We all may start growing flowers for different reasons, but the end can be the same: to beautify our yards and farms, restore nature, have fresh flowers on the table, and restore our souls. 

My book Vegetables Love Flowers is about a 3-season cutting garden and all the goodness it can bring to the vegetable patch. 

In the episode, I invite you to consider the big picture of what flowers can do for you.

I'd love to sign a book for you: Vegetables Love Flowers

Grab the free companion video VLF Book Study no matter where you purchased the book.

Enjoy!

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

In this episode, I revisited a project I did 4 years ago called Seed Starting Saturdays. My initial intention was to listen to it to redo it for today--- but guess what? After listening I realized it's great information that is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow for seed starting.

Week 1 includes what you should do or at least consider before you start seeds.

So enjoy this journey from yesteryear that I have dug up and dusted off!

Field & Garden Blog

My YouTube Channel

Seed Starting Equipment 

All Things Soil Blocking

Jumbo Calendar  (this is not an affiliate link)

Enjoy!

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

My love of rudbeckias has turned into a bit of an obsession. They are, after all, a pretty easy family to fall in love with. 

Some of the reasons I love them:

• Easy to start (most are anyway)
• Need little tending other than full sun and a little water to get started after transplanting
• The abundance of stems to harvest will wear you out,
• Long-lasting in the vase
• The variety of native bees you meet there is fascinating
• The occasional aphid outbreak is a treat for my beneficial insects just waiting to eat them
• The cleanup crew (goldfinches)  swoop in and eat the seeds developing on old flowers
• If you play your cards right—they will reseed in the garden.
  

The cut stems are major contributors to my flower farming business and a key ingredient that makes my farm attractive to so many native bees.

Bonus: they are winter hardy to zone 5 which means they can be fall planted for earlier blooms in zones 5,6,7,8,9 for taller stems, and more abundance. Early spring plantings can extend the season but won’t deliver as tall stems or abundance in my experience.

Frankly, I never knew there were so many varieties until I started farming. Most are excellent long-lasting cut flowers plus there are always extra blooms for the pollinators and hungry birds.

I am growing several new to me this season: Sahara, Cherokee Sunset, Denver Daisy, and Cherry Brandy.

Find all my favorite rudbeckia seeds here: Indian Summer. Prairie Sun, Goldilocks, and Double Daisy. 

Honorable mentions but not in the R. Hirta family: R. triloba and R. maxima

I’m interested in the coloring which is so difficult to see true in images and if these will invite any new visitors to my garden.

I love what this family offers as cut flowers and beneficial creatures. The fourth section in my book Vegetables Love Flowers is titled "Heros of the Garden" and features the image I love of a goldfinch sitting on my rudbeckia-- iconic!

Enjoy!

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

Lots of folks reaching out because of fears they are experiencing about their Cool Flowers facing cold weather.  I understand and suffer from the same thing from time to time. It's natural, but we need to do all we can to meet their needs to maximize success.

I'm sharing the replay from a Clubhouse chat I hosted that includes encouragement and some steps to follow to stack the cards in favor of your cool-season hardy annuals. 

Mentions:

The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles includes 5 videos and the doorway to other resources. 

The Secret Sauce Cool Flowers article 

Enjoy!

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

Overspending is a common struggle we face in life,  being in business is no different. 

The point of going into business is to make a profit. Many businesses never make it because of habitual business overspending. It is challenging enough to only spend on what is really needed to succeed — throw in overspending and it’s easy to see how so many fail. Many fall for spending unnecessarily before it's even known if it is needed yet. 

Start small and grow slowly, keep it simple, learn how to flower farm efficiently to turn a profit, and step away from the catalogs! 

Excited about our partnership with the Growing For Market Magazine. Use the coupon code: WORKSHOP to get 25% off any subscription.

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

Do you make more to-do lists than you can ever get to? I do. This year I decided to make a new list, what I have done, and friends, it made me feel a whole lot better! In this episode, I am sharing how I got to the place I am today. The piece that I believe is key to how I was able to succeed and more. 

For more on my gardening love story of marrying Steve read my book, Cool Flowers. Learn about going from a novice gardener to starting a flower farm in my book Vegetables Love Flowers.

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

I didn't love it when I was told I had to clear my mind and rest, BUT it did prove to be essential for my business's success. Honestly, I thought it was a waste of time, but the advice was dead right. Enjoy this replay of a Clubhouse chat sharing that I've learned that taking a few deliberate steps to benefit my business in the dead of winter---helps to get me through the heat of summer.  Enjoy! Hosted by Lisa Ziegler The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out. It can happen to anyone and I hear from lots of folks struggling with it.

Sometimes we just feel like we’ve missed the right timing or aren’t getting the results we see others getting that can lead to: FOMO, fear of missing out. Resist it y’all!

Learn more about Cool Flowers, get the book and the related resources.

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

I can feel the pain in the messages I receive about the worries folks have about their Cool Flowers facing the cold. Should I cover? What about snow? And then there are the calls asking us to rush their row cover orders cause cold is coming! I get it because I've been there and still revisit those fears occasionally.  

In this episode, I am sharing what is this cool-season gardening concept and even a few tidbits to help ease fears. It all comes down to planting timing, knowing your winter hardiness zone, and the winter hardiness zone of the plant you are planting. 

To learn more about growing cool-season flowers: 

Check out my book Cool Flowers and the free video series The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles and related free resources.   

Connect with my good friend and cool-season vegetable garden expert: Niki Jabbour Instagram Facebook. 

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

Designers and florists if you are looking for a good "business" reason to take your staff on a field trip that will inspire their design work and creativity (not to mention yours) plus boost morale: flower farm tours are the ticket. 

In this episode, Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers shares why she closed her shop for a day and took her team on an ASCFG member tour.   A great idea to kick off this time of high demand, low import supply that is going to continue for sure into 2022. This is good team builder stuff!

Connect with Ellen: Local Color Flowers Instagram

Florist-Farmer Connection private Facebook Group

Florist Buying Local: Instagram Facebook

Ellen’s course: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

In this episode, I am sharing the What, When, Why, and How I use lightweight floating row covers. I know that I totally underestimated the power of lightweight covers and the many uses they lend themselves to including preventing wind and pest damage.

Floating row covers

Hoops

Weight bags

Kit with all above

My favorite gloves that help push hoops into the ground 

Facebook Live video demonstrating installing the cover. The demo starts at minute 27:00.

My book: Vegetables Love Flowers

– Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

I think that the quiet days of winter make some of the best times to do a few of the steps we can take to learn and grow a great garden. In this episode, I am giving 5 tips that can lead to a great gardening experience come spring. -Start small. -Determine your sun conditions. -Prepare the area and prevent winter weeds. -Map seed starting dates and when your should plant warm and cool-season plants. -Be patient and strong. To learn more about succession planting and growing a cutting garden, check out my book Vegetables Love Flowers. Visit our Learning Center. – Lisa Ziegler The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

Learn from Megan and Jonathan Leiss what is included in their on-demand course, The No-Till Micro-Scale Flower Farm. This course is not just about farming on a small space and doing it no-till, it's about goals, business models and so much more that plays a key role in business success. Connect: Spring Forth Farm Instagram Facebook The No-Till Micro-Sacel Flower Farm

In this episode, I'm sharing a chat about how I use leaves, other mulches, and compost in my garden. I believe the use of mulches and the benefits of leaf litter are grossly overlooked in the gardening and farming worlds. 

Join me on Wednesdays at 1 pm on Clubhouse to join the live conversation. Download the phone app, join Clubhouse and join my Flower Farming Club. 

– Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

I am often asked: why do I grow so many annuals in place of growing more perennials? This episode explains.

The bottom line for me is I get more bloom bang for my square footage, I never run out of space, I am able to always try new finds, and I get to feed my love of tending a garden.

It seems to me that I was missing out on the "gardening" part of gardening when I first started decades ago. I was busy filling up all available space with perennials and other permanent plantings to soon be dismayed that I had run out of space. There was nowhere left to plant the seeds I wanted to start, plant, and tend.

I hope this gives you a new understanding of the world of annuals and how embracing the succession planting's of both families: cool-season hardy annuals and warm-season tender annuals can change your gardening life.

My book Vegetables Love Flowers is about a 3-season cutting garden and how flowers benefit the vegetable patch. It offers my method of succession planting, my go-to annuals, setting up and maintaining a cutting garden all-naturally, and even harvesting tips. It includes diagrams in the back of the book of how succession plantings in a garden can happen.  

To learn more about cool-season hardy annual flowers, my book Cool Flowers shares the rekindled concept of days gone by with this amazing family of flowers like Bells of Ireland, Sweet Peas, Snapdragons, and many others.

My on-demand online course Seed Starting Made Easy can help you master starting seeds indoors with soil blocking and how to start seeds out in the garden--- PLUS how to know which way you should start them! 

Fondly,

Lisa

Lisa Mason Ziegler

Founder of The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers shares when it may be a good idea to say no to a client. How to do it and to even get comfortable doing it. A great topic in this year of high demand that is going to continue for sure into 2022-- great lessons. 

Connect with Ellen: Local Color Flowers Instagram

Ellen’s course: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing

Florist Buying Local: Instagram Facebook

Hosted by Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

Loved catching up with Megan and Jonathan Leiss of Spring Forth Farm in Hurdle Mills, NC. I know you are going to find their business model inspiring and perhaps even a goal!

As I have come to know these two better, I found that it wasn't just their farming systems and model that were so extraordinary, it was the farmers behind this farm that set this place apart and how it works.

Enjoy!

Mentions:

Spring Forth Farm  Instagram  Facebook

The No-Till Micro-Sacel Flower Farm

– Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

It all started for me soon after I married this biker dude that came with a heart of gold and a big vegetable garden. Adding a row of zinnias to the veggie patch to cut a few to take to my grandma in the nursing home literally opened the door to my love of a cutting garden. Whether you are a home gardener, budding or seasoned flower farmer, make some sweet stories to share and inspire you and others.

In this episode, we have combined two interviews of some pretty fabulous flower entrepreneurs: Amy Cordy of Drive By Flowers and Sue Dykstra of Creekside Growers.  I came to meet these ladies by way of that they are students of our online courses. I loved learning more about their businesses and how they shared the benefits of Ellen Frost's course Florist School Online: Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing. Be sure to visit both of their websites. Amy's sells her flowers online for delivery and Sue's includes workshops and more. Connect: Amy Cordy of Drive By Flowers Instagram Facebook Website Sue Dykstra of Creekside Growers Instagram Facebook Website Learn more about Ellen's course Florist School Online: Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing

In this episode, we are chatting about ideas for value-added items to sell at holiday markets. From gatherings from the farm to items to crafts, and plants to grow. 

Join me on Wednesdays at 1 pm on Clubhouse to join the conversation. Download the app, join Clubhouse and join my Flower Farming Club. – 

– Lisa Ziegler

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

I loved catching up with Wanda of Fox Hollow Peonies and Jonalyn of Blossom Lane Farm. I came to know both of these ladies because they are students of our courses. They became standouts and kept showing up on my radar because of how they were pursuing their businesses. Learn more about our courses mentioned: The Gardener's Workshop  Connect with these two gals: Fox Hollow Peonies  Instagram  Facebook Blossom Lane Farm Instagram  Facebook I hope you are inspired by their stories! – Lisa Ziegler The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

I love stories of people returning home to the family business. Even though, in this case, it may be a new twist on the business. Doing it with family is just the best. I enjoyed chatting with Dani WInters of Winters Farm Florals to learn about her family's farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and how she has taken a little piece of it to start her cut-flower growing business. Dani grows on 1 acre and sells to florists and designers.  She shares how the course Growing Cut Flower Crops in Hoop and Greenhouses is helping her to grow. Connect with Dani: Instagram  Website Learn more about Steve and Gretel Adams course: Growing Cut-Flower Crops in Hoop and Greenhouses – Lisa Ziegler The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

