Have you ever wondered how a simple backyard gardening hobby could blossom into a thriving family-run business supplying high-quality rooted dahlia cuttings to flower farmers and gardeners across the country? In this captivating episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Julie and Ryan Williams, the passionate duo behind Stonehouse Dahlias in Northern Utah.

Julie and Ryan share their heartwarming tale of transitioning from teachers to dahlia propagators, recounting the pivotal moment when they were approached to sell Kristine Albrecht's renowned K.A. Dahlia varieties through cuttings. The Williams' dedication to producing virus-free plants through tissue culture and their commitment to quality shine through as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of their business.

Tune in to hear expert advice on caring for dahlia cuttings, including the importance of timely planting, providing ample light, and amending soil for optimal tuber growth. The Williams' innovative approach to dahlia propagation, their resilience in the face of setbacks, and their ongoing experimentation with tuber growth methods make Stonehouse Dahlias a beacon of excellence in the dahlia community.

Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or a budding gardener, this episode is sure to inspire and educate, offering valuable insights into the art of growing vibrant and healthy dahlias.

• 00:00:55-00:01:07: Introduction to Stonehouse Dahlias
• 00:02:23-00:02:33: Story of How Stonehouse Dahlias Got Started
• 00:04:22-00:04:33: Transition to Cuttings
• 00:09:27-00:09:38: Challenges and Growth
• 00:10:30-00:10:40: Collaboration with Kristine Albrecht
• 00:19:47-00:19:58: Growing Virus-Free Stock and Tissue Culture
• 00:22:51-00:23:03: Virus Elimination Process
• 00:26:32-00:26:42: Learning Resilience and Adaptation
• 00:36:13-00:36:25: Controlling Pests in the Greenhouse
• 00:41:55-00:42:05: Tips for Handling Cuttings
• 00:46:34-00:46:46: Getting Tubers from Cuttings

Learn More About Stonehouse Dahlias:

• Website: https://stonehousedahlias.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonehousedahlias/

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In this episode, Melissa Hessney Masters, of Tangleboom Flower Farm, takes us on a heartfelt journey that began with a simple yet profound desire to find local flowers for her wedding back in 2010. This quest sparked a passion that led her to establish Tanglebloom in 2013. As we delve into her story, you'll hear about the myriad challenges she faced in the world of flower farming and how she gracefully navigated them.

Melissa also shares her innovative shift towards Agritourism, a move that has not only diversified her farm's offerings but also brought the beauty of Tanglebloom to a wider audience. One of the highlights of our conversation is the creation of Vermont's very first flower CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, a testament to her pioneering spirit and commitment to community engagement.

Throughout our discussion, Melissa emphasizes her dedication to sustainable farming practices, a topic that resonates deeply with many of us. We also explore the undeniable charm and popularity of peonies, a flower that has captured the hearts of many. Melissa even offers a sneak peek into her comprehensive digital course on growing peonies, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to grow these stunning blooms successfully.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical cut flower advice that you won't want to miss! So, grab your garden tools, find a cozy spot in your garden, and tune in to hear the full conversation with Melissa from Tangleboom.

• Melissa's journey to flower farming (00:02:30)
• Starting a flower CSA (00:07:18)
• Transition to agritourism and education (00:14:30)
• Focus on peonies and perennials (00:17:23)
• Agritourism and Glamping (00:22:48)
• Niche Down to Peonies (00:26:11)
• Lessons Learned and Challenges (00:33:00)
• Peony Growing Tips (00:36:56)
• Favorite Peony Varieties (00:42:57)
• Controlling botrytis and other diseases (00:49:08)
• Harvesting peonies and preventing thrips (00:57:52)
• Relocating and dividing peonies (01:02:25)
• Harvesting peonies in the first season (01:03:38)
• Harvesting and Marketing Strategy (01:04:49)
• Peony Course (01:07:44)

Show notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/06/15/ep-25-growing-peonies-with-tanglebloom-farm/

Learn More About Melissa & Tanglebloom:

• GrowAndSellPeonies.com - The Peony Course
• Tanglebloom.com - Learn more about Tanglebloom Flower Farm & Stays
• @tanglebloom - Follow on Instagram

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

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New episodes every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered about the art of drying flowers and creating stunning arrangements that last a lifetime? In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we have the pleasure of hearing from Hannah Muller, a cut flower farmer located in the beautiful Capay Valley of Northern California. Hannah shares her journey from growing up on Full Belly Farm to becoming a wedding farmer-florist to shifting her focus to dried flowers. We explore the process of drying flowers, the best conditions for drying, and the importance of harvesting at the right stage.

Plus, get a glimpse into Hannah's newly released book, "Designing with Dried Flowers," which offers 32 unique arrangements that capture the enduring beauty of dried flowers. From everyday wreaths to breathtaking celebration pieces, Hannah teaches us how to craft these beautiful arrangements ourselves, whether from a backyard garden or a simple supermarket bouquet.

Tune in to today’s episode to discover the secrets of preserving the fleeting beauty of flowers into something permanent and the joy of connecting people to the earth through Hannah's work.

In This Episode You'll Hear About:

• 00:02:29 - Hannah's Journey to Writing Her Book
• 00:03:05 - Growing Up on Full Belly Farm
• 00:05:01 - College Years and Return to the Farm
• 00:06:11 - Transition to Wedding Flowers
• 00:09:05 - Impact of COVID-19 on Wedding Industry
• 00:10:55 - Writing the Book on Dried Flowers
• 00:13:10 - Personal Stories and Inspirations in the Book
• 00:14:46 - Evolution of Flower Growing at Full Belly Farm
• 00:18:19 - Incorporating Dried Flowers into the Business
• 00:22:46 - Tips for Drying Flowers at Home
• 00:32:07 - Sunflowers and Other Dried Flowers
• 00:33:56 - Inside the Wreath Room
• 00:38:19 - Favorite Dried Flowers and Techniques
• 00:39:17 - Harvesting and Drying Techniques
• 00:41:28 - Experimenting with Drying Different Flowers
• 00:43:10 - Importance of Harvest Stage for Drying
• 00:45:13 - Outlets for Selling Dried Flowers

Shownotes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/06/04/episode-24-designing-with-dried-flowers-hannah-muller-full-belly-farm/

Learn More About Hannah:

• https://www.instagram.com/farmerhands/
• https://www.instagram.com/wreathroom/
• https://www.instagram.com/full_belly_farm/
• https://fullbellyfarm.com/
• Designing With Dried Flowers Book: https://amzn.to/4bADBC1

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

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New episodes coming every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Sign up for newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

Are you curious about what it takes to be a sustainable farmer-florist? In episode 23, we delve into the vibrant world of flower farming with Heather Staten from Heather's Flower Farm in Hood River, Oregon. Heather's journey from an avid gardener to flourishing flower farmer is a testament to her love for the earth and the beauty of cultivation.

In this episode, Heather shares her passion for growing over 250 varieties of flowers and foliage on her family's 18-acre property in Hood River, Oregon. From her commitment to sustainability, using no-till techniques and natural fertilizers, to her dedication to reducing the floral industry's carbon footprint, Heather's Flower Farm is a true example of eco-friendly flower farming.

Discover how Heather's flower farm is a family endeavor, with her husband, Ben, crafting the farm's infrastructure, and their children, Lottie and Jake, actively involved in the field and design. From weddings and events to bouquet subscriptions and farmer's markets, Heather's business model showcases the beauty and joy of locally grown flowers as a sustainable alternative to imported blooms.

Join us in this episode as we explore Heather's insights into the world of flowers, her tips for successful cut flower growing, and the joy of connecting with the season through blooms. Tune in to hear about her unique approach to bouquet subscriptions, the art of floral design, and the beauty of foraging for greenery on her picturesque property.

