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The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast
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The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

Author: Liza Goetz

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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! 


87 Episodes
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Planning a wedding shouldn’t feel like wrestling a never-ending feed. We sat down with Wed Society Delaware to unpack how a curated, human-first platform helps couples cut through the noise, discover trusted local vendors, and fall back in love with the process. From the farmer’s field to the florist’s bench to a photographer’s lens, this conversation celebrates the people who make celebrations sing—and the community that holds them up. We dig into the real pain points couples face: sixteen ...
Sick of watered-down wellness and candy masquerading as care? We sit down with elderberry farmer Russell Carter to unpack the farm-to-bottle truth behind one of the most hyped immune boosters and why fresh-pressed juice changes everything. Russell’s path runs from a 450-hive beekeeping business to a thriving elderberry farm that harvests at sunrise, de-stems on shaker tables, and presses the berries the same day—then freezes the juice to lock in color, flavor, and antioxidants. He explains t...
Grief doesn’t come with a manual, but flowers come close to a language. We open the studio door on how funeral and memorial flowers actually work—what families ask for, what those designs mean, and how small choices can turn a service into a tribute that feels true. From casket sprays and easel arrangements to personalized scenes built with antlers, feathers, boots, or fishing lures, we explore the shift from generic sympathy to storytelling through blooms. We trace the roots of tradition—fr...
The scent that changes a room, the greenery that holds a wedding arch, and a plant with a passport—eucalyptus earns its reputation on every front. We go deep on how this Australian native became a global favorite, why designers lean on its silvery tone and elegant drape, and how home growers can raise a steady supply for fresh and dried arrangements. From the Greek roots of its name to the cap that pops as it blooms, we bring the history to life and connect it to practical choices you can mak...
What if your flower business could reach customers nationwide instead of just at your local farmer's market? In this eye-opening conversation, e-commerce expert Neil reveals the untapped potential for flower entrepreneurs in the digital marketplace. Neil shares his journey from corporate tech professional to e-commerce strategist, emphasizing that "you are never ready to start a business" – you simply must begin and commit to moving forward. With refreshing candor, he dismantles common myths...
What if your next chapter starts with a handful of seeds and a sunny corner of the yard? We walk through the surprisingly simple path from backyard blooms to a real, family-powered side hustle—no acres, no greenhouse, and no debt spiral required. You’ll hear how quick-win crops like zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, and marigolds can deliver early confidence and steady sales, why kid-friendly tasks turn gardening into a living classroom, and how small systems—clean buckets, sharp snips, smart weed...
What happens when your passion project grows beyond what you ever imagined – and starts suffocating you? Lindsay Krick never set out to be a business owner. She just loved indoor cycling and noticed Delaware needed more of it. So she started trucking bikes to parking lots, wineries, and breweries for pop-up classes. Within months, those weekend events had transformed into a brick-and-mortar studio focused on mental wellness through movement. "It was never supposed to be what it became," Lind...
Your menstrual cycle isn't just a biological function—it's a blueprint for maximizing your productivity, health, and wellbeing. This eye-opening conversation with Alyx, co-founder of The Agenda app, reveals how tracking your cycle can transform every aspect of your life. Alex shares her journey from accidental discovery to full-fledged "periodpreneur," explaining how she noticed her sales performance directly correlated with her menstrual cycle phases. This revelation led to a powerful insig...
Have you ever noticed how your shoulders relax and your breath deepens when you step into a garden? There's something profound happening in that moment—something that goes far beyond pretty flowers and vegetable harvests. In this heartfelt episode, I open up about the unexpected mental health lessons I've discovered while tending to my flower farm. The garden has become my therapist, my meditation space, and my teacher. Those zinnias glowing in the morning light aren't just beautiful—they're...
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...
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