In this episode, we go inside the syllabus/outline of Gretel & Steve Adams course: Growing Cut Flowers in Hoop and Greenhouses. If you have questions on what is included in this course, this deep dive with Gretel and Steve should answer them. The once-a-year enrollment opens in mid-November and school starts in January and runs for 6 weeks.  Learn more about the course and get on their waitlist: Growing Cut Flowers in Hoop and Greenhouses Connect with Steve and Gretel: Sunny Meadows Flower Farm website Instagram Facebook – Lisa Ziegler The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

This episode is about the struggle I was up against while I was writing Cool Flowers.  When I first saw the surveyors next door it paralyzed me. I wasn't sure how I would focus to write a book, but I did it and came through with a fresh perspective.   I hope that sharing this may help others that are facing this type of loss.  Read the blog This Side of the Fence. Doug Tallemy's book Bringing Nature Home – Lisa Ziegler Founder of The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

I loved talking to Steve and Gretel about all that's happening on their farm. Boy, they just keep moving forward in the flower farming industry! I highly recommend following them on social media because the posts and videos are inspiring. Sunny Meadows Flower Farm Website Instagram Facebook Learn more about Steve & Gretel's course plus get on their waitlist: Growing Cut-Flowers in Hoop and Greenhouse

In this episode, Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers, a design studio in Baltimore, Maryland, explains how flower subscriptions were one of the first pieces of starting her business over a decade ago.   She shares the styles of flowers she offers using locally sourced flowers. She shares marketing tips and how subscriptions evolved to a new model during the pandemic.  Ellen answers lots of great questions from farmers and others. Good info! 

Connect with Ellen: Local Color Flowers Instagram

Ellen’s course: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing

Florist Buying Local: Instagram Facebook

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!

In this episode, Ellen (the florist) is chatting with Laura Beth Resnick (the farmer) of Butterbee Farm. Laura Beth is one of Elen's main suppliers for her Baltimore Maryland design studio.  Laura Beth is answering questions along with Ellen and Laura Beth shares her journey of building her customer base. Connect with: Florist Buying Local on Instagram, Clubhouse, Facebook Laura Beth Resnick on Instagram, Facebook Ellen Frost on Instagram, Facebook Learn more about Ellen's course: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing

What an inspiring conversation! I loved learning about Becca Muller and her flower shop LocaFlora. Her shop is located in Gettysburg, PA, and sources all of the flowers, plants, and gifts locally year-round. Such an inspiring business model and journey. Becca shares her experience as a student of Ellen Frost and her course Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing.  Be sure to check out this VIDEO and ARTICLE about LocaFlora. Connect with Becca: www.locafloradesigh.com Instagram Facebook Get on Ellen's course WAITLIST

I was so pleased when Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers agreed to create an online course with us. Her design studio business model was exactly what I saw as a perfect match for my cut-flower growing business. I literally thought, if only my commercial customers could learn from her how local is really a benefit for designers, florist shops, and really anyone in the cut-flower chain.  Join me as Ellen and I walk through all the sessions in her course and hear from her what they are all about. I can say wholeheartedly that this course will benefit anyone in the cut-flower industry. It is targeted at florists, farmer-florist, and event designers, but if these people are your customers, it can help your business too.  Mentions: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost. Syllabus from Ellen's Course Book: Flower Confidential by Amy Stewart  Connect with Ellen: Florist Buying Local Instagram Local Color Flowers Instagram

I loved this conversation with Ellen of Local Color Flowers. I feel like I am even more equipped to talk about why local flowers are better all the way around. It's another important piece of the pie of building our respective businesses.   Enjoy! Mentions: Request Ellen's replay webinar:  Dried Wreath Making Tips  Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost. Syllabus from Ellen's Course Connect with Ellen: Florist Buying Local Instagram Local Color Flowers Instagram

I met Steve and Gretel Adams years ago at an Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers conference where we were both speakers. Before I really got a taste of their teaching style, I was struck by how connected they are to each other. I recognized immediately that this type of relationship can lead to great things in a business and that is exactly what these two have created with Sunny Meadows Flower Farm located in Columbus, Ohio.

This episode is a replay of a Facebook Live we did with Steve and Gretel in 2020. It will introduce you to them and what they are doing plus they answer questions submitted during the live event. 

Steve and Gretel are innovative, smart, and hardworking--- the recipe for amazing success.

I am so pleased to be able to bring you their teachings and vast experience and knowledge in a course. Links below to connect with them and to learn more about their course in the Flower Farming School Series.

Flower Farming School Online: Growing Cut-Flowers in Hoop and Greenhouses with Steve and Gretel Adams

Get instantly Steve & Gretel's PDF: Favorite Ranunculus & Sources.

Learn more about Sunny Meadows Flower Farm

 

Ellen Frost, a designer in Baltimore, MD, continues sharing her strategies of sourcing from local cut-flower growers. In this episode with Ellen Frost, she is sharing how to educate customers about seasonality and locally grown flowers. Ellen discusses this and so much more plus answering your questions. Follow and share with florists and designers: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost Instagram: Florists Buying Local Flowers Facebook: Florists Buying Local Live Show on Clubhouse Tuesday 8 am ET: Join the Club: Download the phone app and join. No invitation is needed. Ellen's Studio: Local Color Flowers

My chat with Heather of Heather's Flower Farm about her business and the nuggets she took away from the Farmer-Florist School Online brought several great points to light. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  Connect with Heather's Flower Farm on Instagram. Learn more about the course Farmer-Florist School Online: The Wedding Process. Visit TheGardenersWorkshop.com for more farming and business online courses. 

