren't just nice-to-have compliments—they're powerful marketing tools that build trust and credibility for your business. In this revealing episode, we dive deep into why reviews matter so much, especially for emotionally-driven businesses like floristry and farming where connection and beauty are everything. Feeling awkward about asking for reviews? You're not alone. We explore why this discomfort exists and how to reframe your thinking: when you've delivered a great experi...
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 sta...
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...
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...
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. Wh...
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 ...
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 flora...
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 pra...
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 d...
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 e...
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 cons...
As the mercury rises, even the most dedicated gardeners find their flower beds waving white flags of surrender. But summer heat doesn't have to spell disaster for your garden! Through practical wisdom and time-tested techniques, this episode unpacks everything you need to know about keeping your flowers vibrant and thriving during the hottest months of the year. We start by breaking down the science behind summer stress on plants and dive into transformative watering practices that go beyond...
The humble peony might just be the most anticipated bloom in the flower world—a perennial powerhouse that has customers planning weddings around its fleeting season and flower farmers scrambling to extend its magical but all-too-brief window of perfection. Stepping into the world of peonies means committing to a long-term relationship. These stunning perennials take 2-3 years before producing sellable stems, but once established, they'll reward your patience for decades with some of the high...
The never-ending battle against weeds is something every gardener faces, but few tackle it with the strategic approach needed to truly gain the upper hand. As flower farmers managing five acres of blooms, we've developed battle-tested methods for keeping unwanted plants at bay while nurturing our intentional plantings. Whether you're tending a small cutting garden or managing acres of flowers, our farm-tested advice will help you develop sustainable weed management practices that work with n...
Stepping off the farm and into the wild, this episode explores the beautiful art of ethical wildflower foraging. Many assume our name "Wildly Native Flower Farm" means we simply gather wild blooms, but today we're discussing those who actually do venture into nature's gardens to respectfully harvest seasonal treasures. Whether you're a flower farmer, florist, or wildflower enthusiast, this episode equips you with knowledge to forage safely, responsibly, and creatively. Share your foraging st...
Beneath the romantic facade of the floral industry lies an uncomfortable reality that few are willing to address. This eye-opening episode tackles the dirty secrets hiding behind those perfect blooms, challenging both professionals and flower lovers to confront the true environmental cost of beauty. This isn't about perfection – it's about intention. Designers can remain creative and profitable while making conscientious choices that respect our planet. Consumers deserve transparency about w...
A critical moment between a flower's first bloom and its peak determines how long it will last in a vase. Miss this window, and you'll lose days of enjoyment from your carefully grown blooms. Flower farmers Liza, Lizzy, and Kenly dive deep into the secrets of perfect harvest timing that dramatically extends vase life. They reveal why early morning cutting makes all the difference (and why noon to 3 PM is catastrophic for your flowers), plus share specific indicators for knowing exactly when ...
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 ...
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