Episode 6: The Power Of Biochar with Matt from Carbon Options
In this episode, we dive into the world of biochar with Matt from Carbon Options. Discover how biochar, made from local forestry waste, enriches soil and sequesters carbon, offering a sustainable solution for farmers. Learn about the unique process of creating biochar, its role in improving soil health, and its impact on climate resilience.Join us to explore the benefits of biochar for flower farmers. Guest: Matt Welton, the co-founder of Carbon Options, an off-grid biochar operation in the Akatarawa Valley. Follow Carbon Options on Facebook for updates and inquiries.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577629602758 Keywords:biochar, carbon options, flower farmers, soil health, climate resilience, organic farming, nutrient retention, carbon sequestration, environmental benefits, sustainabilityBiochar is made from organic materials through pyrolysis.Carbon Options focuses on using local, clean feedstock for biochar production.Biochar improves soil health by enhancing nutrient retention and moisture holding capacity.Flower farmers can benefit from using biochar to improve crop yields and soil quality.The process of creating biochar can sequester carbon for hundreds of years.Feedback from farmers is crucial for improving biochar products.Biochar can be used in compost to enhance its effectiveness.Innovations in biochar applications are being explored, including spill kits and fire starters.Do you enjoy listening or watching the Podcast? If you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:· Buying us a Coffee (making a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz· Advertising your products or services in an episode· Sponsoring an episode or a season Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe now and join us in exploring all aspects of flower farming in New Zealand.Credit for music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukukele
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Episode 5: Artist to Flower Farmer - Lisa at Flora Flowers
Keywordsflower farming, horticulture, business, sustainability,entrepreneurship, flowers, farming advice, flower sales, crop planning, localflowers Support Our Work!Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZFlower Farming Community, you can support our work by:· Advertising in an episode· Sponsoring an episode or a season or by· Buying us a Coffee (making a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz SummaryIn this conversation, Jo Robinson interviews Lisa from FloraFlowers, who shares her journey into flower farming, her unique growing setup, and the various aspects of her business. Lisa discusses her background in horticulture, the challenges of running a flower farm, and her approach to sustainability. She also highlights the importance of learning through experience, the significance of pricing strategies, and her future plans for the business. The conversation emphasizes the balance between work and personal life, and the joy that flowers bring to both the grower and the community. TakeawaysLisa's journey into flower farming was accidental but fulfilling.She emphasizes the importance of learning on the job.Sustainability is a key focus in her farming practices.Lisa has diversified her business with side ventures like My Patch.She sells flowers through a florist and a roadside stall.Pricing is based on market understanding and simplicity.Flower farming is a year-round commitment with challenges.Starting small and keeping it simple is crucial for newfarmers.Lisa is excited about using her unique dahlia varieties.Success in flower farming is about personal fulfilment and flexibility. Sound bites"I never set out to become a flower farmer.""Start small, keep it simple.""Sunflowers are my favorite to grow." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lisa and Flora Flowers03:00 The Journey to Flower Farming04:53 Horticultural Background and Training06:31 Unique Growing Setup and Challenges09:07 Diversifying the Business: My Patch and Seedling Brokerage11:33 Sales Channels and Strategies13:43 Pricing and Market Dynamics15:48 Growing Practices and Sustainability18:24 Advice for New Flower Farmers20:20 Reflections on Success and Challenges22:33 Future Plans and Innovations
KeywordsFresh Cut Flower Wholesalers, flower wholesaling, flowersourcing, floristry, flower trends, sustainable flowers, flower growers, flowermarket, flower quality control Summary In this conversation, Jo Robinson interviews Lissie, the Supply Manager for Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers, discussing the intricacies of the flower wholesaling industry. Lissie shares insights on sourcing flowers, working with growers, quality control, market trends, and the importance of building relationships within the industry. The discussion also touches on sustainability, customer engagement, and the evolving demands of flower buyers.Lissie emphasizes the significance of understanding pricing structures and the need for growers to communicate effectively with wholesalers to ensure a successful partnership. Takeaways Lissie is a qualified florist with over five years in the industry.Fresh Cut Flowers focuses on a streamlined wholesale approach.The company is passionate about supporting local growers.Quality control is a shared responsibility between growers and wholesalers.Communication with growers is essential for successful sales.Understanding market trends helps in planning crops effectively.Foliage and shrubs are important for flower farmers to consider.Sustainability is a growing concern in the flower industry.Shipping flowers does not always require a cool chain.Building relationships is key to success in the flower market. Titles Blooming Business: Insights from Fresh Cut FlowersThe Art of Flower Wholesaling with Lissie Sound bites "We are passionate about our growers.""You can't keep selling at a loss.""It's all about relationships." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers00:58 The Journey of Fresh Cut: History and Evolution03:21 Understanding Flower Sourcing and Popular Trends05:22 Selling to Fresh Cut: A Grower's Guide07:50 Quality Control and Grading in Flower Production10:12 Essential Crops for New Growers12:08 Long-Term Planning for Flower Farming14:18 Commercial vs. Garden Flowers: What to Consider17:03 Shipping and Handling of Flowers22:08 Trade Accounts and Wholesale Operations23:01 Sustainability in Packaging24:53 Trends in Flower Demand27:24 Building Relationships with Growers29:43 Pricing and Market Dynamics31:59 Personal Insights and Experiences36:29 Community Engagement and Support Fresh Cut Flower WholesalersAddress: 26B Kerwyn Avenue, East Tamaki,Auckland, New ZealandPhone: 09-918-5330Website: www.wholesaleflowers.nzInsta: @freshcutflowerwholesalers 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 of episodes or by· Buying us a Coffee (making a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz
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Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers
Keywords Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers, flower wholesaling, flower sourcing, floristry, flower trends, sustainable flowers, flower growers, flower market, flower quality control Summary In this conversation, Jo Robinson interviews Lissie, the Supply Manager for Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers, discussing the intricacies of the flower wholesaling industry. Lissie shares insights on sourcing flowers, working with growers, quality control, market trends, and the importance of building relationships within the industry. The discussion also touches on sustainability, customer engagement, and the evolving demands of flower buyers. Lissie emphasizes the significance of understanding pricing structures and the need for growers to communicate effectively with wholesalers to ensure a successful partnership. Takeaways Lissie is a qualified florist with over five years in the industry.Fresh Cut Flowers focuses on a streamlined wholesale approach.The company is passionate about supporting local growers.Quality control is a shared responsibility between growers and wholesalers.Communication with growers is essential for successful sales.Understanding market trends helps in planning crops effectively.Foliage and shrubs are important for flower farmers to consider.Sustainability is a growing concern in the flower industry.Shipping flowers does not always require a cool chain.Building relationships is key to success in the flower market. Titles Blooming Business: Insights from Fresh Cut FlowersThe Art of Flower Wholesaling with Lissie Sound bites "We are passionate about our growers.""You can't keep selling at a loss.""It's all about relationships." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers00:58 The Journey of Fresh Cut: History and Evolution03:21 Understanding Flower Sourcing and Popular Trends05:22 Selling to Fresh Cut: A Grower's Guide07:50 Quality Control and Grading in Flower Production10:12 Essential Crops for New Growers12:08 Long-Term Planning for Flower Farming14:18 Commercial vs. Garden Flowers: What to Consider17:03 Shipping and Handling of Flowers22:08 Trade Accounts and Wholesale Operations23:01 Sustainability in Packaging24:53 Trends in Flower Demand27:24 Building Relationships with Growers29:43 Pricing and Market Dynamics31:59 Personal Insights and Experiences36:29 Community Engagement and Support Fresh Cut Flower WholesalersAddress: 26B Kerwyn Avenue, East Tamaki, Auckland, New ZealandPhone: 09-918-5330Website: www.wholesaleflowers.nzInsta: @freshcutflowerwholesalers Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:· Advertising in an episode· Sponsoring an episode or by· Buying us a Coffee (making a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz
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Episode 3 A Conversation with Cat from Electric Blooms
In this conversation, I speak with Cat from Electric Blooms about her journey into flower farming, the challenges of balancing a corporate job with running a flower farm, and her commitment to regenerative practices. We discuss the importance of mental health, communityengagement, and the realities of flower farming, including irrigation challenges and sales strategies. Cat shares valuable insights for aspiringflower farmers, emphasizing the need to understand market demands and the importance of sustainable practices.Takeaways: Cat transitioned from vegetable gardening to flower farming during COVID.Mental health benefits are significant when working withflowers.Balancing a corporate job and flower farming requiresefficient time management.Regenerative practices are a priority for Cat's farmingmethods.Irrigation challenges are common, especially in sandy soils.Harvesting is done strategically to ensure continuousblooms.Community engagement through social media and localmarketing is essential.Learning from mistakes is part of the flower farmingjourney.Understanding customer needs is crucial for pricing andsales.Future plans include workshops and expanding the farm'sofferings.Electric Blooms on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558019502548https://www.instagram.com/electricblooms/https://www.youtube.com/@ElectricBloomsBuy me a coffee (or a tea!!) at coff.ee/FlowerFarmersinNZ.Every donation is appreciated.
Welcome to Flower Farming in NZ—the podcast where we dig into the art of growing and selling beautiful blooms here in Aotearoa.
I’m your host Jo Robinson, a grower, flower lover, and passionate supporter of local, seasonal flowers. Whether you're just starting out , or you’re already knee-deep in beds of ranunculus and tulips, this podcast is for you.
Each episode, we’ll explore different aspects of growing flowers in New Zealand—from practical how-to guides and seasonal tips, to interviews with local growers, florists, and flower lovers across the country. Do join us on our flowery journey.
New Zealand