This episode is a replay of a live Clubhouse chat with Jessi Graven of Blue River Blooms and Anne Phythyon of Franklin Farm.  They are sharing their takeaways from Jennie Love's course Farmer-Florist School Online: The Wedding Process.  Interestingly enough, neither of these flower farmers do weddings- yet...feel like anyone selling flowers will benefit from this business packed course.  Learn more about Farmer-Florist School Online: The Wedding Process with Jennie Love. Join us on the Clubhouse every Wednesday at 1:00 PM ET for a live chat and ask your questions. Download the phone app, join Clubhouse and then join our club: Flower Farming.  Learn more about our farming and business schools: TheGardenersWorkshop.com

Just as promised, we are going through another of our School course lessons with the instructor! Jennie Love's course: Farmer-Florist School Online: The Wedding Process is all about the business side of doing weddings--BUT here's the thing the lessons in this course can be applied to any flower-related business. From finding clients, marketing, managing bride customers, crop planning, top crops to grow, contracts, pricing and so much more! Join Jennie and me as we walk through the syllabus. Learn more about Farmer-Florist School Online: The Wedding Process  Jennie also has an on-demand course Making Workshops Work for You that includes all the steps to offer, host, sell, and manage workshops.

This episode is packed with information from cut-flower industry leaders that have firsthand experience of where we are and what the future holds for flower-based businesses. Join me along with Dave Dowling, Jennie Love, Ellen Frost, and Steve & Gretel Adams for an inspiring and informative talk. Guests online course pages for more information on each: Farmer-Florist School: The Wedding Process, 2021 Enrollment October 15-19, School starts November 3 Florist School School: Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing, 2021 Enrollment November 5-9, School Starts January 3 Flower Farming School: Growing Cut-Flowers in Hoop & Greenhouses, 2021 Enrollment November 19-23, School Starts January 5 Flower Farming School: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, & More! 2022 Enrollment June 14-18 2022, School Starts July 8 Flower Farming School: The Basics, Annual Crops. Marketing, & More! 2022 Enrollment October 1-5, School Starts November 1, 2022

Ellen Frost, a designer in Baltimore, MD, continues sharing her strategies of sourcing from local cut-flower growers. In this episode with Ellen Frost she is sharing what we can expect from the 2022 wedding market. Plus, how florist sourcing local flowers and growers can best prepare for the coming season. Ellen discusses this and so much more plus answering your questions and we even hear from one of the Growers that Ellen buys from each week and actually multiple times a week enjoy. Follow and share with florists and designers: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost Instagram: Florists Buying Local Flowers Facebook: Florists Buying Local Live Show on Clubhouse Tuesday 8 am ET: Join the Club: Download the phone app and join. No invitation is needed. Ellen's Studio: Local Color Flowers

The Flower Farmer Show is a recording of my casual live discussion that is about all things flower farming that airs LIVE each Wednesday at 1 pm ET on Clubhouse. In this episode, I am answering some questions submitted on The Flower Farmer Show Facebook Group, join us there! Clubhouse: Join my Flower Farming Club. Download the Clubhouse phone app to join. Visit our virtually Learning Center and Shop our garden store at TheGardenersWorkshop.com

Ellen Frost, a designer in Baltimore, MD, continues sharing some of her strategies of how she continues to source from local cut-flower growers during winter: altering her designs. Follow and share with florists and designers: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost Instagram: Florists Buying Local Flowers Facebook: Florists Buying Local Live Show on Clubhouse Tuesday 8 am ET: Join the Club: Download the phone app and join. No invitation is needed. Ellen's Studio: Local Color Flowers

Ellen Frost, a designer in Baltimore, MD, shares in this episode how she continues to source from local cut-flower growers during winter. Follow and share with florists and designers: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost Instagram: Florists Buying Local Flowers Facebook: Florists Buying Local Live Show on Clubhouse: Join the Club: Download the phone app and join. No invitation is needed. Ellen's Studio: Local Color Flowers

I know from firsthand experience how fear can derail us. I was so afraid of taking my flowers to that first florist I almost didn't do it! I'm sharing my experience of how I overcame that fear. Learn more about me and my course: Flower Farming School Online: The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, and More!

What is holding you back from pursuing your flower farming dreams? Is it because you don't think you have enough land, or a tractor, or even a greenhouse? I am living proof that to get in and start a flower farming business you do not have to have this long laundry list of what we think are "must-haves"! Plus, in this episode, I am busting other common myths. Friends, there has never been a better time to become a flower farmer or to hit the reset button on an existing business. I'd love to walk with you! Lisa's Course: Flower Farming School Online: The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, And More!

Friends, I am so pleased to introduce two ladies to you that I came to know as students of our courses. Both have gone on to become valuable team members here at TheGardenerWorkshop.com.  Please welcome Anne Phythyon of Franklin Flower Farm and Jessi Graven of Blue River Blooms. I asked them to share some insights into our course communities and lessons, and how the courses have affected their businesses. I am so grateful to have them on board! Learn more about Lisa's course and the other TGW flower-based business courses here.

In this replay of The Florist Buying Local Show, Ellen Frost is sharing about some of the flower co-ops she does business with. Follow and share with florists and designers: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost Instagram: Florists Buying Local Flowers Facebook: Florists Buying Local Live Show on Clubhouse: Join the Club: Download the phone app and join. No invitation is needed. Ellen's Studio: Local Color Flowers

Revisiting and reconnecting with why we are cut-flower grower business owners or aspiring to be. There is only one person in a business that can change the way business goes -- the person at the top, us. Burnout and overwhelm are most often self-induced problems, and we allow it. It doesn't have to be this way.  Hope this gives you ideas and hope.  ---Lisa

The Flower Farmer Show is a recording of my casual live discussion that is about all things flower farming that airs LIVE each Wednesday at 1 pm ET on Clubhouse. In this episode, I am talking with Val Schirmer about forcing amaryllis & paperwhite bulbs and her online course. Clubhouse: Join my Flower Farming Club. Download the Clubhouse phone app to join. Visit our virtually Learning Center and Shop our garden store at TheGardenersWorkshop.com Val's course: Forcing Glorious Blooms for the Holidays and Beyond! Connect with Val on Instagram: Three Toads Farm

I believe this topic is the one piece of going with locally grown flowers that holds conventional florists and designers back from taking the local plunge. But as Ellen reveals in this episode, that with a different approach to selling weddings locally grown flowers actually opens the door to new markets and allows the creative juices to really start flowing. Follow and share with florists and designers: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost Instagram: Florists Buying Local Flowers Facebook: Florists Buying Local Live Show on Clubhouse: Join the Club: Download the phone app and join. No invitation is needed. Ellen's Studio: Local Color Flowers

I haven't done this before. Running you through our flagship course, class-by-class, session-by-session Flower Farming School Online- The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, & More!  I'm sharing the lessons, topics, what I was thinking, and why I felt like it is important. Plus, I'm answering those questions I hear the most and sharing what some of my students are saying about the course.  I loved reviewing my course again to record this episode-- it lights me on fire to be reminded of all the pieces and parts that I've gathered to help you find your treasure in the flower farming business. Friends, I hope this helps you to see what could be just around the corner for you. Get on my waitlist! Enrollment for my course only opens once a year for 5 days in October. Once on my waitlist, we will send you reminders when enrollment opens, PLUS I will send you my very best resources!  Learn more about Flower Farming School Online: The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, and More!

Folks this is the first time I've offered something like this. In this series of six episodes, I am going to walk with you through our flower-based business courses, course-by-course, session-by-session along with the respective instructors.  We will be answering all those questions we hear over and over like: Who is this instructor to teach this course? Who should take these courses? What exactly does this course teach? How long does it take to go through the school course? What kind of results should a student expect after taking this course?  Can't wait to share these episodes in the coming weeks!  Want to learn more about our courses? Visit TheGardenersWorkshop.com and sign up for the waitlists!

Florist Buying Local is a movement. It is the effort of Ellen Frost, the owner of the Local Color Flowers that is leading the way for florists and designers to learn that it is possible and profitable to source locally grown flowers. In this episode, Ellen shares the process she follows sourcing thousands of stems of locally grown flowers for this 6 wedding weekend that also has other events. Follow and share with florists and designers: Florist School Online: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing with Ellen Frost Instagram: Florists Buying Local Flowers Facebook: Florists Buying Local Live Show on Clubhouse: Join the Club: Download the phone app and join. No invitation is needed. Ellen's Studio: Local Color Flowers

Well, folks after 23 years of intense flower farming (and lots of other stuff) we are transitioning my urban flower farm into a Virtual Learning Center. The only real change is we are no longer selling flowers---we are still growing a huge garden as in the past but with a different purpose: for teaching. This will allow us to focus our efforts on helping others grow! This is an exciting shift and also a bit hard for me--- but I'll push through my fear! Learn more about all that we are doing at TheGardenersWorkshop.com. Fondly, Lisa

Talking about my book Vegetables Loves Flowers and how it is truly a snapshot of how I garden and farm. Kinda the driving forces behind why and how I do what I do.  I am a very simple-minded person and tend to do things in a straightforward manner. In fact, so simple most people either miss my point or just don't believe it really works that way.  Grab an autographed book here. Request the free companion video book study here---no matter where you purchased it.  Enjoy. Lisa 

Listen in on a conversation I had with Jennie Love talking flower coolers. We met up on Instagram Live and talked about our coolers and answered many of the questions submitted.  Mentions: Storeitcold.com  FREE Webinars to request: Growing Dahlias for Weddings Navigating Covid as an Event Florist Jennie's online courses: Making Workshops Work for You (available anytime) Farmer-Florist School Online: The Wedding Process (get on her waitlist for her once a year October enrollment )

Are you overwhelmed by social media? If so my friend, you are not alone. I use to be right there with you.  We have to face the reality that social media is important for your business when you manage social media, not let social media manage you.  Food for thought mentions in the podcast from my online course Flower Farming School Online:  Why social media matters to your business  Where to start  Building a community  Take great photos Organization for easy posting  Connect with me to ask your questions LIVE: Facebook Instagram Clubhouse 

What is holding you back? Think it's because you aren't ready or not sure about taxes, pricing, and on and on??? Is this you? Friends I am afraid it isn't this or that that's holding you back, it is fear! Fear of failing, fear of screwing up, fear of looking dumb or bad, and fear of a whole bunch of other stuff... I hope this little chat will let you know that the more fear you face, the more success that will knock on your door. Remember the road to success is paved in failures. I believe there is no other way to get there.  Get on the wait and resource list for:  Flower Farming Schools Online: Lisa Mason Ziegler's course: The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, and More!  Dave Dowling's course:  Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More! Steve & Gretal Adams course: Growing Cut-Flowers in Hoop and Greenhouses Farmer-Florist School: Jennie Love's course: The Wedding Process Florist School: Ellen Frost's course: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing

The Flower Farmer Show is a recording of my casual live discussion that is about all things flower farming that airs LIVE each Wednesday at 1 pm ET on Clubhouse.  In this episode, Dave Dowling joins us to help navigate wholesale purchasing as a cut-flower grower.  Clubhouse: Join my Flower Farming Club. Download the Clubhouse phone app to join.  Visit our virtually Learning Center and Shop our garden store at TheGardenersWorkshop.com 

This is a recording of our casual show that airs live each Wednesday at 1 pm ET on Clubhouse. This episode shares some of the tips and tricks of efficiencies we learned on the farm.  To join the Clubhouse show LIVE, download the phone app. Search for Lisa Mason Ziegler or click this link and follow me. Join my club Flower Farming to be notified when I go live. Visit TheGardenersWorkshop.com online garden shop and learning center.