• 00:02:36 - Heather's journey into flower farming
• 00:06:02 - Overview of Heather's business model
• 00:08:42 - Heather's approach to full-service weddings
• 00:14:38 - The value of investing in floral education
• 00:26:44 - Sustainability practices in the wedding industry
• 00:29:39 - Building a hoop house for flower farming
• 00:30:25 - Forcing tulips in a hoop house
• 00:31:57 - Benefits of growing perennials for flower farming
• 00:35:50 - CSA bouquet subscriptions
• 00:43:23 - Benefits of growing perennials for sustainable flower farming
• 00:46:16 - Utilizing foraged greenery for floral arrangements
• 00:50:48 - Importance of local flowers
• 00:53:19 - Family involvement in Heather's flower farm

• https://heathersflowerfarm.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/heathersflowerfarm/

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes coming every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Sign up for newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

Have you ever wondered what happens when a passion for music and farming intertwine to create a symphony of nature and artistry? In Episode 22 of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we journey down South to Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast of Australia to chat with the remarkable Bec McConnell of Serenade Farm.

Bec shares with us the beautiful story of how her love for gardening and flowers was nurtured from childhood memories of her Nan and Pop's garden, to her backpacking adventures in organic farms across England, Ireland, and Wales. After years of running an entertainment company, Bec and her husband finally realized their dream of owning a farm on Tamborine Mountain, where they initially focused on growing food.

However, it was a serendipitous encounter with a bunch of dahlias that sparked Bec's passion for breeding these vibrant flowers. Over the years, Bec has dedicated herself to hybridizing dahlias, creating unique and stunning varieties like Serenade Curiosity, Serenade Moondance, and Serenade Sonata, each named with a touch of musical inspiration.

Bec's story of passion and creativity will leave you inspired and eager to grow dahlias from seed. Tune in to hear the full interview with Bec McConnell of Serenade Farm and delve deeper into her journey of intertwining music and farming.

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Today’s Episode Is Sponsored By Epic Gardening. Shop Epic Gardening’s Memorial Day Sale & Save 30% off All Birdies Beds + up to 55% off select gardening essentials with code THEFLOWERINGFARMHOUSE .

Now through Monday, May 27th, Shop The Memorial Day Sale: https://glnk.io/73j50/thefloweringfarmhouse

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In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• 00:01:19-00:01:30 Introduction to Serenade Farm
• 00:02:36-00:03:29 Bec's Journey into Flower Farming
• 00:09:16-00:09:27 Location and Climate of Serenade Farm
• 00:10:59-00:11:09 Hybridizing Dahlias
• 00:15:21-00:15:32 Assessing and Selecting Dahlias
• 00:31:47-00:32:08 Breeding Progress and Future Plans
• 00:32:39-00:32:50 Connecting with Other Breeders
• 00:33:40-00:33:50 Impact of Social Media and Community
• 00:40:18-00:40:29 Sharing Dahlia Names and Inspirations
• 00:42:01-00:42:12 Challenges and Benefits of Breeding Dahlias

Show notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/05/21/ep-22-intertwining-music-and-flower-farming-with-serenade-farm/

Learn more about Bec McConnell & Serenade Farm

• https://www.instagram.com/serenade_dahlias/
• https://serenadefarm.com.au/

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Are you ready to be inspired by a heartfelt story of healing, motherhood, and the beauty of dahlias? Join us on the Backyard Bouquet Podcast this week as we welcome Kamille, a flower farmer and mother, who shares her journey of finding solace in flower farming after experiencing grief and loss.

Discover the therapeutic power of flowers and the importance of prioritizing family and relationships through Kamille's touching story. Hear about her passion for breeding dahlias and the value of mentorship and community within the dahlia world.

Explore Kamille's approach to nurturing her daughters, each with their unique personalities, and gain insights into balancing flower farming with motherhood. Find inspiration in Kamille's message of encouragement and support, emphasizing the power of affirmation and building meaningful relationships.

Join us on this episode as we delve into the intersection of flower farming, motherhood, and the beauty of nurturing relationships through Kamille's inspiring journey. Let the Backyard Bouquet Podcast be your guide to wisdom, joy, and the transformative power of flowers. Tune in now to let your backyard bloom with Kamille's heartfelt tale.

