Flower Farming in New Zealand

In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, Jo Robinson sits down with Perth-based florist, writer, and global flower enthusiast Cerina Triglavcanin—also known as The Flower Scout.
What started as a frustration with school ball corsages turned into a full-blown floristry career, international travel, and a writing platform documenting flower festivals, workshops, and design inspiration across the globe.
Cerina shares how she built her skills from scratch, why she chose events over retail floristry, and how she combines freelancing, travel, and storytelling into a unique and evolving career in flowers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Starting a Floristry Career Later in Life
Why Cerina skipped retail floristry for events
Freelancing in Event Floristry
The flexibility (and unpredictability) of freelance work
Designing with Intention - Fewer ingredients = higher design pressure and more intentional selection.
Cerina’s signature approach:
• Monochromatic palettes
• “En masse” floral use
• Limiting designs to three key ingredients
• Sculptural forms and strong line work
Cerina shares her experiences attending:
• International flower festivals
• High-level floral workshops
• Large-scale installation events
• Why workshops are as much about people as they are about technique
From Florist to Writer: Building “The Flower Scout”
• How Cerina began writing for Flowers Magazine Australia
• Turning travel experiences into published articles
• Starting a Substack as a creative outlet and long-term strategy
• Using writing as a less physically demanding pathway within floristry

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
00:41 - Cerina’s background and passion for flowers
01:44 - How she started her floristry journey pre-COVID
02:12 - Her formal training via TAFE during the pandemic
03:32 - Balancing freelance events with personal design style
04:48 - The influence of travel and worldwide workshops
06:09 - The significance of international flower festivals
08:00 - How climate impacts flower choices in Perth
09:12 - Her approach to native Australian flowers and design principles
10:42 - The challenge of sourcing flowers locally & seasonally
12:36 - Her favourite flowers and arrangements
13:40 - Writing as an extension of her floristry passion and her Substack
15:53 - Planning upcoming projects like Subi Blooms and native flora installations
16:38 - Her future goals, including judging and ongoing learning
18:07 - The story behind her publication in Blumenhaus
19:40 - The story of her Substack handle 'The Flower Scout'
21:39 - How she chooses flower festivals and workshops globally
23:09 - Memorable flower festival experiences
25:39 - Insights into international wholesale markets
33:01 - The impact of quarantine laws and imports on local floristry
36:47 - Her outlook on the future of floristry & her evolving roles
44:05 - The potential shift from floristry to writing and sharing stories
46:39 - Her upcoming judging role and exciting plans
47:41 - Closing remarks and future collaborations
Resources & Links:
• Cerina's Substack - The Flower Scout
• Flowers Magazine Australia
• Blumenhaus Magazine
• Chelsea Flower Show
• Madrid Blooms
• Waterlily Farm, Margaret River⁠
• https://theflowerscout.substack.com/p/leuca-creek-waterliliesConnect with our Sponsors - Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers
⁠Follow them on Instagram @freshcutflowerwholesalers⁠
 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/flowerfarmersinnz⁠
Music Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele
  

If You Enjoyed This Episode
• Follow / Subscribe for more flower farming insights
• Share with a fellow grower or florist
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In this episode, Jo Robinson shares insights from flower farmers across New Zealand, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and practical lessons for future planning.
Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or just starting out, these real-world experiences offer valuable takeaways to refine your strategies and boost resilience.
It was a season of "strange weather," featuring early heatwaves, torrential rain, and unexpected hail.