This is a recording of our casual show that airs live each Wednesday at 1 pm ET on Clubhouse. This episode shares the additional Cool Flowers we added since the book was published. To join the Clubhouse show LIVE, download the phone app. Search for Lisa Mason Ziegler or click this link and follow me. Join my club Flower Farming to be notified when I go live. Learn more about Cool Flowers HERE. Visit TheGardenersWorkshop.com online garden shop and learning center.

This is a recording of our show that airs live each Wednesday at 1 pm ET on Clubhouse.  This episode shares the up and downs of not sticking with your timing to plant cool-season hardy annuals.  To join the Clubhouse show LIVE, download the phone app. Search for Lisa Mason Ziegler or click this link and follow me. Join my club Flower Farming to be notified when I go live. Learn more about Cool Flowers HERE. Visit TheGardenersWorkshop.com online garden shop and learning center.

This week learn how cold-season hardy annuals don’t just survive cool-to-cold weather, but thrive in those conditions. Overcome the fear and frustration of planting this group of spring-blooming flowers. Resist the urge to complicate when to plant this group of flowers. Do Week 1’s homework and bring it to Week 2 to learn what flowers to plant when! Watch the videos and request the resources:  The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles series  Links mentioned in the video: Introducing the Dragon Series Snapdragons:TGW Pink Dragons TGW White Dragon TGW Yellow Dragon TGW Sunset Dragon

Remember, it’s not about you when deciding how-to start seeds. Often I hear folks speaking of why they decided on which method of starting their seeds and honesty, their reasons had nothing to do with the best method for a particular seed! Here’s the thing, once you realize that seed starting can be easy once you know what it needs and give it to them— success is eminent. It is really that simple. The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles Week 4 is all about making the choice, do you plant the seeds in the garden or do you start indoors. I hope it sheds some light for you! Next week is the final night in the series. I hope you’ll join me for the grand finale! Watch the videos and request the resources:  The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles series  Links mentioned in the video: Biodegradable mulch film Bio360 Garden Hoe Row Cover Kit Link to cool-season seeds by category: Category–Plant seeds directly in the garden Category–Start seeds indoors All cool season flower seeds The Umbel family: Dill Ammi Majus False Queen Anne’s Lace

This week learn how to provide the growing conditions that help Cool Flowers thrive in cold weather. Watch the videos and request the resources:  The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles series  Links mentioned: Biodegradable mulch film Bio360 Silage Tarp Garden Hoe Row Cover Kit Link to cool-season seeds by category:Category – Plant seeds directly in the garden Category – Start seeds indoors Category – All cool season flower seeds Get the online course Cool Flowers, Beyond the Book for Flower Farming Why I love Poppies:Iceland Poppies Giant Poppy Pods

This week learn when and what to plant based on your winter hardiness zone and first and last frost dates. KUDOS to all that did their homework!!! Remember: The greatest Cool Flowers fail is to not plant them at ALL!!!!! Watch the videos and request the resources:  The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles series  The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles videos and resources HERE. Blog: Store Seeds Longer Why I love Rudbeckia— so many, long cut, pollinators, bright, easyPrairie Sun Indian Summer Goldilocks Triloba Double Daisy

This week talking about the life of the cool-season hardy annual and so much more. Everyone can plant this group---it's just that we may all plant at different times depending on where we are gardening.

Watch the videos and request the resources:  The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles series 

Find me over on TheGardenersWorkshop.com!

Such a frustrating subject, how to price your flowers? Warning this episode is not going to tell you how much to sell a flower for. My suggestion is to stop asking how much? but to ask how do I figure out how much I need to sell my flowers for? Professional education is the ticket. If this question had a simple answer, it won't be in the top 5 questions I get weekly. Here is the thing-- pricing is unique to your business. You need to compare the fair market price (learn where to find reliable information), you have to know what you need to charge to make a profit. This process is very personal and unique to each business.  There are no correct blanket pricing answers. The answer is found as a conclusion based on researching your region, the types of markets selling in, the market, and other variables.  Pricing structure should be one of the early steps in starting your business. Having the flowers in a bucket harvested and not knowing is stressful and avoidable. Being a member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is the beginning of that journey.

My struggle since day one as a flower farmer? Thinking I needed more and more growing space.  I expanded and expanded as I could being a city dweller and it worked. I successfully commercially farmed, made money, provided employment to my family and friends, and flowered southeastern Virginia for over 2 decades.  Now, I’m in a full-circle moment. I am excited to take all my experiences and to focus my intentions on “growing intensively” on a smaller space as never before.  Mentions:  The Flower Farmer Show on Clubhouse (Audio Social App) Wednesdays at 1pm ET The Flower Farmer Show Facebook Group Connect with Lisa Live page Lisa's Blog: Hertzler Farm Going Down

Oh boy, are you as exhausted, hot, overwhelmed, and as behind as I am? Sometimes just hearing others are suffering too helps—I know just recording this helped me! I hope one of my fixes will help you.  Here are the two links I mentioned:  Webinar request: Sunflowers for the WIn! Connect with me!

Friends, are you considering doing events? Wondering how to make more from the flowers you grow? This episode can answer some of your questions and plant the seeds of opportunity.  Jennie shares from her experiences that it is a reality to generate a 6-figure net income as a professional farmer-florist.  I hope this episode gets you thinking outside of your current business box.  Jennie's Online Courses: Making Workshops Work for You, on-demand and available year-round. Farmer-Florist School: The Wedding Process, enrolls October 15-19, 2021, and school stats November 3. Enjoy! Lisa

Well, friends more on growing Lisianthus. When I posted on social media about the way I handle growing them in the field of my little urban farm--it really sparked questions and conversation. So this episode touches on more and recaps some of those posts and the video I previously shared on social media. You will find links to all here on my post: Answering Lisianthus Questions. I hope this is helpful and encourages you to grow these beauties. Lisa www.TheGardenersWorkshop.com

I am so pleased to share our latest project: The Flower Farmer Show.  Currently, it is a talk show that I host over on the Clubhouse social media app on Wednesdays at 1pm ET. But expect more coming down the pike friends! The Clubhouse app is available to iPhone and Android users. It is a social media platform that works through your cell phone number. You can't just join, but have to have an invite. So, if you want to listen in, download the app and ask around on other social media platforms if anyone has invites to share-- you'll get one :). At this time Clubhouse does not offer recordings for replays, listen live. Request to join the closed Facebook Group: The Flower Farmer Show Clubhouse

Friends I want to encourage you to keep after your dream! Even if you are a new gardener, live in the middle of the city, don't have much land, and/or can't have a greenhouse---you can become a flower farmer, I did! Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't do with what you have. Mentions: The Flower Farmer book By Lynn Byczynski Our flower-based business online courses.