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/05/15/ep-21-balancing-motherhood-and-dahlias-kamilles-flowers/

In This Episode You'll Hear About:

• 00:01:07 - Kamille's Background in Flower Farming
• 00:07:26 - Importance of Flowers in Feeding the Soul
• 00:09:25 - Nurturing Relationships with Daughters in the Garden
• 00:15:50 - Passion for Breeding Dahlias
• 00:20:34 - Building Relationships in the Dahlia Community
• 00:39:00 - Prioritizing Family and Flower Farming
• 00:46:18 - Balancing Motherhood and Flower Farming
• 00:47:06 - Avoiding Comparison and Fostering Encouragement

Learn more about Kamille’s Flowers:

• https://www.kamillesflowers.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/kamillesflowers/
• https://www.whatcomcountydahliasociety.com/

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JOIN THE DAHLIA PATCH

Monthly LIVE Trainings, Q&A Sessions, & Online Learning Community To Help You Grow And Enjoy Healthy & Abundant Dahlias This Year

https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/the-dahlia-patch-membership-growing-dahlias

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If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes are coming every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Sign up for our newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Steve Kaufer, also known as Sunflower Steve, shares his journey from planting a prairie garden to becoming a renowned sunflower seed breeder. Starting with planting native prairie flowers in Wisconsin, Steve's passion for flowers has led him to cultivate unique sunflower varieties over the last 20 plus years. Through trial and error, Steve established relationships with large retailers and wholesalers, eventually focusing on high-volume production of sunflowers and zinnias. His innovative methods, such as using birds of prey to deter rodents, set him apart in the flower farming industry.

Steve's dedication to seed breeding led to the discovery of a rare double-flowering sunflower named Gigi, sparking his interest in enhancing sunflower genetics. By carefully selecting and cross-pollinating different varieties, Steve has created stunning bicolor and maroonish colored sunflowers. Despite challenges like frost and pest control, Steve's unique approach to flower farming showcases the intersection of nature, innovation, and dedication in creating beautiful blooms. Join Steve on a journey through the vibrant world of sunflowers and the art of seed breeding, where each petal tells a story of resilience and growth.

Shownotes:

https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/05/12/ep-20-growing-sunflowers-with-sunflower-steve/

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• 01:15-05:16: Steve's Journey: From Flower Farming to Sunflower Breeding
• 13:19-16:23: Maximizing Efficiency and Planning for Contingencies
• 0:26-23:33: Evolution of Steve’s Flower Farm
• 24:35-32:01: From Hobby to Breeding Success
• 37:51-41:40: Protecting Sunflowers from Rodents and Birds
• 01:06:30-01:09:47: Sunflowers and Camp
• 01:10:33-01:14:33: Breeding and Growing Unique Sunflowers

Learn More About Sunflower Steve:

• · https://sunflowersteveseedco.com/
• · https://www.instagram.com/sun_flower_steve
• · CBS Sunday Morning: https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/0Hr_4AyQAfnOZQeb44TCkxu_omlTvF4E/
• · Camp: https://www.crosswoods.camp/

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes are coming every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Sign up for The Flowering Farmhouse newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

Welcome to a special BONUS episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast. Today, we're diving into the world of dahlias, my favorite flower, and I'm here to guide you through everything you need to know to have a successful start to dahlia growing season.

In Today’s Bonus Episode, We’ll Cover:

• What you need to get started growing dahlias
• How to plant your dahlias
• How to set your dahlias up for success after planting
• Common Dahlia Growing Challenges
• Invitation to join The Dahlia Patch

The Dahlia Patch Membership Features:

• Monthly LIVE Training Webinars (replays available)
• Monthly LIVE Q&A Sessions (replays available)
• Expert Step-By-Step Growing Guidance From Jennifer of The Flowering Farmhouse
• Online Community To Connect With Other Passionate Dahlia Growers
• Interactive Opportunities To Grow Along (Growing From Seed, Taking Cuttings, Dividing Dahlias)
• Access to The Dahlia Patch anytime from your phone, tablet, and computer

Who Is The Dahlia Patch For:

• First Time Dahlia Growers
• Dahlia Growers Wanting Step-By-Step Guidance
• Dahlia Growers Looking To Increase Their Production
• Dahlia Growers Wanting To Connect With Others Who Are Passionate About Growing Dahlias

Our Founding Membership in The Dahlia Patch is available through May 1st, 2024. Be sure to lock-in this introductory rate today. We'd love to have you join us in The Dahlia Patch!

Learn More & Join The Dahlia Patch:

https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/the-dahlia-patch-membership-growing-dahlias