Our thanks to Egmont Seeds for providing some of the images used in this episode.
In this episode:
• Key factors influencing season outcomes
• Common challenges like weather extremes, pests, and crop failures
• Successful crop choices and sales channels
• Practical tips on crop management, pest control, and planting schedules
• Planning for next season based on this year’s lessons
• The importance of resilience and adaptability
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and season overview for flower growers
01:03 - Astrid’s experience at Gulf Harbour
01:33 - Vicky’s weather extremes in Northland
02:13 - Ellie’s slow start using fertiliser teas for flower production
02:51 - Melanie’s rainy season challenges and landscape-growing approach
03:31 - Daisy’s first year in cut flowers and learning curves
04:00 - Penelope’s season as an experienced grower
04:29 - Sophia’s organic practices and rapid early season growth in Canterbury
04:57 - Insights from Jo in Central Otago on spring flowers
05:36 - Emma’s diverse event work and the impact of weather 05:59 - Bronwyn’s resilience and recovery from hail damage
06:16 - Key activities and crops that thrived this season
07:14 - Successes and struggles
08:48 - Astrid’s experience with dahlias
10:10 - Penelope’s standouts
11:00 - Ellie’s high-density dahlias and airflow strategies
11:43 - Melanie’s marigolds and the early season flowering
12:37 - Sophia’s trial and error with spring blooms and mildew issues
14:07 - Jo’s success with tulips and ranunculus
16:29 - Challenges crops this year
19:14 - The impact of weather on crop quality
20:15 - Emma’s rain and temperature challenges with peonies and dahlia
22:19 - Wet winter and spring effects on planting and flowering timelines
23:54 - Adapting to unpredictable weather and wind damage
25:14 - Sale channels: Facebook Groups, wholesale and local markets
29:58 - How growers plan changes for next season
34:39 - Final thoughts: grow what does well where you are, and plan ahead

Key Highlights & Takeaways:
• Sales Strategy: Why a $30/$50 price choice model worked
• Smart Solutions: Using diatomaceous earth for thrip control on Dahlias
• Grow What Works: focus on what thrives in your specific microclimate.
• Get the Transcript: Want to read the full breakdown? Leave a comment on this post/video, and we’ll send you the full transcript!
• Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed these insights, please Like, Subscribe, and leave a Review!
Follow Flower Farming in NZ on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/flower_farming_in_nz/
Already a flower farmer in NZ? Join the private Facebook group Flower Farming in NZ
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3293079974103061
#FlowerFarminginNZ #NZFlowerFarmers #NZCutFlowerGrowers #CutFlowers #LocalFlowers #FlowerFarmingPodcast #FlowerFarminginNZPodcast #SustainableGrowing #nzflowergrowers #nzflorists #sustainablefloristry #sustainableflowerfarming
Connect with Our Sponsors: Freshcut Flower Wholesalers.
Follow them on Instagram @freshcutflowerwholesalers https://www.instagram.com/freshcutflowerwholesalers/
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
· Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz
Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele

Mastering the Greenhouse Environment
Explore the intricacies of horticultural infrastructure and climate-adapted gardening in this conversation with Bruce Thurlow, a seasoned educator and horticulturist from Otago Polytechnic. Bruce shares practical insights on greenhouse management, greenhouse infrastructure, pest control and tools for growing sustainably amid changing climates.
In this episode:
The different greenhouse types and their environmental control systems, from mist houses to heated benches
The significance of environment manipulation—water, airflow, and light control—in plant growth
How to leverage technology like Wi-Fi enabled controllers for irrigation and germination chambers
The challenges and solutions for pest management in greenhouses, emphasising visual inspections
The importance of understanding plant-specific needs

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Bruce's background
04:00 - Greenhouse infrastructure and types
08:00 - Environmental control in greenhouses
12:00 - Pest management strategies
16:00 - Transitioning to dry gardens
20:00 - Principles of dry garden design
24:00 - Water management and irrigation setup
28:00 - Soil and growing media choices
32:00 - Propagation techniques and timing
36:00 - Conclusion and final thoughts
Resources & Links:
• Otago Polytechnic
• Inkbird Temperature Controllers
This episode demonstrates that sustainable, climate-adapted horticulture relies on a combination of infrastructure, observation, and ecological understanding. When managing high-tech greenhouses the core principle remains: right plant, right place, right environment.

Connect with Our Sponsors: Freshcut Flower Wholesalers. Follow them on Instagram @freshcutflowerwholesalers

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/flowerfarmersinnz⁠
Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele

Key words:
#flowerfarminginNZ
#nzflowergrowers
#nzflorists
#sustainablefloristry
#sustainableflowerfarming

Season 3 Episode 1: In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, Jo Robinson chats with Mike Foster from Huhu Gardens in Huntly, a grower who has built a successful flower business by combining practical horticulture knowledge with smart market decisions.Mike shares his journey from nursery work and dairy farming to commercial flower farming, explains how his unique microclimate influences what he grows, and dives deep into practical production strategies for ranunculus, anemones, hydrangeas, and marigolds.The conversation covers everything from greenhouse design and plant spacing to selling through wholesalers, giving listeners real-world insights into running a profitable flower farm in New Zealand.Whether you're a new grower, an experienced flower farmer, or simply love learning about how flowers are produced, this episode is packed with valuable advice.In This Episode Jo and Mike discuss:How Huhu Gardens got its memorable nameMike’s journey from nursery growing to milking 800 cows to running a flower farmTransitioning from export hydrangeas to selling foliage locallyWhy ranunculus and anemones are valuable early-season cropsThe tunnel house setup that produces longer, high-quality stemsGrowing marigolds for the wholesale marketSelling flowers through wholesalers vs auctionsManaging quality control and reputation in the flower marketWhy foliage can sometimes be more profitable than flowersGrowing in a warm Huntly microclimate (with bananas and citrus!)The importance of volume, consistency, and market demandWhy new flower farmers should talk to wholesalers before plantingLessons learned from 20+ years in the flower industry
Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction00:02 Meet Mike Foster from Huhu Gardens02:50 From nursery work to dairy farming to flower farming04:00 Early crops: callas, statice, and hydrangeas05:00 Growing ranunculus and anemones in tunnels07:00 Plant spacing and production volumes10:00 Tunnel house design and microclimate mesh13:00 Seasonal crop schedule at Huhu Gardens15:00 Growing the Coco series marigolds16:40 Hydrangeas: export markets and shifting to foliage19:00 Selling through wholesalers vs auctions21:00 Maintaining quality and grower reputation24:00 Hydrangea production and shade growing28:00 Chiller management and flower storage30:00 Rainfall and climate differences across NZ33:00 Summer weather challenges and storms36:00 Growing gypsophila and amaranthus40:00 Ranunculus production tips and disease management44:00 Using shade cloth in tunnels46:00 Advice for new flower farmers50:00 Lessons from decades in flower farming54:00 Growing lavender and enjoying the farmAbout the PodcastFlower Farming in New Zealand explores the realities of growing flowers commercially across New Zealand’s diverse climates. Hosted by Jo Robinson, the podcast features growers, florists, and industry experts sharing practical advice and real experiences.________________________________________🌷 Follow & ListenIf you enjoy the episode:Follow the podcast on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeShare with another flower growerConnect with Our Sponsors: Freshcut Flower Wholesalers. Follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/freshcutflowerwholesalers/
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
Key words:#flowerfarminginNZ#nzflowergrowers#nzflorists#sustainablefloristry#sustainableflowerfarming

In this episode of Flower Farming in NZ, Jo sits down with Melanie, a New Zealand flower farmer, florist, and entrepreneur, to explore how a love of gardening grew into multiple successful flower-based businesses.
Melanie shares her journey from home gardener to running a commercial flower farm, florist shop, retail stores, and an online gift box business, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities of scaling in the flower industry.
Together, Jo and Melanie discuss the challenges and rewards of flower farming in New Zealand, including working with a unique climate and landscape, plant selection for cut flower production, and the importance of growing flowers that are both beautiful and commercially viable.
Drawing on her scientific background and years of hands-on experience, Melanie explains how she approaches flower selection, harvest timing, and sustainability, and why eco-friendly growing practices are essential to the future of floristry.
The conversation also highlights Melanie’s strong commitment to community engagement, local charities, and events — and the powerful role flowers play in bringing joy, connection, and meaning to people’s lives.
This episode is ideal for:
Flower farmers and growers

Florists and floral designers

Anyone interested in sustainable floristry, flower business models, or growing flowers for picking

Takeaways
• Explore sustainable practices in flower farming.
• Innovative techniques for eco-friendly floristry.
• The joy of sharing flowers with the community.
• Challenges and rewards of running a flower farm.
• Importance of eco-friendly practices in floristry.
• Future trends in the floristry industry.
• Creative solutions for floral arrangements.
• Engaging the community through flowers.
• Balancing business and passion in floristry.
• Insights into New Zealand's floral industry

Chapters
• 00:00:13 Introduction to Flower Farming
• 00:22:50 Innovative Oasis Alternatives
• 00:28:26 Sustainable Practices and Community Engagement
• 00:38:18 Future Trends and Challenges in Floristry

flower farming
sustainable practices
eco-friendly floristry
community engagement
innovative techniques
New Zealand flowers
floral arrangements
gardening
horticulture
floristry business
Community champions
Fundraising
Joy of flowers
cut flower production