If you love cut flowers you are in the right place. The host Roz Chandler has been a cut flower farmer for nearly ten years and is passionate about helping othe...
Cultivating Unique Dahlias and the Art of Hybridisation with Kristine Albrecht
Send us a textWelcome 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. This podcast episode is sponsored by First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit 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
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50:40
Rebuilding Life After Breast Cancer featuring Rosamund Dean
Send us a textWelcome to The Cutflower Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Rosamund Dean, a renowned journalist, author, and breast cancer survivor. Rosamund’s journey and her latest book, Reconstruction, offer insights not only into surviving cancer but truly reclaiming life after it. If you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer, this episode is one you won’t want to miss."Episode SummaryIn this heartfelt episode, Roz Chandler sits down with Rosamund Dean, author of Reconstruction, to explore her experiences with triple-negative breast cancer, from diagnosis to recovery. Rosamund shares her journey through chemotherapy, surgery, and the many stages of healing, both physical and emotional. She discusses her book's title and purpose, explaining how Reconstruction reflects the often-overlooked need to rebuild oneself post-treatment. Their conversation touches on the importance of nutrition, mental health, and the lifestyle changes that play a crucial role in managing life after cancer.Rosamund also highlights her ongoing mission to inspire others through her writing, which includes candid discussions about wellness, the importance of exercise, and finding joy in a balanced lifestyle. From advice on navigating treatment to the significance of community support, this episode is a thoughtful resource for anyone seeking hope and resilience.Key TakeawaysPrioritise Wellness: Eating more vegetables, reducing processed foods, and embracing an 80/20 approach to nutrition can support overall health and recovery.Find Movement You Enjoy: Exercise, even simple walks, can significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.Take Control of Treatment: Write down questions for your doctors, be proactive in understanding your treatment, and don’t be afraid to ask about alternatives to medications.Accept Support: Lean into the help offered by friends and family; delegation isn’t a weakness but a source of strength.Mindset for Life Post-Cancer: The journey doesn’t end with treatment; acknowledge the emotional and physical adjustments needed to navigate life after cancer.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeRosamund Dean’s book: Reconstruction – A guide to healing and self-recovery Visit Https://audioandco.com for all your audiobook, video and podcast needs. This podcast episode is sponsored by First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit 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
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44:05
Sustainable Floristry: Navigating the Global Flower Industry with Dr. David Bek
Send us a textHi, I’m Roz Chandler, and welcome back to The Cutflower Podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back Dr. David Bek, a leading researcher in sustainable horticulture and creative economics at Coventry University. A lot has changed since David's last visit, and we're diving into his latest work on sustainable practices in the cut flower industry, including insights on the global supply chain, eco-friendly packaging, and the challenges we face in the push for sustainable floristry.Episode Summary:In this episode, Roz Chandler sits down again with Dr. David Bek to explore the complex world of sustainable cut flowers and the economics behind them. David shares his journey from childhood experiences with nature to becoming a prominent researcher in sustainable horticulture, with a particular focus on flowers. They discuss his work with the Sustainable Cut Flowers Project and the intricate supply chains that transport flowers across continents.David highlights the environmental challenges of the cut flower industry, from high carbon footprints to issues with plastic packaging, and how he and other experts are working to find solutions. The conversation touches on sustainable floristry practices, labeling transparency, and efforts to reduce plastic waste. David also shares stories about the impact of economic drivers on sustainability, including how consumer demand shapes market practices. Together, Roz and David discuss the future of sustainable floristry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among growers, florists, and consumers.Key Takeaways:Understanding the Environmental Cost: The global journey of flowers involves significant carbon emissions, packaging, and preservation efforts that impact sustainability.The Role of Consumer Demand: Change in the industry often comes down to consumer awareness and demand for sustainably grown, local flowers.Importance of Transparency and Labeling: Clear labeling can inform consumers about flower origins and sustainability practices, helping to shift demand.Collaboration Across the Supply Chain: From growers to wholesalers, collaboration is essential to improve sustainable practices in the flower industry.Innovative Solutions in Eco-Packaging: Research Visit Https://audioandco.com for all your audiobook, video and podcast needs. This podcast episode is sponsored by First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit 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
