Building a Sustainable Floral Business with Ellen Frost

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this episode, Roz sits down with Ellen Frost, owner of Local Color Flowers, to explore the world of locally sourced, sustainable floristry. With 17 years of experience, Ellen shares her journey from gardening enthusiast to floral business owner and the challenges of maintaining a 100% local sourcing model.They dive into the environmental impact of imported flowers, the logistics of working with local flower farmers, and why education is key to changing industry practices. Ellen also discusses the growing demand for sustainable flowers, her ideas for improving flower sourcing efficiency, and how community engagement is shaping the future of floristry.Whether you're a florist, flower farmer, or flower lover, this episode is packed with insights on how to build a sustainable floristry business while staying true to your values.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌸 How Ellen’s journey into floristry began with a love for gardening 🌿 Why sustainability has been a core principle of her business from day one 📚 The importance of educating customers about local flowers ✈️ The carbon footprint of imported flowers and the waste in the floral industry 💐 How building relationships with flower farmers improves quality and supply 🚛 The logistics of sourcing locally and the challenges florists face 📈 The financial realities of running a local flower business 🤝 How community engagement and education are shaping the future of floristry 💡 Why florists should share knowledge and resources to strengthen the industryConnect with Ellen Frost & Local Color Flowers:📍 http://locoflo.com/Make the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow florists and flower lovers! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this episode, Roz sits down with Ali to talk about the importance of sustainable floristry and how they built the Great British Flower School. They share their journey, the challenges they faced, and the eco-friendly practices that every florist can adopt to reduce their environmental impact.From using moss instead of floral foam to growing your own flowers, they provide practical tips that make sustainability achievable and creative. They also discuss alternative vessels, local sourcing, and how to educate clients on the importance of eco-conscious floral design.If you’re a florist looking to ditch floral foam, reduce waste, and embrace sustainable techniques, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌿 Why sustainable floristry is essential for reducing environmental impact 🍃 How moss and chicken wire can replace floral foam 💧 Why water is the best medium for flower hydration 💐 The benefits of growing your own flowers for sustainability 🌻 How alternative vessels can enhance creativity in floral design 🏡 Why sourcing from local flower farmers results in fresher, seasonal blooms ♻️ The importance of using recyclable and biodegradable materials 🎓 How to educate clients about sustainable flower choicesConnect with The Great British Flower School:Free Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sustainablefloristryforeveryoneJoin our Spring Open Evening - flowers.thegreatbritishflowerschool.co.uk/spring-open-eveningMake the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow florists! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this episode, Roz sits down with Jen from Life on the Lot, a passionate flower farmer who turned her pandemic vegetable-growing hobby into a thriving flower farm. Jen shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she faced in her early days, and how growing her own food completely transformed her perspective on sustainability and seasonality.Now, with her latest project at Claremont Farm, Jen is creating a pick-your-own flower experience and workshops to bring more people into the world of seasonal flowers. She opens up about the realities of running a flower farm, from financial management to the importance of community engagement, while also sharing her motivation to inspire her daughter to pursue a non-traditional career path.Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer, an aspiring grower, or just someone who loves the beauty of flowers, this episode is filled with real talk, inspiration, and practical insights.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌱 How Jen’s journey into flower farming started during the COVID-19 pandemic 🌿 The challenges she faced, from tough growing conditions to perennial weeds 🌎 How growing food changed her perspective on sustainability and seasonality 💐 Why she transitioned from vegetables to growing flowers 🏡 Her latest project: a pick-your-own flower farm at Claremont Farm 📊 The financial realities of running a flower farm (it’s not all pretty petals!) 🌻 The importance of community engagement and workshops in her business 🎓 Why mistakes in gardening are valuable learning experiences 👩‍👧 Jen’s motivation to inspire her daughter to think beyond traditional career pathsConnect with Jen & Life on the Lot:📍 https://www.lifeonthelot.co.uk/wirralflowerfarm📍 https://www.instagram.com/life_on_the_lotMake the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow flower lovers! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nadine Brown, a seasoned florist with over 30 years of experience, to talk about the evolving world of floristry. From starting her first flower shop at just 23 to becoming a leading voice in sustainable floristry, Nadine shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the changes she hopes to see in the industry.We dive into the importance of local flower sourcing, building strong grower-florist relationships, and why authenticity in design matters more than fleeting trends. Nadine also breaks down common mistakes flower farmers make, the challenges florists face in aligning their business models with their lifestyles, and simple sustainability swaps that can make a huge impact.If you’re a florist, flower farmer, or just passionate about sustainable design, this episode is packed with valuable insights and expert advice.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌿 How Nadine transitioned from retail to education with a focus on sustainability🌸 Why local flowers are crucial for quality, community, and sustainability💡 The biggest mistakes flower farmers and florists make – and how to avoid them🎨 Why authenticity in floral design matters more than following trends🌎 Practical sustainability swaps that florists can implement today🤝 How mentorship and education are shaping the future of floristry🌟 Nadine’s vision for a more creative, sustainable, and supportive floristry industryConnect with Nadine:📍https://www.theivyinstitute.com.au/ or https://www.instagram.com/the_ivyinstituteIf you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow flower lovers!Make the most of your garden by visiting bramblecrest.com and use the code FIELDGATE at checkout. See website for full details. https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.🌸 Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast!Hello, and thank you for popping over to listen! It’s always lovely to have you here. Whether you’re a flower farmer, a small business owner, or just passionate about growing, we’re here to help you thrive.Today, I’ve got a brilliant guest, Tom Coleman. Some of you might know that Tom and I work together on the Growth Club, a membership designed to help small businesses gain visibility, develop their marketing strategies, and ultimately grow.In this episode, we’re diving deep into social media strategy, Instagram growth, and how to go viral the right way. If you’ve ever wondered how to increase engagement, turn followers into customers, and use Instagram as part of a wider business strategy, you’re in the right place.🌟 Episode SummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Tom Coleman, a marketing and social media specialist who helps horticulture businesses stand out online. We take you behind the scenes of our Instagram strategy, revealing how we took my account from 20,000 to 122,000 followers in just six months.We break down two viral Reels—one that hit 1.6 million views and another that skyrocketed to 2.6 million—and share exactly what made them work. But more importantly, we discuss why social media is only the start of your business funnel and how to turn engagement into real sales.If you’ve ever wondered how to create posts that truly resonate, how to use ManyChat to collect emails or why Instagram should be part of a wider marketing strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights!🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How we strategically grew an Instagram account from 20K to 122K followers✔️ The two viral Reels—what made them work and how you can replicate success✔️ Why engagement is key—the power of responding to comments and DMs✔️ The role of Instagram in a wider marketing strategy—it’s just the start!✔️ How to use ManyChat to automate lead collection and drive conversions✔️ Why collecting emails from social media is crucial for long-term growth✔️ The importance of staying true to your brand and not chasing trends📌 Resources & Links:🔗 Join The Growth Club – Check it out here!🔗 Follow me on Instagram – @fieldgateflowers🔗 Find Tom on Instagram – @imtomcoleman  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast!I'm Roz Chandler, and today, I'm delighted to welcome Jamie Walton. Jamie is an award-winning gardener known for his expertise in no-dig gardening, permaculture, and wild edibles. With over 1.5 million followers on social media, he shares practical growing tips and insights into sustainable gardening.In this episode, Jamie shares his fascinating journey, from barbering and fine art to becoming a head grower at an estate in Sands End. He talks about the challenges of setting up an organic kitchen garden in a tough coastal environment and how a simple social media post catapulted him into the spotlight. Jamie also reveals his latest venture: launching a community food-growing project to support low-income families and food banks.Join us as we explore his passion for sustainability, his new book Nettles and Petals, and the exciting app he's helping to develop for gardeners worldwide!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌱 How Jamie transitioned from barbaring to gardening🌊 The challenges of creating a no-dig garden on a steep coastal hill📱 How social media transformed his career📖 The inspiration behind his new book, Nettles and Petals🍏 His mission to provide fresh food to low-income communities🌼 The crossover between growing flowers and foodResources & Links:🔗 Follow Jamie Walton on Instagram: @nettlesandpetals📖 Pre-order Jamie’s book Nettles and Petals: [Link coming soon]🌿 Learn more about no-dig gardening: Charles Dowding’s websiteJoin the Conversation!If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to the podcast.📸 Tag us on Instagram: @thecutflowerpodcastHappy growing,Roz Chandler https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.🎙️ Welcome to the Show!In this episode of the podcast, Roz Chandler shares her top ten tips for starting a thriving cutting patch, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grower. Pulling insights from her book Seed to Vase, Roz explains how to grow beautiful, seasonally grown British blooms with practical strategies for maximizing your space, choosing the right flowers, and keeping your patch thriving year-round.Episode SummaryA cutting patch isn’t just a garden—it’s a space dedicated to growing flowers for cutting and arranging. Whether you have a small urban plot or acres of land, Roz walks through the essential steps to creating a successful cutting patch. From soil preparation to succession planting, and even dealing with pests and wind damage, these ten tips will help you start growing with confidence.If you’ve ever wanted to fill your home with fresh-cut flowers or even start a small flower business, this episode is packed with must-know advice!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Size doesn’t matter—how to maximize space for your cutting patch✅ The difference between annuals, perennials, and biennials and why it matters✅ How to choose flowers you love for a rewarding growing experience✅ The importance of soil quality and how to improve it✅ Protecting your flowers from wind, pests, and environmental challenges✅ How to keep flowers blooming with succession planting techniques✅ Essential tools and supports to keep plants strong and healthyConnect with Us!🔔 Subscribe to the podcast for more expert gardening tips!⭐ Leave a review if you enjoyed this episode, it helps others find the show!💬 Join the conversation in the comments: What’s your favorite flower to grow? https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, and welcome to The Cut Flower Podcast!Today, I’m sharing why gardening and especially growing your own cut flowers, can have a transformative impact on your mental and physical health. Having experienced this firsthand, I’m thrilled to guide you through the science, benefits, and ways to begin your journey.Episode SummaryGardening is more than just a hobby, it’s a way to boost mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve physical health. In this episode, I dive into:The scientific research behind gardening’s effects on mental health.My personal story of how gardening helped me during a challenging health journey.How growing cut flowers connects us to nature and provides a sense of purpose.Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting, this episode will inspire you to get your hands in the soil for the betterment of your well-being.What I Cover in This Episode:Mental Health Benefits of Gardening:Stress reduction through decreased cortisol levels.Improved mood thanks to soil microbes like Mycobacterium vaccae.Mindfulness through meditative activities like planting and weeding.A sense of accomplishment watching seeds bloom.Physical Health Perks:Gentle exercise like digging and weeding strengthens muscles and improves flexibility.Boosted immunity from increased vitamin D levels.Better sleep from physical activity and the calming effects of nature.Why Cut Flowers Are Special:Immediate mood enhancement through color and fragrance.Connection with nature that reduces isolation and builds routine.Therapy through flower arranging and sensory experiences.Real Stories and Expert Insights:Interviews with experts like Dr. Menjie Bodhuran, Dr. Alistair Griffiths, and Dr. Richard Claxton on the intersection of gardening and mental health.Resources to Explore:Join our Cut Flower Kickoff 2025 Facebook Group for free guides, live Q&A sessions, and community support.Masterclasses: Don’t miss our free online sessions on February 6th, 7th, and 10th to deepen your knowledge and skills.Start your year with the healing power of gardening. Join the Cut Flower Kickoff 2025 Facebook Group for inspiration, resources, and a like-minded community.  https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Hi, and welcome to another delightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast! I’m Roz Chandler, your host, and today I’m thrilled to chat with Stephanie Walker, a micro flower farmer, author, and cut flower enthusiast based in Queen Creek, Arizona. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey from reluctant gardener to a published author and successful grower. Her book, How to Grow Flowers in Small Spaces, is an essential guide for anyone dreaming of a flourishing garden, regardless of space constraints.In this episode, Stephanie and I explore how small-scale flower farming is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. We talk about the best flowers to grow in containers, soil care, irrigation, and succession planting, as well as the unique challenges and joys of running a flower business. Stephanie also shares her experience writing her book, the importance of planning, and how flowers bring people together through shared memories and joy.Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to help you embrace flower farming in any space.Resources and Links:Stephanie Walker’s Book: How to Grow Flowers in Small Spaces (Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more).Follow Stephanie on Instagram: @StephanieWalkerFlowers.Join the Conversation:Have a question or a story to share about growing flowers in small spaces? Join us in the conversation on social media or in our community group. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Cutflower Podcast for more insights, inspiration, and expert tips!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with your fellow flower enthusiasts, and subscribe for more exciting episodes. We’re here to help you grow the garden of your dreams, no matter how small your space may be!Enjoyed this chat? Let us know your favourite takeaway or tag us with your container garden ideas. 🌸 https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, and welcome to The Cut Flower Podcast! This January, I’m excited to bring you a special five-episode series all about the benefits of growing your own cut flowers. Today, I’ll share how to start growing flowers as a side hustle or even transition into a full-fledged business.Episode SummaryIn this episode, I share my journey from starting with three raised beds to managing a thriving five-acre flower farm. Whether you’re looking to sell at local markets, supply florists, or offer DIY wedding buckets, I’ll guide you through the first steps. I’ll cover how to start small, grow sustainably, and set the foundations for a profitable venture.Key TakeawaysStart Small: When I started, it was just three raised beds. Even a small garden or a 1-square-meter plot can yield significant results with planning.Plan Your Flowers: Choose customer favorites like sweet peas, dahlias, and cosmos. Think about who you want to sell to—florists, markets, or DIY brides—and tailor your choices.Sustainability Matters: Growing your own flowers reduces reliance on imports and eliminates the need for harmful pesticides. It’s a great way to protect our environment.Profitability: With the right approach, even a small plot can be lucrative. For example, by rotating tulips and dahlias in the same space, you can double your yield.Community Support: Join my Cut Flower Kickoff 2025 Facebook Group, where you’ll find free guides, live Q&As, and plenty of support from fellow growers.Steps You Can Take Right NowStart prepping your soil with compost or manure.Browse seed catalogs and choose flowers you love.Plan for successional planting to maximize your blooms.Begin sowing hardy annuals in March or later in the season, depending on your setup.Brush up on basic floristry skills to create beautiful bouquets.Join Me in the Facebook GroupIf you’re excited to grow your own cut flowers, join our Cut Flower Kickoff 2025 Facebook Group. It’s full of resources, including free guides on setting up a side hustle, creating a cutting patch, and more. Plus, we’ve got live masterclasses coming up in February.Starting a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but I promise it’s worth it. If I could do it—without any horticultural experience—so can you. Let’s grow beautiful blooms together! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection