Flower Farming in New Zealand

• Exploring the World of Seeds with Sandy from Egmont Seeds: Season 2 Episode 6

  In this conversation, Jo Robinson chats with Sandy, the marketing manager at Egmont Seeds. They talk about her role, the history of Egmont Seeds, and the challenges and joys of working in the seed industry. Sandy shares insights into the company's operations, including sourcing seeds globally, ensuring seed is high quality, and the importance of understanding local growing conditions. The discussion also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on seed variety availability, the role of Egmont Seeds in the local flower farming community, and Sandy's personal experiences and preferences in gardening.Takeaways:• Sandy is the marketing manager at Egmont Seeds, focusing on customer needs and sourcing new plant materials.• Egmont Seeds started with John McCullough's passion for seeds, leading to the creation of New Zealand's largest seed company.• The company imports seeds globally and supplies retail businesses, nurseries, and commercial flower growers.• Sandy's horticultural background enriches her role, allowing her to contribute to both marketing and hands-on tasks in the business.• Egmont Seeds has expanded into growing sweet peas on a large scale, overcoming global supply challenges.• The company emphasizes the importance of understanding local growing conditions for successful seed cultivation.• Sandy shares personal gardening tips, including the use of heat mats for better germination and choosing plants based on personal preference.• Egmont Seeds is committed to sustainability, trialling compostable packaging while ensuring seed freshness.• The conversation highlights the difference between growing from seed and breeding, emphasizing the value of true breeding efforts.• Sandy encourages growers to choose seeds based on personal taste and local conditions for the best results.Sound Bites:• Egmont Seeds is New Zealand's largest seed company.• We import seeds from all over the world.• Understanding local growing conditions is key.• Sweet peas are now a major focus for us.• Sustainability is important, but freshness is key.• Choose seeds based on what you love to grow.• Breeding and growing from seed are not the same.• Heat mats can improve germination rates.• Our seeds are in gardens all over New Zealand.• Gardening is my happy place.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Egmont Seeds and Sandy's Role02:41 The History and Growth of Egmont Seeds05:10 Sandy's Horticultural Background and Personal Gardening07:45 The Sweet Pea Project and Its Expansion10:34 Sourcing and Importing Seeds Globally13:10 Ensuring Seed Quality and Germination Rates16:06 Choosing Varieties for New Zealand Conditions18:39 Trialling New Varieties and Future Prospects24:54 Common Seed Starting Mistakes27:32 Tips for Successful Germination29:13 Recommended Flower Varieties for Beginners31:53 Understanding Seed Sourcing and Packaging36:12 Sustainability in Seed Production38:57 The Importance of Local Seed Production42:57 Trends in Seed Demand45:25 Egmont's Role in the Flower Farming Community46:16 Personal Favourites in Flower Growing48:50 Advice for New Seed Sourcing50:37 Closing Thoughts and SupportConnect with Our Sponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nzSupport Our Work!Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:· Advertising in an episode· Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can · Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele Key words:#flowerfarminginNZ#nzflowergrowers#nzflorists#sustainablefloristry#sustainableflowerfarming#Egmont Seeds, #seedindustry, #horticulture, #seed sourcing, #seed quality, #local growing conditions

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• The Art of Abundant Blooms in Event Floristry :Season 2 Episode 5

  In this inspiring episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, host Jo Robinson welcomes event florist Michele Coomey for a rich conversation on the artistry and logistics of modern floristry. From her early days in retail to crafting large-scale floral installations, Michele shares how intuition, experience, and collaboration shape her work. Together, Jo and Michele explore the delicate balance between creativity and practicality, the magic of seasonal blooms, and the evolving expectations of wedding clients.Key Takeaways• Michele reflects on her transition from retail to event floristry and the lessons learned.• Balancing artistic vision with client expectations is a core challenge in the floral industry.• Seasonal flowers bring authenticity and charm to wedding arrangements.• International events pose logistical hurdles, especially around flower sourcing • A skilled stylist can elevate floral work from beautiful to unforgettable.• Jo champions the use of local and seasonal flowers for sustainable, meaningful designs.• Michele values deep relationships with local growers for access to unique varieties.• Workshops and shared knowledge strengthen the floral community.• Michele’s approach blends intuition with hands-on experience, creating abundant designs that resonate.Sound Bites• “Creating an abundance of blooms.”• “Balancing creativity and expectations.”• “Seasonal blooms for weddings.”• “From retail to event floristry.”• “Floral trends and innovations.”• “Local growers in floristry.”• “International floral challenges.”• “Floral community and workshops.”• “Michele Coomey's floral philosophy.”Chapters• 00:00:00 – Introduction: Jo Robinson & Michele Coomey• 00:05:00 – Michele’s Journey in Floristry• 00:10:00 – Balancing Creativity and Practicality• 00:15:00 – The Power of Seasonal and Local Flowers• 00:20:00 – Navigating International Floral Logistics• 00:25:00 – Building Community Through WorkshopsConnect with Our Sponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nzSupport Our Work!Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:· Advertising in an episode· Sponsoring an episode or a season Or you can · Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele Key words:#flowerfarminginNZ#nzflowergrowers#nzflorists#sustainablefloristry#sustainableflowerfarming#abundantblooms#floristry#wedding flowers#creativity#seasonal blooms#local growers #floral community#event styling

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• An Accidental Journey to Flower Farming with The Joy Farmer: Season 2 Episode 4

  In this episode, Jo interviews Sarah Rutherford, a flower farmer from Wanaka, New Zealand who’s business is called The Joy Farmer.Jo and Sarah chat about Sarah’s journey into flower farming, the challenges of growing flowers in Central Otago’s unique climate, and the evolution of her business from being part of a collective to a more experience-based model. Sarah shares insights on managing her flower farm, the importance of community support, and her future plans for workshops and engaging with customers.TakeawaysSarah started her flower farm during the first COVID lockdown in 2020.The name ‘Joy Farmer’ was initially a fictitious business name.Sarah’s farm is based in Wanaka, Central Otago, New Zealand.She emphasizes the importance of community support in her business.Sarah is transitioning from selling via a collective to a more experience-based model.She plans to offer workshops to engage customers with flower farming and connecting with nature.Managing time and balancing life demands are key challenges for Sarah.Sarah values the freedom her business provides in her life.She highlights the misconceptions about flower farming’s visual appeal.Sarah’s favourite season is spring due to its energy and new growth.Sound bitesJoy Farmer was a fictitious name.Started during the COVID lockdown.Community support is crucial.Transitioning to an experience-based model.Workshops to engage customers.Managing time is a key challenge.Freedom is what success looks like.Spring is Sarah’s favourite season.Energy and new growth in spring.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to Sarah Rutherford00:03:00 Starting the Flower Farm00:09:00 Challenges in Central Otago00:15:00 Community and Business Evolution00:21:00 Future Plans and Workshops00:27:00 Reflections and Insights Connect with Our Sponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nzSupport Our Work!Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:· Advertising in an episode· Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can · Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele Key words:#flowerfarminginNZ#nzflowergrowers#nzflorists#sustainablefloristry#sustainableflowerfarming#flower farming #Central Otago, #Sarah Rutherford # Joy Farmer #local community support #workshops,# climate challenges #perennial plants #flower growing #flower business #floral collective # flower selection #gardening, #New Zealand flowers.

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• Mental Health Matters - The Farmstrong Approach: Season 2 Episode 3

  In this episode, Jo Robinson hosts Amber Carpenter andGerard Vaughan to discuss the Farmstrong program, focusing on the Five Steps to Well-being. They explore how these steps can enhance mental and physical health for farmers, sharing personal stories and practical insights.They discuss the importance of self-care, community support, and practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining focus in the demanding world of farming. Amber shares her personal journey from the fashion industryto dairy farming, highlighting the challenges and rewards of her transition.Gerard designed and set up Farmstrong with the help of FMG, the Mental Health Foundation and Movember in 2015 to encourage farmers to be proactive about their wellbeing.The conversation in this episode emphasizes the need forfarmers to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing to ensure both personal and business success.https://farmstrong.co.nzTakeawaysFarmstrong promotes mental wellbeing for farmers andgrowers.Self-care is essential for effective farming.Community support plays a crucial role in mental health.Listening skills are vital for effective communication.Farmers are their own biggest asset and must prioritizetheir health – both mental and physical.Control the controllable aspects of farming life.Building small, regular habits can enhance wellbeing.It's okay to not have everything figured out.Taking breaks can lead to increased productivity.Engaging with the community fosters connection and support.Connect with OurSponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nz Support Our Work!Don’t forget, ifyou like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:·        Advertising in an episode·        Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can ·        Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠Music Credit:Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers -  Happy Clappy Ukulele  Chapters00:00  FarmStrong01:27 Introduction to Farmstrong and its purpose 05:51 Amber's Journey from Fashion to Farming09:02 The Importance of Mental Health in Farming14:05 Recognizing Personal Wellbeing as a Business Asset19:09 Strategies for Maintaining Focus and Balance21:45 Navigating Life's Challenges Together24:12 Balancing Work and Family Life27:35 The Importance of Rest and Recovery29:09 Investing in Family Time32:04 Controlling the Controllables33:30 Embracing Humanity in Farming Life Keywords#Flower farming in NZ#Flower farming#Farmstrong#Live Well Farm Well#Mental health#Wellbeing#Stress management#Support systems#Resilience#Horticulture Floriculture#nzflowergrowers#nzflorists#sustainablefloristry#sustainableflowerfarming  Mental Health Matters: The FarmstrongApproach

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• Cultivating Dreams - A Journey with Yvonne Baker of Garden On The Hill: Season 2 Episode 2

  Welcome to our latest episode of Flower Farmingin New Zealand.In this conversation, Jo delves into the world offlower farming with Yvonne Baker from "Garden on the Hill." From her roots and training in England to her thriving farmin New Zealand, Yvonne shares her experiences, challenges, and the joys of nurturing a vibrant flower farm. Jo and Yvonne explore Yvonne's love for sweet peas and hermeticulous approach to seed harvesting while at the same time protecting the balance between family life and farming responsibilities.Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or curious about theworld of flower farming, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Chapters:Introduction to Yvonne Baker: Meet Yvonne and learn abouther background in horticulture. Overcoming Farming Challenges : Discover how Yvonne manages the unique challenges of farming on a windy hill. Working with Dr. Keith Hammett: Insights into Yvonne's workwith the renowned plant breeder. The Importance of a Business Plan: Understand why a solidbusiness plan is crucial for farming success.Connect with Yvonne: https://gardenonthehill.co.nz#Flowerfarming  #growingsweetpeas  #sweetpeaseeds#flowerfarmingbusinessplan #horticulturaltrainingDon't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to get up to date with our content. We’d love it if you shared your thoughts in the commentsbelow.Even better, tell us what you’d like to learn more about!You can connect with Our Sponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nz or email [email protected] Support Our Work!Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:·        Advertising in an episode·        Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can ·        Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠Music Credit:Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers -  Happy Clappy Ukulele

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