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48:00
Planning and Scaling Your Flower Garden – Profit vs. Pleasure
Send us a textHi, I’m Roz Chandler, and welcome to The Cut Flower Podcast! Today, we’re discussing how to plan and scale your flower garden, whether you’re growing for fun or looking to turn it into a business. I’ll share practical tips to help you make the most of your space and achieve your goals. Let’s get started!Episode Summary:In this episode, Roz answers key questions about whether to grow flowers for pleasure or profit. She covers choosing flowers, preparing your garden, and making decisions that fit your goals. For hobbyists, she recommends easy-to-grow flowers like cosmos and zinnias, which add colour and thrive with minimal care.For those considering growing for profit, Roz discusses how to do market research, target local buyers, and select popular varieties like dahlias and lisianthus. She explains the benefits of successional planting to ensure continuous blooms and the importance of managing soil health and pests for a productive garden.Roz also touches on the challenges of scaling a garden for profit, such as time management, costs, and building a marketing strategy to boost sales and grow your business.Key Takeaways:Define Your Goals: Know whether you're growing for fun or profit, and plan your garden accordingly.Beginner-Friendly Flowers: Choose low-maintenance varieties like cosmos and zinnias for hobby gardening.Grow for Profit: Research the market and grow popular varieties like dahlias to meet demand.Successional Planting: Plant in stages to ensure you have flowers blooming throughout the season.Healthy Soil & Pest Management: Focus on soil care and pest control for a thriving garden.Thanks for listening to today’s episode! Whether you’re growing for profit or pleasure, I hope these tips help you on your gardening journey. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or visit cutflowercollective.co.uk. Please leave a review if you enjoyed this episode and share it with others. See you next time! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit 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
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21:06
Garden Design and Sustainability with Chris Hull
Send us a textHi, I’m Roz Chandler, and welcome to another episode of The Cutflower Podcast! Today, I’m joined by a very special guest—Chris Hull, an award-winning landscape designer and presenter on Garden Rescue. We’ll be talking about his journey in garden design, sustainability, and some fantastic insights into creating eco-friendly gardens. Let’s dive in!Episode Summary:In this episode, Chris Hull shares his evolution from gardener to landscape designer, highlighting his award-winning work at the Chelsea Flower Show. He discusses the principles of sustainable garden design, stressing the importance of using local materials and native plants to minimize environmental impact. Chris provides tips on designing gardens that promote biodiversity, emphasizing how diverse plantings can create habitats that support local wildlife and ecosystems.Beyond the design aspect, Chris opens up about his work with the mental health charity Rethink and his belief in the therapeutic power of gardening. He speaks about the profound effects gardening has on mental well-being, offering listeners insight into how horticulture can serve as a tool for emotional and mental recovery. Key Takeaways:Sustainable Gardening: Focus on using native plants and locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.Design for Wildlife: Incorporate a variety of plants to create a garden that supports local ecosystems and wildlife.Gardening for Mental Health: The act of gardening can improve mental well-being, offering therapeutic benefits and a calming escape.Practical Experience: Aspiring garden designers should immerse themselves in hands-on work to truly understand plants and landscape dynamics.If you found this conversation with Chris Hull inspiring, please leave a review and share the episode with your gardening friends. Be sure to check out Chris’s work on his YouTube channel, Chris Hull Gardens, and follow him on Instag Visit Https://audioandco.com for all your audiobook, video and podcast needs. https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit 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
If you love cut flowers you are in the right place. The host Roz Chandler has been a cut flower farmer for nearly ten years and is passionate about helping others to have their own cutting patches. This podcast is for you if:-. You currently grow or want to grow cut flowers for pleasure or profit and be part of a growing community. Your host is passionate about reducing the number of cut flowers travelling many thousands of miles from across the globe and therefore helping to reduce the carbon footprint on our planet for our children and their children. Cut flower guests will join us on this journey. We look forward to welcoming you to our community. We would love you to subscribe to this podcast and join our communities online. We do have two Facebook groups:-For Beginners and those looking to grow for pleasure - https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollectiveFor those wanting to start flower farming or indeed are flower farmers:-https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowerfarming