In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we are joined by Katy King, of Hidden Springs Flowers in central Pennsylvania. Katy shares the inspiring journey of transforming a century-old family farm into a thriving cut flower business. She and her husband Jim started Hidden Springs in 2018, turning a simple backyard veggie patch into two acres of stunning seasonal cut flowers. Katy discusses the challenges and joys of balancing her roles as a farmer, entrepreneur, educator, and mother.

Tune in to learn about the farm's history, dating back to Jim's great-grandparents, and how Katy's passion for gardening and business led her to flower farming. She details the evolution of their business model, from selling to florists to focusing on retail and subscription bouquets. Katy also shares insights into her planting schedule, the importance of making the business fit around her life, and her strategies for managing the farm with minimal help.

Additionally, Katy talks about her passion for educating others in the floral industry, particularly on the business side of flower farming. She offers tips on using social media effectively and discusses her online course designed to help aspiring flower farmers.

Listen now to hear the full conversation and gain valuable insights from Katy King's journey with Hidden Springs Flowers.

00:03:36 - History of Hidden Springs Flower Farm
00:05:23 - Transition from Vegetable Farming to Flower Farming
00:09:58 - First Flower Sales and Pop-Up Markets
00:19:44 - Adjusting Business Model for Family Life
00:29:53 - Current Flower Varieties Grown
00:31:05 - Year-Round Business Operations
00:32:31 - Selling Subscriptions During Holidays
00:34:15 - Starting Flowers from Plugs
00:40:03 - Passion for Educating Others
00:43:02 - Using TikTok for Business
00:45:58 - Importance of Storytelling in Business
00:46:36 - Online Flower Farm Course: In The Weeds

Learn More About Hidden Springs Flowers:

• In The Weeds Flower Farm Course: https://hiddenspringsflowers.com/pages/in-the-weeds
• Website: https://hiddenspringsflowers.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/hiddenspringsflowers/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/hiddenspringsflowers
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenspringsflowers

Join me inside Amy Porterfield’s Course Confident: A LIVE Bootcamp to Get Digital Course Clarity, Attract Your Audience, and Show up with Confidence Online.

Save Your Seat For Only $47: https://bit.ly/apcourseconfident

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

As fall swiftly approaches, the changing of seasons brings new challenges and opportunities for gardeners. In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we welcome back Kara Jamison of Blooming Joy Flower Co.

Kara discusses the importance of soil health, revealing her methods for cultivating rich, organic soil that has helped her garden thrive even through a hot, dry summer. She explains how she uses organic materials like compost, animal manures, and wood chips to improve soil moisture retention and fertility.

This conversation also delves into the joys and challenges of growing specific flowers. Kara shares her success with celosia and stock, offering tips on how to grow these beautiful blooms. She also talks about her passion for dried flowers and how she creates stunning arrangements and petal confetti from her garden's bounty.

Kara's story is not just about flowers; it's also about balancing life as a flower farmer. As a homeschooling mother of four and a caregiver, she manages to find time for her garden by carefully scheduling her days. Her dedication to both her family and her passion for flowers is truly inspiring.

Tune in to hear the full conversation and gain valuable insights into fall gardening, soil health, and the art of growing and drying flowers. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help your garden bloom.

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/09/07/ep-36-how-blooming-joy-flower-co-is-transitioning-into-fall-with-dried-flowers-and-cool-flowers/

04:47-10:39: "Building Healthy Soil with Organic Practices"
13:43-17:58: "Successful Greenhouse Gardening: Growing Stock Flowers"
19:05-22:13: "Passion for Celosia: Cultivating Dried Flowers"
22:14-28:01: "Creating Seasonal Floral Crafts: Petal Confetti and Zinnia Garlands"
28:16-31:19: "Summer Gardening Discoveries: A Colorful Palette of Blooms"
35:56-40:53: "Balancing Family Life and Flower Farming"
42:53-46:10: "Embracing Fall: Gardening Joy and Winter Preparations"
49:49-53:36: "Adapting Flower Planting Schedules for Busy Lives"
57:17-01:02:26: "Growing and Enjoying Yarrow and Feverfew in the Garden"

Learn More About Blooming Joy Flower Co:

• https://stan.store/bloomingjoyflowerco
• https://www.youtube.com/@bloomingjoyflowercompany
• https://www.instagram.com/bloomingjoyflowerco
• https://facebook.com/bloomingjoyflowerco

Join me inside Amy Porterfield’s Course Confident: A LIVE Bootcamp to Get Digital Course Clarity, Attract Your Audience, and Show up with Confidence Online.