This simple step is so easily forgotten or brushed aside. It is so great to baste in the wins but also to talk about and note the fails. Debriefing at key times can help so much! While I think journaling is great for a release, I find that noting on the BIG CALENDAR is an easy to read method that is the most helpful to your flower farming business.  I am all about my people (crew), our processes, and the product (the flowers, or whatever you sell).  The Big Calendar Let off some steam and ride the high of success! Lisa TheGardenersWorkshop.com

Are you a dabbler? Want to become a professional cut-flower grower? Dave Dowling and I are offering up what you need to take the plunge with Flower Farming School Online.  Links: Lisa's course page: The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, & More! Dave's course page: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, & More! Hope to see you in school someday! Lisa

Again folks Dave is offering up his practical approach and sharing tips. In addition to those shared in this episode, Dave made a PDF with additional farm hacks.  Dave's generous sharing from his years of farming can change the way you farm and do business. I know he has had a profound effect on me and my business.  Did you know that Dave has created an online course that is packed with his style of information? Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More! has growing and harvesting information for over 70 crops plus Dave will answer all your questions! Request the PDF: Flower Farming Hacks

As I sift through the mountains of resources we have created over the years, I am finding some real gems.  I had to share a portion of my conversation with Dave Dowling that took place on Facebook last season. As usual, he is providing those priceless firsthand experience tips that he has become so well known for in the cut-flower industry.  Resources mentioned: Request the PDF: Dave's Favorite Bulbs Dave's online course: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, & More Enjoy!

I think when we hear the term "mulch" many of us automatically think of the wood chips that are so commonly used in landscapes, but there are many other choices and different ways to use them. The definition of mulch is simply a protective layer of material that we lay on the soil surface to protect the soil. It can be organic like leaves, bark, straw, etc. or inorganic like landscape fabric, plastic, and biodegradable film.  All have a use in different applications. In this episode I share how my practice of mulching has evolved as the size of my gardens increased over the years. I use a mix of of methods depending on the season and what is available to me to use.  Please consider subscribing and reviewing my podcast if you are enjoying what I share. It will help me so much! Mentions: Bio360 biodegradable film Visit my website to learn about our online courses and shop our online garden store.

Have you learned from Dave Dowling? Saying that Dave is a veteran flower farmer is a bit understating it. He is known in flower farming circles as the walking encyclopedia, I call him our flower genius. And he has such a heart for teaching. Dave's depth of knowledge from what to grow, where to get it, which way to grow it,  and how to harvest and sell it is a business changing experience.   I am sharing a portion of a conversation I had with Dave about the many choices we face when diving into growing more crops and his take on some of these. Sign up for Dave's Course News and waitlist and instantly get his webinar "Success with Succession Planting"  Learn more about his online course: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More! Registration is only open once a year for 5 days: June 14-18, 2021. Expand what you grow and sell more to your existing customers!!

Flower support netting, love it or hate it? That's the question! I love it and consider it an important part of my farm. Just the mention of it and I see peoples lips start to twitch. It doesn't have to go that way friend!  Sharing what it is, what it does, what you should net, when you should remove it, and my tips to make using it easier.   Flower support netting product page that includes videos. Happy supporting! Lisa

I am coming to you the week before Mother's Day and thought now is a great time to talk about helping fresh cut flowers last longer. Lots of mentions in this episode and below are the links: Request my article with all the steps to follow: Making the Most of Your Cut Flowers Flower conditioning products: CVBN Tabs, Quick Dip, Flower Food Flower Caddy Dave Dowling's online course: Bulbs, Perennials, Shrubs, and More!  Cool Flowers, find most of my resources for cool-season flower growing: The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles Sunflower Seeds Cool season seeds including the Dragon Snapdragons Our flower sales program details, they are sold out but you can see the details. I hope you enjoy! Lisa

Many years ago when I became heavily involved with the sport and hobby of dogs, I also went to work at a very busy veterinary hospital. This opportunity gave me a unique point of view. I learned about the good of a owning and loving a dog and also just how bad it can go for a dog and how often that happens.  With a little bit of deliberate thought and process you can select a family dog that will fit in and become a part of your family with as little struggle and issues as possible for you and the dog.   

I hope that taking a walk through a year on my farm, month-by-month will help you see the big picture of gardening and flower farm.  What is the big picture? Creating a garden that you you love and enjoy. Not a place that you always feel behind and all you see is work.  Embrace succession at it's best and create a garden you can love.  My book: Vegetables Love Flowers 

Folks, I am so pleased to share part of a conversation I had with Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers on the florist and the farmer coming together to network, learn from each other, and to do business together. I hope you get some good take away tips!  Learn more from Ellen: Ellen's online course Growing Your Business With Local Flower Sourcing enrollment is open April 19-23, 2021. This is a special accelerated presentation in our efforts to help florist that are facing global supply disruption to connect with local sourcing. This course is also an excellent doorway for farmers to begin or ramp up selling to florists and designers.  Hope to see you in school! Lisa 

As I thought about the subject of this podcast, I began to realize that this topic maybe what truly led me to become a successful business owner. I either set myself up to always have options or I actually have just gotten good at seeing them. Not sure which, but I guess it really doesn't matter.  Not backing myself into a corner in business, in farming, and in life has served me well. I hope this inspires you to consider options.  Lisa Z

