Flower Farming in New Zealand

• Season 2 Episode 5: Event Floristry and the Art of Abundant Blooms

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

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

  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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• Season 2 Episode 2: Cultivating Dreams: A Journey with Yvonne Baker

  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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• Season 2 – Sponsors Episode: Navigating the Floral Marketplace with United Flower Growers

  In this episode, Jo Robinson interviews Peter Brown, CEO of United Flower Growers (UFG), discussing the role of UFG in the New Zealand flower market. They explore UFG's mission to provide a fair marketplace for flower growers and buyers, the importance of technology in auction services, and the innovations being introduced to enhance trading systems. The conversation also addresses barriers faced by growers, the significance of personal relationships in the industry, and advice for those looking to engage with UFG.Takeaways• UFG is New Zealand's largest flower broker, connecting growers and buyers.• The mission of UFG is to provide a fair and effective marketplace.• Technology plays a crucial role in modernizing auction services.• Innovations like future bidding and buy now options enhance buyer experience.• Geographical location can be a barrier for some growers.• UFG offers support and guidance for new growers entering the auction system.• Building personal relationships is key in the flower industry.• Buyers and sellers are equally important in the marketplace.• Feedback from growers is welcomed to improve UFG services.• Regular participation in auctions helps establish a grower's brand.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 Keywords #United Flower Growers #UFG #flower farming #New Zealand flowers, #auction services # flower growers #florists #technology #flower market #logistics, #flower industryChapters00:00 Introduction to UFG and Its Mission02:14 Who does UFG mainly supply?03:05 Proud of the way that UFG connects to those in the industry.03:21 UFG's Market Position and Business Model03:37 How does UFG define its position as a business?04:31 Innovations in Auction Services06:53 Challenges and Solutions for Growers09:37 Enhancing Buyer-Grower Connections11:40 Standards and Support for Growers12:50 Biggest barrier to sending product to auction?15:03 Second Grades16:39 Building Relationships with Growers19:32 The Advantages of Being a Large Organization20:32 Navigating Buyer and Seller Accounts22:06 Timing for Account Setup22:32 Logistics and Freight Solutions24:59 Balancing Buyer and Seller Needs26:12 Empowering Growers to Focus on Production28:15 Future Innovations at UFG30:09 Final Advice for Growers31:35 The Role of UFG in the Flower Industry

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