Save Your Seat For Only $47: https://bit.ly/apcourseconfident

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

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 week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever marveled at how a tiny seed encapsulates not just life but also the past, present, and future? Dive deep into this concept with Erin Benzakein, the founder of Floret, one of the most influential flower farms and seed companies globally, on this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast.

Erin's love for flowers sprouts from cherished childhood memories and blossomed into a profound passion that would redefine her life’s path. Starting with a modest garden while raising her young children, Erin's journey is a testament to how a simple backyard project can evolve into a pioneering enterprise in sustainable agriculture and floral education.

Throughout our conversation, Erin opens up about the parallel growth of her business and her children, sharing how each stage of their lives influenced her strategies and decisions. She discusses the delicate balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship, revealing her personal philosophy on taking things slowly and embracing patience.

Erin also delves into the dynamics of building a supportive team, highlighting how recognizing her own limitations allowed her to focus more on her strengths—cultivating flowers and fueling her creativity.

Join us for a truly enlightening dialogue with Erin Benzakein, filled with enduring lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the joys of flower farming. Tune in to get inspired by Erin's flowering journey and her passionate commitment to the beauty of blooms. Plus, be sure to sign up for her free Seed-Saving-Mini-Course!

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/08/27/ep-35-floret/

Learn More About Floret:

• Floret https://www.floretflowers.com
• Email Sign up https://www.floretflowers.com/newsletter/
• Seed Saving Course https://workshop.floretflowers.com/2024-seed-saving-mini-course-opt-in
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/floretflower/
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@floretflowerfarm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floretflowers/
• Annual Floret Workshop: https://www.floretflowers.com/workshops/online-workshop/

Take the quiz: https://bit.ly/3typesofpeoplereplacingincomewithadigitalcourse

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Today, we're excited to welcome back Marryn Mathis from The Farmhouse Flower Farm in Stanwood, WA to celebrate the pre-launch of her new book, 'Sweet Pea School,' which is set to be released on February 25, 2025. This book is a treasure trove of insights into growing, nurturing, and saving seeds from one of the garden’s most beloved flowers, the sweet pea.

Marryn is here today to give us a sneak peek into her book and share some expert tips on saving sweet pea seeds, a timely topic for gardeners preparing for the next growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out with sweet peas, you’re in for a treat with this bonus episode.

• Celebrating the Pre-Launch of "Sweet Pea School": 00:00:55-00:01:37
• Tips on Saving Sweet Pea Seeds: 00:01:37-00:05:00
• Storing Sweet Pea Seeds: 00:05:00-00:05:47
• Harvesting Sweet Pea Seeds: 00:05:47-00:08:55
• Trialing New Sweet Pea Varieties: 00:10:01-00:11:21
• Self-Sowing Sweet Pea Seeds: 00:12:16-00:13:40
• Writing "Sweet Pea School": 00:15:38-00:18:41
• Where To Pre-Order "Sweet Pea School": 00:19:16-00:20:54
• Closing Remarks and Farewell: 00:21:08-00:21:50

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

Pre-Order Book:

• Order Direct From The Farmhouse Flower Farm: https://thefarmhouseflowerfarm.com/pages/sweet-pea-school-book
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Xbcjxs

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

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 week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever thought about not having to do everything, but instead focusing on what you truly enjoy? Join today’s conversation with Laura Ward from Blackburn Gardens as she shares her journey from dreaming about dirt and flowers as a child to creating a local garden haven. Hear how Laura transitioned from a vegetable CSA model to a successful You-Pick flower farm, finding joy in sharing her space with others and drying flowers for beautiful arrangements.

Laura's dedication to growing beauty and community spirit is truly special, as she nurtures her lifelong passion for gardening into a thriving oasis. From her bustling roadside flower cart to the magical three-fourth acre farm where she meets neighbors and shares blooms for every occasion, Laura's journey is a testament to following one's passion and finding success in doing what brings you joy. Learn about the unique challenges and rewards of running an urban flower farm, and how Laura's love for flowers has transformed into a flourishing business that continues to bloom.

