Flower Farming in New Zealand

• The Art of Plant Breeding with Dr. Keith Hammett: Season 2 Episode 8

  In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, host Jo Robinson interviews Dr. Keith Hammett, a renowned plant breeder known for his work with dahlias. The conversation explores Keith's journey into breeding plants, his inspirations, and the intricate processes involved in creating new varieties. Dr Keith shares insights into the challenges of breeding, the importance of genetic variability, and the aesthetic considerations that influence his work. The discussion also touches on the significance of protecting breeder rights, the role of marketers and retailers, and the joy that comes from connecting with flower farmers and enthusiasts. Dr Keith's passion for horticulture and dedication to his craft shine through as he reflects on his experiences and the impact of his work on the flower industry.Bullet Points:• Breeding requires a long-term vision, often spanning decades.• Dahlias are unique due to their genetic variability and breeding challenges.• The breeding process involves defining clear goals and selecting appropriate parent plants.• Aesthetics play a crucial role in the breeding of dahlias.• Maintaining breeding stock is essential for successful plant breeding.• The distillation process helps refine breeding selections over time.• Breeders need to protect their rights to recoup their investments.• Marketers and retailers are vital for bringing new varieties to market.• The joy of breeding comes from seeing the happiness it brings to others.• Naming new breeds can be both fun and challenging.The Important Bits!!• "You have to think in decades."• "The magic has never left me."• "I have a little white book."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Keith Hammett02:48 The Journey into Dahlia Breeding07:29 Breeding Goals and Inspirations09:32 Understanding the Breeding Process12:20 The Role of Exhibitors in Breeding16:27 Genetic Variability in Dahlias19:02 The Aesthetic of Dahlia Breeding20:12 Favorite Dahlias and Surprises in Breeding22:40 Challenges in Maintaining Breeding Lines23:32 The Art of Plant Breeding25:58 Navigating Plant Patents and Breeder Rights29:37 The Role of Marketers in Plant Breeding31:58 Understanding Plant Health and Breeding Stock35:22 Seed Storage and Maintenance36:50 The Impact of DNA Sampling in Breeding40:31 The Importance of Collaboration in Plant Breeding40:52 The Joy of Connecting Through Flowers42:40 Naming New Breeds: A Creative ChallengeInfo for all show notes: Connect with Our Sponsors:(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 cansupport 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#Dahlia breeding#plant breeding#horticulture#flower farming#genetic variability#breeding goals#plant variety rights#flower aesthetics#flower farmers#plant health

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• Blooming in the City with Marisa of Urban Floral Farmlet: Season 2 Episode 7

  In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, host Jo Robinson welcomes Marisa from Urban Floral Farmlet. They discuss Marisa's journey from a corporate career to flower farming, the challenges of urban farming, and the impact of COVID-19 on her business. Marisa shares insights on growing flowers in limited spaces, the importance of community, and her experiences with various growing and floristry courses. The conversation also touches on the significance of local support and the joy flowers bring to people's lives.Takeaways• Marisa transitioned from a corporate career to flower farming during COVID-19.• Urban farming presents unique challenges and opportunities.• Community support is vital for local businesses.• Floristry courses offer valuable insights but may not suit everyone.• COVID-19 prompted a shift towards local and sustainable practices.• Marisa values the joy flowers bring to people's lives.• Growing flowers in urban spaces requires creativity and adaptability.• The Floret Scholarship provided Marisa with valuable resources.• Marisa emphasizes the importance of work-life balance.• Local collaborations enhance business resilience.Marisa's words of wisdom:Growing flowers in the city is unique. Flowers bring joy to people's lives.Community support is vitalUrban farming requires creativity.Local collaborations are key.Work-life balance is crucial.The Floret Scholarship was invaluable.Local businesses need community support.Chapters• 02:04 Impact of COVID-19• 06:36 Urban Farming Challenges• 13:47 Introduction and Marisa's Background• 17:19 Floristry Courses and Insights• 28:51 Community and Local Support• 43:47 Joy and Passion for FlowersConnect 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#flowerfarming#urbanflowerfarming#NewZealandFlowerFarmers#localbusiness #UrbanFloralFarmlet #JoRobinson

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• 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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