Friend are you feeling like you are behind in planting your cutting garden? Please don't! After you listen to this podcast you will understand that embracing the 3-season cutting garden means you are never behind.  Learn my approach to flower farming 100% outdoors in a garden and how it leads to garden you love and want to live with. Not the dreaded garden that you feel like you are always behind on doing things for. Mentions: The Gardener's Workshop website My book: Vegetables Love Flowers Already have the book? Request the companion video book study HERE. Get Vegetables Love Flowers and The Cutting Garden Seed Collection My book: Cool Flowers Already have the book? Request the companion video book study HERE. Watch The Cool-Season Flower Chronicles 

This is a special edition podcast. It includes the audio from the great conversation I had with Ellen Frost and Dave Dowling on the developing issues with the shortages of imported flowers and the problems that are developing as a result.  Mentions in the Podcast: Request the replay of Ellen and Dave's webinar: 10 Reasons that Florists Don't Buy Local Join the Closed Facebook Group: Florists Buying Local Ellen's Online Course the enrolls April 19-23, 2021: Growing Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing Get on Ellen's waitlist, signup on her course page! Ellen Frost, Local Color Flowers: Instagram  Facebook Dave Dowling, Ball Horticulture, DDowling@ballhort.com

Living with dogs and a garden can be harmonious, but it takes some work, it doesn't just happen. Because my goldens have always been a big part of my public life, I get lots of questions about how I managed to get them to be so well trained in the garden.  I am sharing my dog stories and the wisdoms that have been shared with me. I was so fortunate to have connected with such gifted dog people through the years. Steve and I, with our dogs live a great life together because of these women.   Enjoy. Lisa Book: Farm Dog Babs, The Sweet Brown-Eyed Girl

We are heading into the time of the year that folks start thinking it's to late to start seed, when in fact there is almost always seeds to be started. When we embrace annual seed starting fully--- both cool and warm season, the possibilities are endless. Part of the secret sauce to a longer and easier season is to learn when to plant each group in your garden and to run with it!  Checkout: Warm-season flower seeds. Cool-season flower seeds.  Seed-starting equipment.  

Where does your mind go when you close your eyes? What do you see? I see where flower farming has led me and I'm so happy to be here. Steve and I are both owners of small businesses. Like all business owners we have worked so hard, made sacrifices, and kept our heads down and continued doing it even when we didn't want too.  Now, as we are entering the time of life that we can stop peddling quite so hard, we are reaping the benefits of all of those years of hard work. Part of that is our forethought of building our farm assets for our golden years beyond the bank account.  We are working towards creating that place we see when we close our eyes. 

Starting and being in business is overwhelming. Yep, it's true, the overwhelm doesn't just stop one day. You have to decide to stop it and take control and make it happen. You are the only one that has that choice. Add on top of starting and being in business, a flower farming business--- and it comes clear how so many new growers never make it out of the gate. I tend to categorize folks pursuing or already in the cut-flower growing business in one of two groups: Those that indulge in endless dreaming, planning, and learning. Those that pursue learning and then do the work. In this episode I'm sharing one of the keys to getting started and staying in business as a flower farmer. Consider it.  Allow yourself the fair opportunity to learn how and join the ranks of a cut-flower grower. I highly recommend it!

I was right there with you and the other 98% of the world trying to start seeds, failing and feeling defeated.

I gave up and moved on to buying plants---but then I stumbled onto the a few simple steps to follow on seed starting and I literally became an overnight success. Well, maybe not a "success" out of the gate, but I began starting from seed and growing plants. I can't even tell you how rewarding, satisfying, and happy this made me.

Success came when I:

1. Selected seeds to start that were easier to succeed with while learning.
2. Learned what each seed needed to start and then provided it.
3. Provided the basic care to grow healthy transplants.

Resources Mentioned:

Seed Starting Made Easy, my 90-minute online course teaching starting seeds indoors using the soil blocking method and how to plant and start seeds outdoors in the garden, $19.95.

Easy flower seeds to start that I also grow in my garden. I have learned through the years that there are tons of easy seeds to start and grow. They are the foundation of my flower farming business.

Seed Starting Equipment. Having the tools you need to provide what the seeds need to sprout and then to grow indoors until they can be planted outdoors is essential to success.

Have questions? Join me on my weekly LIVE events and I do my best to answer your questions.

If you are enjoying my podcast please share it with your friends! It helps me so much.

Fondly,

Lisa

Did you know that very early spring is your 2nd opportunity to plant Cool Flowers? Wait, what are Cool Flowers?? I’m talking about those cool-season hardy annuals that don’t just tolerate cold, but thrive in these conditions. I’m sharing my tips on how to make it possible to get these spring blooming beauties in your garden and farm.

I am so proud of the online course that I have created and published. As more and more styles of learning are becoming available I thought I’d share from the heart why I’ve developed our platform into what has become a medley of flower-industry leaders offering what is needed to start and expand a flower-based business in unlimited ways. I hope it shares a snapshot of what we offer and how it can grow into a lifelong relationship.

Have you ever considered how much being afraid is costing your business? Little did I understand that being afraid led me to chase shiny objects and it held me back from finding the meat and potatoes of my business for years. All because of my fear of being that “simple” field growing flower farmer on that little urban farm. Join me as I share how I believe each one of us brings our unique way to set us apart in staple cash crops and being a flower farmer. I also share from the heart on how my dyslexia is affecting my podcast.

We are all in the same boat. Whether starting a flower farm, a podcast, or any other unfamiliar tasks—-it’s the fear that holds us back. I know because I’ve been afraid to start this podcast! I’m sharing my experience and the encouragement to push past the fear.

My first episode y’all!!! As I am aligning my thoughts to share with you, I thought I would take you along as my season is already unfolding here.

Hey friend I can’t wait to connect with you here! I’m talking all things cut flowers, the urban farming life, business, and even having a large garden with a giant golden retriever roaming around!