Tune in to hear more about Laura’s favorite flowers to dry, her upcoming workshops, and the magic that happens at Blackburn Gardens.

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/08/20/ep-34-blackburn-gardens/

• 00:05:30 - Transition from Vegetable CSA to Flower Farming
• 00:10:48 - Setting up a Roadside Flower Cart
• 00:16:12 - Shifting Business Model to You-Pick Flower Farm
• 00:21:19 - Building Awareness for You-Pick Flower Farm
• 00:28:26 - Drying Shed Setup and Drying Process
• 00:32:04 - Love for Drying Flowers and Dried Flower Sales
• 00:36:15 - Favorite Flowers for Drying
• 00:40:02 - Drying Strawflower and Other Flowers
• 00:47:10 - Selling Dried Flowers and Workshops

• Website: https://blackburngardens.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackburn.gardens/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackburngardens
• Workshops: https://blackburngardens.com/workshops/

Take the quiz: https://bit.ly/3typesofpeoplereplacingincomewithadigitalcourse

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

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 week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever wondered how a backyard garden with just 10 dahlias could transform into a flourishing flower farm with over 1500 dahlias? Join Christopher Tomaso and Wyatt Thomas, partners at Darcy's Dahlias, as they share their journey on the Backyard Bouquet podcast. Tune in to hear their inspiring conversation about their growth from hobbyist dahlia growers to successful flower farmers.

In this episode, Christopher and Wyatt discuss their organic journey to becoming flower farmers. They share how they expanded their dahlia production from just a few plants to over a thousand, sharing their experiences and challenges along the way. Hear how they've dealt with everything from severe weather conditions to experimenting with different growing and propagation techniques.

Learn how Darcy's Dahlias has overcome obstacles like heavy clay soil and severe weather events, and how they turned setbacks into opportunities for growth. Learn about their approach to soil health, their strategies for supporting their dahlias in windy conditions, and their experiences with overwintering tubers and growing dahlias from cuttings.

Don't miss this engaging conversation with Christopher and Wyatt as they offer valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to turn their backyard garden into a successful cut flower farm. Tune in to the Backyard Bouquet podcast to hear the full conversation with these passionate flower farmers.

• Introduction to Darcy's Dahlias: 00:02:40-00:02:51
• Expanding Dahlia Production: 00:03:30-00:03:41
• Transition to Flower Farming: 00:04:22-00:04:33
• Growing a Variety of Flowers: 00:05:56-00:06:07
• Selling Flowers Locally: 00:06:24-00:06:35
• Urban Flower Farming: 00:07:09-00:07:20
• Challenges of Soil Improvement: 00:13:00-00:13:10
• Dealing with Severe Weather: 00:16:09-00:16:19
• Division of Farming Responsibilities: 00:36:26-00:36:36
• Future Plans for Darcy's Dahlias: 00:44:57-00:45:07
• Breeding and Hybridizing Dahlias: 00:46:13-00:46:23

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/08/16/ep-33-darcys-dahlias/

• https://darcysdahlias.com/
• www.instagram.com/darcys_dahlias
• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084431747613

Take the quiz: https://bit.ly/3typesofpeoplereplacingincomewithadigitalcourse

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

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 week to help keep your garden blooming!

Are you curious about what it takes to successfully sell flowers at the farmer's market? Imagine the vibrant colors, the sweet scents, and the joy of sharing beautiful blooms with others. If you're intrigued, then you'll definitely want to tune in to the latest episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast featuring Janis Harris from Harris Flower Farm in Ontario, Canada.

In this episode, Janis shares her journey of transforming her family-operated flower farm into a thriving hub for beautiful cut flowers. With 16 years of experience in the industry, Janis offers valuable insights into running a successful farmer's market where her flowers find their way into the homes and hearts of many.

From growing a variety of flowers on eight acres of land to engaging with customers at the market, Janis's story is both inspiring and informative. She discusses the importance of valuing the quality of flowers over quantity, sharing how attention to detail and dedication to providing top-notch blooms have set her farm apart.

