Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, and welcome to The Cut Flower Podcast!
Today, I’m sharing why gardening and especially growing your own cut flowers, can have a transformative impact on your mental and physical health. Having experienced this firsthand, I’m thrilled to guide you through the science, benefits, and ways to begin your journey.

Episode Summary
Gardening is more than just a hobby, it’s a way to boost mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve physical health. In this episode, I dive into:

• The scientific research behind gardening’s effects on mental health.
• My personal story of how gardening helped me during a challenging health journey.
• How growing cut flowers connects us to nature and provides a sense of purpose.

Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting, this episode will inspire you to get your hands in the soil for the betterment of your well-being.

What I Cover in This Episode:

1. Mental Health Benefits of Gardening:
   • Stress reduction through decreased cortisol levels.
   • Improved mood thanks to soil microbes like Mycobacterium vaccae.
   • Mindfulness through meditative activities like planting and weeding.
   • A sense of accomplishment watching seeds bloom.
2. Physical Health Perks:
   • Gentle exercise like digging and weeding strengthens muscles and improves flexibility.
   • Boosted immunity from increased vitamin D levels.
   • Better sleep from physical activity and the calming effects of nature.
3. Why Cut Flowers Are Special:
   • Immediate mood enhancement through color and fragrance.
   • Connection with nature that reduces isolation and builds routine.
   • Therapy through flower arranging and sensory experiences.
4. Real Stories and Expert Insights:
   • Interviews with experts like Dr. Menjie Bodhuran, Dr. Alistair Griffiths, and Dr. Richard Claxton on the intersection of gardening and mental health.

Resources to Explore:

• Join our Cut Flower Kickoff 2025 Facebook Group for free guides, live Q&A sessions, and community support.
• Masterclasses: Don’t miss our free online sessions on February 6th, 7th, and 10th to deepen your knowledge and skills.

Start your year with the healing power of gardening. Join the Cut Flower Kickoff 2025 Facebook Group for inspiration, resources, and a like-minded community.

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025
• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hi, and welcome to another delightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast! I’m Roz Chandler, your host, and today I’m thrilled to chat with Stephanie Walker, a micro flower farmer, author, and cut flower enthusiast based in Queen Creek, Arizona. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey from reluctant gardener to a published author and successful grower. Her book, How to Grow Flowers in Small Spaces, is an essential guide for anyone dreaming of a flourishing garden, regardless of space constraints.

In this episode, Stephanie and I explore how small-scale flower farming is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. We talk about the best flowers to grow in containers, soil care, irrigation, and succession planting, as well as the unique challenges and joys of running a flower business. Stephanie also shares her experience writing her book, the importance of planning, and how flowers bring people together through shared memories and joy.

Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to help you embrace flower farming in any space.

Resources and Links:

• Stephanie Walker’s Book: How to Grow Flowers in Small Spaces (Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more).
• Follow Stephanie on Instagram: @StephanieWalkerFlowers.

Join the Conversation:

Have a question or a story to share about growing flowers in small spaces? Join us in the conversation on social media or in our community group. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Cutflower Podcast for more insights, inspiration, and expert tips!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with your fellow flower enthusiasts, and subscribe for more exciting episodes. We’re here to help you grow the garden of your dreams, no matter how small your space may be!

Enjoyed this chat? Let us know your favourite takeaway or tag us with your container garden ideas. 🌸

New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025
• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, and welcome to The Cut Flower Podcast! This January, I’m excited to bring you a special five-episode series all about the benefits of growing your own cut flowers. Today, I’ll share how to start growing flowers as a side hustle or even transition into a full-fledged business.

Episode Summary
In this episode, I share my journey from starting with three raised beds to managing a thriving five-acre flower farm. Whether you’re looking to sell at local markets, supply florists, or offer DIY wedding buckets, I’ll guide you through the first steps. I’ll cover how to start small, grow sustainably, and set the foundations for a profitable venture.

Key Takeaways

1. Start Small: When I started, it was just three raised beds. Even a small garden or a 1-square-meter plot can yield significant results with planning.
2. Plan Your Flowers: Choose customer favorites like sweet peas, dahlias, and cosmos. Think about who you want to sell to—florists, markets, or DIY brides—and tailor your choices.
3. Sustainability Matters: Growing your own flowers reduces reliance on imports and eliminates the need for harmful pesticides. It’s a great way to protect our environment.
4. Profitability: With the right approach, even a small plot can be lucrative. For example, by rotating tulips and dahlias in the same space, you can double your yield.
5. Community Support: Join my Cut Flower Kickoff 2025 Facebook Group, where you’ll find free guides, live Q&As, and plenty of support from fellow growers.

