I Dig Your Story

Michelle Opela: A Journey from Sea Turtles to Plant Pests

What do sea turtles, corpse flowers, aphids, and philodendrons have in common? For Michelle Opela, they’re all part of a career journey that somehow led to horticulture. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Michelle shares how she went from marine biology adventures in Alaska and Australia to becoming deeply involved in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biological controls, and plant health in the horticulture industry. Michelle also shares some of her pest and disease expertise. She breaks down complicated topics in a way home gardeners and industry pros alike can understand, including how to spot plant problems before bringing them home, why beneficial insects aren’t always simple for consumers to use, and the growing pressure to produce “perfect” plants. We also talk about: * Growing up obsessed with insects in rural New York * Working aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea * Tagging sharks and sea turtles in Australia * Beginner-friendly biological controls * Fungus gnats and dramatic houseplants * Michelle’s obsession with corpse flowers and other unusual plants Most importantly, Michelle reminds listeners that every gardener deals with pests eventually — and that it doesn’t make you a bad plant parent. Mentioned in This Episode * Cornell University * NOAA Fisheries * Costa Farms * BioWorks Learn More * BioWorks [https://bioworksinc.com] * Costa Farms [https://costafarms.com]

Delilah Onofrey: From "Flower Child" to Industry Storyteller

For three decades, Delilah Onofrey has helped tell the stories of the horticulture industry, first as editor of Greenhouse Grower and now as Marketing Director for Suntory Flowers. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Delilah joins Ellen to talk about growing up among heirloom flowers in a historic Cleveland-area home, discovering journalism at Kent State University, and unexpectedly building and loving a lifelong career in floriculture. They discuss: * The evolution of her time in horticultural trade journalism * Why community beautification matters * How a trip to Japan changed her career path * How friendships and relationships shape business and opportunities Plus, Delilah shares her love of music in our Lightning Round.  Whether you work in horticulture or simply love hearing how careers evolve through curiosity and connection, this episode is full of warmth and perspective as only Delilah can deliver.   Find Delilah and Suntory Flowers: Home - Suntory Flowers [https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/suntoryflowers.com/___.YXAzOmJhbGxob3J0OmE6bzozY2Y0OWIzZWRhZWYzNGFmY2NkMWNkMjYyYTViNGQyNDo3OjI3ZDQ6MzYxZmY0YWY3NjlmZWU5YjVlOWFkOWFhODJkZmQ4OTdlZjYxMzIxZDQyNzgyZTZiOWRlZjA0YTJkOTA5YTJmMTpoOlQ6Tg] - www.suntoryflowers.com [http://www.suntoryflowers.com] (trade site) Home - Suntory Garden Club [https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/suntorygardenclub.com/___.YXAzOmJhbGxob3J0OmE6bzozY2Y0OWIzZWRhZWYzNGFmY2NkMWNkMjYyYTViNGQyNDo3OmUxNWU6ODZkZTZjOGFkMWZmMzE0ODAxOGUzMzg3NzE4YjBlNWFiYTdjOGIyM2I5ZmIyNGFlYWVmNTJjNTllOGNlZTgxYzpoOlQ6Tg] - www.suntorygardenclub.com (consumer site) Facebook [https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/www.facebook.com/SuntoryFlowers___.YXAzOmJhbGxob3J0OmE6bzozY2Y0OWIzZWRhZWYzNGFmY2NkMWNkMjYyYTViNGQyNDo3OmY1ZTg6MWI0YmYzOTk2NDlkMTNiNjgwYTdhNGI4MTAwMDc5NzYwYjQzMGE1MjE3OGE5ZWM0N2U5Y2ExMWRkNGI2Y2RlYjpoOlQ6Tg] - www.facebook.com/SuntoryFlowers Instagram [https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/www.instagram.com/suntoryflowers.na/___.YXAzOmJhbGxob3J0OmE6bzozY2Y0OWIzZWRhZWYzNGFmY2NkMWNkMjYyYTViNGQyNDo3OmUzYmE6YWE5MDg4YzQ5YWIwYzNhYmM2NjliNDgxYzc3ZWFiMmJlYzk4MTNhYmY0ZjViMDdmNWNmODFiNDBkMGY2MmUyZDpoOlQ6Tg] - www.instagram.com/suntoryflowers.na/   Can't Miss Video! Delilah unveils a special Rolling Stones "time capsule": https://youtu.be/JyR-G1hB7Uw [https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/youtu.be/JyR-G1hB7Uw___.YXAzOmJhbGxob3J0OmE6bzpiZjhlMjdkMjhhNzk1MmQ3Y2E2NWMzMDc1OTE0ZGJmNTo3OjQ1YzM6ZWU1YzNkMDJjOGNiYzk1YjY3YzFmY2E2YTZkNjkwMjY1NGI2NDVhMjhiZTMyZTIzMWViZDRiZTE2Mjk2OGI4NjpoOlQ6Tg]

David Bache: Growing What Others Won't

What happens when a landscape architect realizes the plants—not the plans—are the real passion? In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Ellen Wells talks with David Bache of Garden Industries in Loxahatchee, Florida, about finding your path in horticulture, growing what others won’t, and creating a nursery experience that inspires. David shares how trying different roles—from landscape design to floral importing—ultimately led him back to what he was meant to do. Today at Garden Industries, he grows unique and heirloom plants, breeds new varieties, and believes every customer visit should feel like an experience—not just a transaction. Ellen and David also dig into how the nursery industry has evolved, why social media matters more than ever, and what continues to inspire him after decades in the business.   In this episode, you’ll hear: * Why trying different jobs can lead you to the right one * How growing uncommon plants sets a business apart * How plant trends rise, fall—and come back around again * Why knowing your plants is still the most important skill * What continues to inspire a lifelong plant person   Connect with David & Garden Industries: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GardenIndustries Instagram: www.instagram.com/mr_plant_man/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mr_Plant_Man-b5w [https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/www.youtube.com/_@Mr_Plant_Man-b5w___.YXAzOmJhbGxob3J0OmE6bzo0YWYzZGEzZDRiZWMzODUwZDEzMzVkMWJiMGZjMmFiNjo3OjEyODI6NzczMDlmYjA3MDdkOGU4MGVhZjk5M2E1M2U0ZWEwYzZhMzcyZjYxZDJkNTI0OTRhMWNkOWU4YWVjNzA5MzQ2OTpoOlQ6Tg] Garden Industries Newsletter Sign-Up: https://mailchi.mp/2fc4ca0532a0/newsletter-signup [https://mailchi.mp/2fc4ca0532a0/newsletter-signup] Garden Industries Website: www.gardenind.com

Melinda Knuth: From Floral Ambitions to Consumer Insights

Melinda Knuth didn’t set out to become an academic—but a series of questions, opportunities and one pivotal experience at Disney World led her there. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Melinda shares how her early goal of building a wholesale floral business evolved into a career focused on understanding how—and why—people connect with plants. From her upbringing in agriculture to her graduate work in consumer behavior, her story is a reminder that career paths rarely move in straight lines. We talk about the moment that shifted her thinking, her passion for engaging consumers, and what the horticulture industry still gets wrong about communicating plant benefits. Melinda also shares insights from her research—like how online pre-researching is shaping plant purchases—and why simplifying our messaging may be the key to reaching more people. At the heart of it all is a deep belief in helping others discover their passion for plants. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How one unexpected experience reshaped Melinda’s career path * Why simplifying plant messaging matters more than ever * How consumers are researching plants before they buy * The role collaboration plays in horticultural business success * Why “points of adversity” can also be moments for innovation Find Melinda: NC State Horticultural Department: https://cals.ncsu.edu/horticultural-science/people/mjknuth/ [https://cals.ncsu.edu/horticultural-science/people/mjknuth/] Cognitive Behavioral Lab: https://cognitivebehaviorallab.cals.ncsu.edu/ [https://cognitivebehaviorallab.cals.ncsu.edu/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mknuth/ CBS News Sunday Morning segment “The Pride and Perils of Plant Parenthood” [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO-61q69PUw] on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO-61q69PUw

Gail Cash: Sticking With What You Do Best in a Changing Market

Gail Cash, owner of Flori-Design in Eustis, Florida, has built a horticulture career shaped by resilience, focus and creativity. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Gail shares her journey from FFA and Virginia Tech to launching her own business, including how she found a niche in carnivorous plants and built memorable products like “Little Pot of Horrors.” She also talks about expanding into dish gardens and terrariums, designing standout products, and what it took to survive the Great Recession. Along the way, Gail shares the lesson that continues to guide her business today: “I really learned during the Great Recession that you need to stick with what you do best and just try to do a better job of it.” We also discuss leadership, team retention, and how treating people well has helped her build a loyal workforce. 🎧 Listen in for a conversation about plants, business, and staying grounded through change. Where to Find Gail: Website: [https://www.flori-design.com/]https://www.flori-design.com/ [https://www.flori-design.com/] Little Pot of Horrors: https://littlepotofhorrors.com/ [https://littlepotofhorrors.com/] Instagram: @flori_design_inc [https://www.instagram.com/flori_design_inc/] Facebook: Flori-Design Nursery