One key takeaway from Janis's experience is the significance of building a loyal customer base through consistency and quality. By offering a range of price points and focusing on the freshness and longevity of her flowers, Janis has cultivated a strong following of flower enthusiasts who appreciate the value of her products.

So, if you're eager to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of a successful flower farm and the strategies for thriving at the farmer's market, be sure to listen to the full conversation with Janis Harris on the Backyard Bouquet Podcast. Get ready to be inspired by her passion for flowers and her dedication to delivering exceptional blooms to her community.

00:02:33 - Transition from Optician to Full-Time Flower Farmer
00:05:18 - Family Farming Legacy and Farm Purchase
00:06:01 - Balancing Full-Time Job and Flower Farming
00:08:25 - Family Involvement in the Farm
00:10:25 - Team and Seasonal Help
00:11:19 - Ontario's Growing Season and Climate
00:17:07 - Types of Flowers and Crops Grown
00:18:22 - Overwintering Flowers in Zone 5B
00:20:05 - Flower Distribution Channels
00:23:13 - Building a Customer Base
00:25:05 - Subscription Model and Pre-Sales
00:27:15 - Greenhouse Production and Seasonal Flowers
00:27:48 - On-Farm Events and Workshops
00:30:08 - Pick-Your-Own Events and Customer Engagement
00:32:49 - Farmer's Market Presence and History
00:35:18 - Market Logistics and Setup

• https://www.harrisflowerfarm.ca/
• https://www.instagram.com/harrisflowerfarm/
• https://www.facebook.com/harrisflowerfarmpasturedpork

Take the quiz: https://bit.ly/3typesofpeoplereplacingincomewithadigitalcourse

Shownotes: https://bit.ly/4dqCNAz

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

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 week to help keep your garden blooming!

Have you ever imagined leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind to embrace the serenity of country living? In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with flower farmer, Lexi Bokenkotter of Bokenkotter Blooms to delve into her remarkable journey from city living to becoming a successful flower farmer in rural Indiana.

Join Jennifer and Lexi as they chat about the joys and challenges of transitioning from a postage stamp-sized garden to a sprawling flower farm. Lexi shares her passion for sustainable living and community engagement, highlighting her commitment to organic practices and locally sourced compost. Lexi shares how she draws inspiration from fellow flower farmers like Floret and Muddy Acres, and how she has cultivated a diverse crop selection including dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, and more.

In this episode, Lexi discusses her on-farm events, such as U-picks and workshops, and her plans for future expansion.

Tune in to the full episode to be inspired by Lexi's dedication to sustainable farming practices and her flourishing flower farm business. Learn how she navigates the challenges of rural life and find out how she turns her passion for flowers into a thriving business that blooms with beauty and community spirit.

• 00:00:02 - Introduction to Flower Farming in Rural Setting
• 00:05:27 - Making the Leap: Transitioning to Rural Living and Flower Farming
• 00:06:17 - Exploring Property and Initial Plans for Flower Farming
• 00:10:12 - Challenges and Learnings in Starting the Flower Farm
• 00:11:26 - Diversifying Farming Activities: Events and Workshops
• 00:20:03 - Selling Flowers and Engaging with Florists: Business Expansion
• 00:23:39 - Sustainability Practices on the Flower Farm: Eco-Friendly Approaches
• 00:25:43 - On-Farm Events and Vendor Collaborations
• 00:29:08 - Addressing Insurance and Safety Concerns for On-Farm Events
• 00:30:14 - Managing Surrounding Agricultural Practices and Impact on the Flower Farm
• 00:33:02 - Balancing Wildlife and Livestock on the Flower Farm
• 00:34:58 - Challenges and Benefits of Having Animals on the Property
• 00:37:31 - Transition from Goats to Poultry on the Flower Farm
• 00:39:02 - Utilizing Acreage for Cover Cropping and Future Plans
• 00:40:02 - Primary Flower Crops and Expansion into Sunflowers
• 00:41:14 - Variety of Flowers Grown on the Farm
• 00:43:15 - Strategies for Dealing with Pest Control and Organic Practices
• 00:46:15 - Focus on Sustainability and Organic Practices in Flower Farming

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

• Kiss The Ground Movie: https://kisstheground.com/
• NRCS Grant: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/cig-conservation-innovation-grants

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.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!