Let’s get real and talk about the beauty (and the power) of starting late, starting small, or starting over. No matter where you are in your gardening journey, you are not behind! You’re simply beginning where you are, and that’s enough.
Growing + Farming
Episode 96: Seasonal Cut Flower Varieties: What to Grow, When, Why (and What to Skip)
When you're staring down a stack of seed catalogs or scrolling endlessly through dreamy garden...
Episode 95: How do I Set Goals for my Garden
This episode of The Flower Files is your permission slip to stop guessing and start growing with clarity. Whether you want more blooms, less stress, or a garden that finally feels like you, it starts with setting intentional garden goals. Here’s how.
Episode 94: How to Make Changes as a Flower Farm
This season isn’t about grand resolutions—it’s about choosing smaller shifts that lead to bigger growth. In this episode, we reflect on what worked, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re making space for more intention, creativity, and connection on the farm.
Episode 88: More Petals, Less Panic: How to Grow Without Melting Down
Scaling a flower farm or creative business can feel like trying to bloom in a drought — too many ideas, too few resources, and the constant fear of burnout. In this episode of The Flower Files, we sit down with Ashish Gupta, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Scale Up Exec, to unpack what sustainable growth really looks like.
Episode 84: Why Eucalyptus Wins: History, Growing Tips, and Design Uses
From spa showers to wedding arches, eucalyptus does it all. In Episode 84 of The Flower Files, we share why it’s one of our favorite plants—exploring its rich history, how to grow it, and the best varieties for floral design and everyday enjoyment.
Episode 82: Starting a Flower Farm: Is the Life You Want Hidden in a Handful of Blooms?
We believe that sometimes, the life you’re looking for is closer than you think—maybe even hiding in a handful of blooms. In this episode, we talk about how growing flowers with our kids led to deeper connection, new income streams, and a thriving flower farm we never saw coming. It all starts with one small step.
Episode 74: Confessions of Accidental Plant Killers
We’re professional growers — and yes, we’ve still killed our fair share of houseplants. In Episode 74 of The Flower Files, we share hilarious plant fails, the chaos of mixing plants and pets, and our go-to tips for keeping your leafy friends alive. Whether you’re a total beginner or a recovering plant killer, we’ve got ideas for easy plants to start with and advice to help you grow your confidence (and your collection).
Episode 73: Flower Farmers: It’s a Real Job
If you think flower farming is just frolicking through fields in flowy dresses, think again. In Episode 73 of The Flower Files, we pull back the curtain on what our days really look like — 5:30 AM harvests, duct-taped pant legs to keep out ticks, planning wedding color palettes over a year in advance, and occasionally dodging cicada killers in the zinnia patch.
Episode 69: Edible Florals: What Flowers Can I Eat From My Garden
Edible flowers aren’t just pretty — they’re powerful. From garnishing cocktails to topping wedding cakes, culinary blooms offer color, flavor, and endless creativity. In this episode of The Flower Files, Liza Goetz shares expert tips for growing edible florals and turning them into profit (and pleasure).
Episode 66: Wet Your Plants: An Honest Discussion About Irrigation
Irrigation may not be glamorous, but it’s the backbone of every successful garden or flower farm. In this episode of The Flower Files, Liza breaks down the real-world challenges of watering everything from backyard beds to full production fields—and shares flower garden irrigation tips that actually work. From choosing the right hose or drip tape to setting up smart watering schedules and avoiding mildew and root rot, this guide will help you water with confidence. Whether you’re hand-watering seedlings or managing zones with timers and drip systems, learn how to keep your flowers healthy, your workflow efficient, and your plants—well—wet (in the good way).
Episode 65: Hot Plants, Cool Tips: A Florist’s Guide to Summer Gardening
If your summer garden looks a little crispy, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this episode of The Flower Files, we’re diving into practical, florist-approved summer gardening tips to help your blooms survive and thrive. From watering best practices and mulch dos and don’ts to managing heat-loving pests and choosing the right flowers for hot weather, this guide is packed with real-life fixes to keep your flowers healthy and vibrant. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or professional grower, these insights will help you beat the summer stress and enjoy lush, colorful blooms all season long.
Episode 64: A Deep Dive Into Peonies
Thinking about growing peonies? This in-depth guide walks you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right type of peony to planting, supporting heavy blooms, preventing disease, and designing breathtaking floral arrangements. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a budding flower farmer, discover expert insights on how to grow healthy, vibrant peonies that can last for decades and become one of your most profitable crops. We also bust common myths, share storage and harvesting tips, and even dive into the fun of edible peonies and floral mishaps. If peonies are on your radar, this is the guide you need.
Episode 63: Get Ready for the Weeds: Comparing Mulch, Fabric and More!
Weeds creeping into your flower beds? In this episode of The Flower Files, Liza and Kenley unpack their favorite methods—like mulching, smart tools, and even tarping—to help you reclaim your garden. Whether you’re a backyard grower or a flower farmer, these tips will help you weed less and bloom more.
Episode 60: Harvesting Flowers: When to Cut for Peak Bloom
Knowing when to harvest your flowers can make all the difference in keeping your blooms fresh, vibrant, and long-lasting. From peonies to poppies, learn the best techniques for cutting at peak bloom with expert advice from Wildly Native Flower Farm.
Episode 59: Pests, Diseases and Weather. Oh my!
In Episode 59 of the Flower Files, Liza and Kenley take you through the flower farming trenches—from dealing with destructive bugs and devastating plant diseases to navigating wild weather patterns. Packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical tips, this episode is your go-to guide for keeping your flowers thriving, no matter what the season throws at you.
Episode 55: Day in the Life of a Flower Farmer
Spring is the busiest—and most magical—season on the flower farm. In this episode of The Flower Files, we walk through a typical day in the life of our team at Wildly Native Flower Farm. From 5:30 AM wake-up calls to messy tulip harvests and spreadsheet overload, here’s what it really looks like behind the blooms.
Episode 54: Seed Starting 101
Starting flowers from seed is an exciting way to grow unique varieties while saving money. In this post, we break down the essential steps for successful seed starting, from choosing trays to watering techniques. Read on for expert advice from The Flower Files!
Episode 53: Soil Secrets: How to Build Healthy Soil Beds
Loamy soil is the answer everyone wants. Most of us don’t have it. Here’s how to work out what you actually have, what will grow happily in it, and how to make it better season by season.
Episode 51: What are the Hardest Flowers to Grow?
Everyone can tell you dahlias are demanding. Nobody tells you about washing 450 tubers in December with hands that stopped working an hour ago. Here is what actually goes wrong, and which flower beat us in the end.
Episode 49: How to Start a Flower Farm
People ask me all the time how we got started. The real answer involves a margarita, a thousand seeds, and about four different kinds of mulch before I found one that worked. Here’s what I’d tell you if you were sitting in my kitchen.
Episode 46: Our Top Cut Flower Varieties
Choosing the right cut flowers can transform your garden or floral arrangements. In Episode 46 of The Flower Files, we dive into our top cut flower varieties for spring, summer, and fall. From the vibrant hues of tulips and dahlias to the dramatic textures of celosia and amaranth, discover our must-grow favorites and why they shine in every season. Don’t miss our free guide to the top 10 cut flowers – perfect for growers and florists alike!
Episode 45: Picking Perennial Varieties for Cut Flowers
Planning your perennial garden? In Episode 45 of The Flower Files, we explore the art of selecting perennial varieties for cut flowers. From peonies to eryngium, we discuss the pros, cons, and practical tips for choosing the best blooms that thrive year after year. Whether you’re growing for bouquets, weddings, or market stands, this episode is packed with insights to help you maximize your perennial patch. Learn from our experiences – including some surprises – and grow like a pro!
Episode 44: Catalogs and Seed Picking – How to Pick the Best Varieties
In Episode 44 of The Flower Files, we’re talking all things seed selection! Whether you’re an experienced flower farmer or just starting out, navigating catalogs and choosing the right seeds can feel overwhelming. We share our go-to seed suppliers, tips for selecting disease-resistant varieties, and why pelletized seeds can save you time and effort. Plus, we discuss the challenges of farming through droughts, the importance of planning for your market, and lessons learned from past seasons. Don’t miss this essential episode packed with insights to help you grow a thriving flower farm!
Episode 41: Through the Seasons: From Field, to Dried, to Gifting
From field to drying barn, every flower has a story. Join us as we share the journey of how we preserve blooms year-round, transforming them into beautiful dried wreaths, décor, and crafts. Learn about the quirks of each season, our favorite blooms, and the creative ways to give flowers a second life.