When Flowers Become Medicine: A Gardener's Mental Health Journey
Have you ever noticed how your shoulders relax and your breath deepens when you step into a garden? There's something profound happening in that moment—something that goes far beyond pretty flowers and vegetable harvests.In this heartfelt episode, I open up about the unexpected mental health lessons I've discovered while tending to my flower farm. The garden has become my therapist, my meditation space, and my teacher. Those zinnias glowing in the morning light aren't just beautiful—they're reminders to slow down in a world that demands we constantly rush. The twisted stems finding their way to sunlight show us that growth is never linear, just like our own healing journeys.When storms flatten our best blooms or pests destroy entire crops overnight, the garden teaches resilience—sometimes through holding on, but often through letting go. These aren't just gardening lessons; they're life lessons that have transformed how I approach challenges, setbacks, and even joy. Because that's another gift from the garden: learning to find delight in the smallest moments—a first bloom, a perfect petal, the hum of bees on a summer day.Whether you have acres of land or just a pot of basil on your windowsill, your garden can become sacred ground for mental wellness. Every time we dig, water, prune or harvest, we're not just caring for plants—we're tending to something essential within ourselves. I'd love to hear what your garden has taught you about mental health. Share your experiences, and remember: may your mind be as nourished as your soil, and may your flowers remind you of the beauty in every season of life.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz
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Beyond the Bouquet: Turning Fresh Flowers into Forever Art
What if the flowers from your wedding day, memorial service, or special celebration could last forever? Andrea Cole, founder of Designs by Andrea, brings this possibility to life through her remarkable flower preservation artistry. In this captivating conversation, Andrea reveals how a Valentine's bouquet and the discovery of her husband's grandmother's pressed flower hobby sparked a passion that evolved into preserving thousands of meaningful floral arrangements.Andrea walks us through the science behind flower preservation, explaining the seven different methods her studio employs to transform fresh blooms into lasting keepsakes. From silica gel extraction to microwave pressing, each technique addresses the unique characteristics of different flower types. She shares insider tips for beginners (hydrangeas are perfect starters!) while warning about the challenges certain blooms present (dahlias can be particularly tricky).The preservation process Andrea describes is meticulous and time-intensive, taking two to three months from receiving fresh flowers to completing a finished art piece. This includes color restoration using five different techniques to ensure preserved flowers maintain their original vibrancy and beauty. Her thoughtful comparison of weddings to the Cinderella story—how everything disappears at midnight after months of planning—highlights why preservation has become so meaningful to couples wanting tangible memories of their special day.With over 200 different design options and millions of customization possibilities, Andrea's studio creates everything from statement wall art to three-dimensional resin pieces. Her custom-designed "gem" pieces, which she developed with a moldmaker, represent her artistic vision and attention to detail. Whether you're considering preserving your own meaningful flowers or starting a preservation business, Andrea's advice to "not be scared" while respecting the craft's complexity offers the perfect balance of encouragement and realism.Discover how these preserved florals become more than just decorative pieces—they transform into treasured heirlooms that tell stories and preserve memories for generations to come. Want to see Andrea's stunning work? Find her on Instagram @designsbyandrea, TikTok @dvandrea, or visit dvandrea.com to explore the magical world of flower preservation.Find Andrea and schedule your bouquet preservation here:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/designs.by.andrea?igsh=M3kzNW9vcno5eXdnWebsite - https://www.dbandrea.com/?utm_campaign=gmbInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz
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Ghosted, Rejected, and Undervalued: Why Potential Clients Walk Away
Ever felt that gut-wrenching disappointment when a potential client ghosts you after what seemed like the perfect consultation? You're not alone. In this refreshingly honest episode, we dive deep into why couples don't book with flower vendors—and why that might actually be the best thing for your business and mental health.From the messy day-to-day realities of running a flower farm to the delicate dance of client expectations, we're pulling back the curtain on what really happens when potential clients walk away. Whether it's price shock (those $10,000 Pinterest installations aren't happening on a $500 budget!), personality clashes, or the dreaded "momzilla" who steamrolls her daughter's vision, we examine the real reasons behind lost bookings.The most valuable insight? Not everyone is your client—and that's perfectly okay. Your energy, time, and artistic vision are sacred resources that deserve to be valued. When someone doesn't book you, it creates space for clients who truly appreciate your unique approach and creative perspective. It took me years to stop taking rejection personally, but once I understood this truth, my business—and my happiness—transformed.For flower professionals struggling with ghosting, undervaluing, or just plain dismissal, this episode offers practical wisdom on refining your inquiry process, being crystal clear about pricing upfront, and recognizing the red flags that signal a client isn't your people. Because at the end of the day, the most successful businesses aren't the ones that book everyone—they're the ones that book the right ones.Listen in, share with a fellow flower friend, and remember: your best work happens when you're working with clients who celebrate your vision, not just tolerate it.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz
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The Power of Reviews: Growing Your Business Through Social Proof
Customer reviews aren't just nice-to-have compliments—they're powerful marketing tools that build trust and credibility for your business. In this revealing episode, we dive deep into why reviews matter so much, especially for emotionally-driven businesses like floristry and farming where connection and beauty are everything.Feeling awkward about asking for reviews? You're not alone. We explore why this discomfort exists and how to reframe your thinking: when you've delivered a great experience, asking for feedback isn't begging—it's celebrating a successful collaboration between you and your customer. With practical strategies for making requests feel natural and prompts to help customers craft meaningful testimonials, you'll walk away ready to transform your approach to gathering social proof.Through real stories from our own review journey (including a wedding with a particularly challenging mother-of-the-bride!), we share both the heartwarming impact of positive feedback and how to handle those inevitable not-so-glowing reviews with grace. You'll learn creative ways to showcase testimonials across platforms, turning each positive review into a tiny brand ambassador working on your behalf.Ready to put these insights into action? We challenge you to reach out to three past customers this week and ask for reviews using the conversational approaches we've shared. Tag us on Instagram to share your experience and the responses you receive! Remember, every time someone shares their positive experience with your business, they're helping future customers feel confident choosing you—and that's a beautiful cycle worth nurturing.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz
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26:40
Growing Dreams Under Glass
Ever wonder how those stunning orchids end up in your local grocery store? This eye-opening conversation with Toine Overgaag, president of Westerlay Orchids, reveals the fascinating journey from Dutch immigrant orchid growers to building one of America's largest sustainable greenhouse operations.When South American imports decimated the domestic rose industry, Tuan and his father made a pivotal decision to transition to orchids—plants that couldn't be easily shipped in from abroad. What started as a stopgap career move during the Y2K crisis blossomed into a passion and eventually an empire producing over 4 million orchids annually across 18 acres of glass greenhouses in California.The conversation goes far beyond horticulture, delivering profound business wisdom about values-driven leadership and team building. Tuan shares how implementing core values of pride, responsibility, support, and continuous improvement transformed their company culture. He offers a particularly insightful observation about talented employees who don't align with company values being potentially destructive forces—a lesson applicable to businesses of any size.Environmental sustainability emerges as a central theme, with Toine describing innovative dehumidification technology that reduces natural gas usage while improving plant health. These initiatives demonstrate how profitability and responsibility can work hand-in-hand rather than in opposition.Whether you're a backyard grower with a single orchid on your windowsill or building your own flower business, this episode delivers practical wisdom about growing your passion into something sustainable and meaningful. As Toine says, reflecting on the best advice he's received: "Make decisions, or decisions will be made for you."Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/ Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz
Join this podcast team of flower lovers while they take you along their journey as flower farmer florists pursuing business, family, strategy, mother nature, wedding installs, and everything in between including fieldwork, and floral design all the way to the day of event execution. A weekly show that talks about all things flowers including the reality of flower farming, using locally grown flowers in wedding design, and other flower use with an environmentally focused perspective based in a small town but close enough to reach big cities. This women-run business features a mother-daughter team with a best friend to keep them all balanced and includes a variety of guests who are flower lovers, users, sniffers, and enthusiasts that will talk on a range of topics or ramble on about other things… Depending on where the seasons take us!
New Zealand