Steps You Can Take Right Now

• Start prepping your soil with compost or manure.
• Browse seed catalogs and choose flowers you love.
• Plan for successional planting to maximize your blooms.
• Begin sowing hardy annuals in March or later in the season, depending on your setup.
• Brush up on basic floristry skills to create beautiful bouquets.

Join Me in the Facebook Group
If you’re excited to grow your own cut flowers, join our Cut Flower Kickoff 2025 Facebook Group. It’s full of resources, including free guides on setting up a side hustle, creating a cutting patch, and more. Plus, we’ve got live masterclasses coming up in February.

Starting a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but I promise it’s worth it. If I could do it—without any horticultural experience—so can you. Let’s grow beautiful blooms together!

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025
• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hi everyone, welcome to the Cut Flower Podcast! I’m Roz Chandler, and today we’re diving into one of my favourite topics, growing your own wedding or event flowers. Whether you’re planning for a big day or just dreaming about it, I’m here to show you how personal, cost-effective, and rewarding it can be to grow your own blooms.

Episode Highlights

Why Grow Your Own Wedding Flowers?
There are so many wonderful reasons to grow your own flowers for your wedding or event:

1. Save Money: Did you know couples in the UK spend between £1,800 and £2,500 on wedding flowers? Growing your own can cut that significantly.
2. Love Gardening: If you or your family enjoys gardening, why not put that passion to work?
3. Make It Personal: There’s nothing like the feeling of creating something special and meaningful for your big day.
4. Embrace the Challenge: It’s such a satisfying project to take on, and you’ll have plenty of support from friends, family, and local flower farmers.

Planning for Success

• Envision Your Style: Romantic pastels, bold brights, or wild, rustic vibes?
• Focus on Timing: Work backwards from your wedding date to ensure flowers are at their peak.
• Allow Enough Time: Plan for at least 12–18 months for a successful harvest.

What You’ll Learn

I shared tips to make the process manageable and enjoyable:

• Best Annuals to Grow: Sweet peas, cosmos, snapdragons, and cornflowers are some of my favorites. They’re easy to grow and bring a lot of beauty to your arrangements.
• Perennials to Consider: For weddings further out, think about roses, dahlias, and peonies. They get better with age—just like us!
• Foliage Matters: Don’t forget about eucalyptus, herbs, and pittosporum to add texture and depth.
• Cutting and Conditioning: Learn how to cut flowers early, hydrate them properly, and keep them fresh for the big day.

Join the Community

I’d love to invite you to our free Facebook group, the Cut Flower Kickoff 2025, where you’ll find guides, tips, and live "fireside chats" throughout January. Plus, we’re hosting three online masterclasses in February to help you get started.

• Facebook Group:

New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025
• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast!
Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, and in today’s episode, I’m joined by the inspiring Dr. Menije Boduryan, a licensed psychologist from Los Angeles. We explore the profound connection between mental health, perfectionism, and the healing power of nature and gardening.

Episode Summary

Dr. Menije shares her expertise on mental health challenges, including anxiety, perfectionism, and self-compassion, while offering actionable insights into how time spent in nature can transform our mental well-being. We discuss the therapeutic benefits of gardening, mindfulness, and redefining success in a world driven by productivity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Nature Heals: Time spent outdoors promotes mindfulness, gratitude, and grounding.
2. Redefine Success: Shift focus from productivity to fulfillment, connection, and joy.
3. Self-Care is Essential: Treat self-care as a non-negotiable priority in your day.
4. Embrace Imperfection: Failure fosters growth, empathy, and resilience.
5. Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion and allow your best to vary daily.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:
  • The Power of Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff
  • The Gifts of Imperfection by Dr. Brené Brown

Connect with Dr. Menije:

• Youtube: youtube.com/@drmenije
• Website: www.perfectionismuniversity.com
• Free mini-course that I would love to share with you: https://www.perfectionismuniversity.com/perfectionism-email-course

Get Involved:

Did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts with #TheCutflowerPodcast and tag us! Let us know how gardening or nature has positively impacted your mental health.

Take one step toward self-compassion today. Whether it’s spending a few moments outdoors, journaling about your values, or embracing imperfection, every small action matters.

New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025
• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast!
Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, your host, and I’m thrilled to take you on another journey into the world of flowers, creativity, and sustainability. In this episode, I sat down with the amazing Susan Dye and Ashley from Nature's Rainbow. Together, they’ve built a life around growing natural dye plants and educating others about this beautiful craft.

Episode Summary

I had the privilege of learning about Susan and Ashley’s story, from childhood inspirations to creating a dye garden in Hitchin. We talked about their journey into natural dyes, the technicalities of extracting colours, and the sheer joy of wearing or using something made entirely from scratch. We also explored how some dye plants can double as cut flowers and why reconnecting with these sustainable practices is so rewarding.

Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

1. Natural dyeing is a beautiful blend of art, science, and sustainability.
2. Key plants like madder, woad, and weld are not only vibrant but also steeped in history.
3. The preparation process is crucial for achieving bright, long-lasting colors.
4. Workshops and mentoring bring the joy of natural dyeing to life for everyone.
5. There’s something special about creating with plants you’ve grown yourself—it’s a soul-nourishing experience.

Resources for You

• Explore Susan and Ashley’s incredible work at Nature’s Rainbow.
• Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (links on their website).
• Join our growing community: The Cut Flower Collective Facebook Group.

Get Involved!

If this episode inspired you, tag us with #TheCutflowerPodcast and #Nature’sRainbow. I’d love to hear your questions and comments! You can also pop into The Cut Flower Collective on Facebook to join the conversation.

Let’s Stay Connected
Are you thinking of starting your own dye garden? Susan and Ashley’s workshops and blog are a fantastic place to start. I know I’m inspired to dive in and try something new. Let me know if you’re joining this journey, too!

New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025
• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hi, I’m Roz, and welcome back to The Cutflower Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back Roisin Taylor, who joins us for an insightful follow-up discussion. Earlier this year, we spoke about her Nuffield Farming Scholarship and her fascinating work on climate adaptation in the British cut flower industry. Now, we dive into her latest findings and her vision for the future of flower farming in the UK. Let’s get into it!

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode, Roisin Taylor shares her research into the resilience of the British cut flower industry amid the challenges of climate change. From storm-damaged gardens to scorching summers, her Nuffield Farming Scholarship journey revealed both vulnerabilities and opportunities in this growing sector.

We discuss her travels, including eye-opening visits to Kenyan and Dutch flower farms, lessons learned from their practices, and the troubling lack of transparency in flower production. Roisin unveils her plan to establish a British Cut Flower Association—a body to support growers, florists, and stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable and thriving industry.

Key Takeaways

1. Climate Change Impacts: Understanding how flooding, drought, and extreme heat are challenging the resilience of British flower farms.
2. The Need for Advocacy: Why the industry requires a dedicated national body to support growers, address labour issues, and drive sustainability.
3. Labelling and Transparency: Advocating for clearer labelling to help consumers make informed choices about the flowers they buy.
4. Collaboration Over Competition: How hubs, cooperatives, and community efforts could transform the supply chain and make British flowers more accessible.
5. Lessons from Abroad: Insights from Kenya, the Netherlands, and beyond on building a sustainable and profitable flower industry.

Resource Links:

• Learn more about the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.
• Connect with Roisin: https://bio.site/roisinbt

New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025
• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hi, I’m Roz, and welcome to another episode of The Cutflower Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to have a very special guest, Ed Boers, joining me. Ed has had an incredible journey this year, stepping into the world of Fibrex Nurseries and saving a much-loved family business. If you’re curious about the beauty and versatility of pelargoniums or dreaming of creating your own blooming paradise, you’ll love this episode!

Episode Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Ed Boers, the passionate owner of Fibrex Nurseries. We dive into his remarkable story of taking over the renowned family-run nursery, known for its exquisite pelargoniums, ferns, and ivies. Ed shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by plants to becoming the driving force behind revitalising this specialist nursery.

We talk about everything from his background in plant propagation to the challenges of moving an entire nursery operation, and even some tips on caring for tender perennials like pelargoniums through the winter. Whether it’s the scent of a pelargonium bouquet or the joys of running a family business, Ed’s enthusiasm is infectious.

Plus, we explore the growing trend of container gardening and how pelargoniums are the perfect fit for balconies and urban spaces. With insights into marketing strategies, the power of Instagram, and Ed’s plans for 2024, this episode is packed with inspiration for plant lovers and entrepreneurs alike.

Key Takeaways

1. Pelargoniums 101: The difference between pelargoniums and geraniums, and why pelargoniums are such a versatile, superior plant for bouquets, containers, and more.
2. Winter Care Tips: How to protect tender perennials like pelargoniums from frost and make the most of their cutting potential.
3. Building a Niche Business: Ed’s approach to preserving Fibrex’s legacy while expanding its reach through mail order and social media.
4. Growing Trends: The rise of container gardening and how pelargoniums are ideal for small urban spaces.
5. Inspiration for Entrepreneurs: Insights into managing a family-run business, staying authentic on social media, and balancing passion with practicality.

Resources Mentioned & Links

• Fibrex Nurseries: Visit fibrex.co.uk to pre-order pelargoniums and other plants. Dispatch

New Catalogue Out Now, https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecutflowerkickoff2025
• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection