The Flower Podcast

In this episode of The Flower Podcast, Scott Shepherd talks with Carole Patilla of Tuckshop Flowers and co-founder of The Farewell Flowers Directory. They explore the growing movement toward sustainable and foam-free funeral flowers. Carole shares practical tips for florists ready to shift away from floral foam, embrace compostable design, and rethink traditional funeral floristry. This inspiring conversation is all about starting small, building confidence, and making meaningful change in your local community. Whether you’re new to sustainable design or looking to expand your eco-conscious offerings, this episode is full of encouragement, resources, and heartfelt advice. We’re excited to have Accent Decor as a sponsor of The Flower Podcast. The help florists and farmer florists elevate deigns with their amazing collection of vessels and containers. Visit accentdecor.com [https://www.accentdecor.com] and explore all they have to offer. Learn more about today’s episode [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com/guestsoftheflowerpodcast#/carole-patilla-tuckshop-flowers] and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com]  Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast. You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss a minute.

In this episode of The Flower Podcast, Elizabeth Hodges, owner of Philo Floral in Greenville SC., opens up about the powerful mindset shift that helped her build a business rooted in authenticity. We explore how understanding generational values—from Gen Z’s focus on connection and transparency to older generations’ appreciation for experience—can change the way you approach wedding consultations and client relationships. Elizabeth also shares her thoughts on taking ownership of your growth, letting go of the need to be liked by everyone, and the importance of putting on blinders when it’s time to focus. We dive into how contracts provide security during uncertain times, the role planners play in her business, and why supporting local flower growers matters now more than ever.  A big thanks to our sponsors, The Gardener’s Workshop [https://www.thegardenersworkshop.com]—helping flower farmers grow smarter with tools, seeds, and courses rooted in real experience—and the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers [https://www.ascfg.org], a community that supports and connects flower growers at every stage. This conversation is packed with honest insights and practical wisdom for anyone growing a flower-based business. Whether you're just starting out or reevaluating where you're headed, this episode will inspire you to lead with intention—and grow with confidence. Learn more about today’s episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com]. Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast. You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss a minute.

In this episode, we welcome back Adrianne Gammie, a dedicated flower farmer known for her intentional approach to business, sustainability, and community impact. Adrianne shares valuable insights from her evolving farm, covering everything from pollinator habitat and land stewardship to profitability and professional relationships. Her candid advice is grounded in real-world experience and offers practical strategies for flower farmers at any stage. Topics Covered: -How diversification helps manage risk in farming -Creating and managing pollinator habitat for ecological health -Learning from experts and the local community -Responsible land management, even beyond cultivated areas -The importance of clear communication with florists -Using platforms like Rooted Farmers to streamline sales -Evaluating crop profitability regularly -Building trust through in-person deliveries -Customizing your flower farm to fit your unique context Takeaway:  Adrianne reminds us that successful flower farming isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about long-term thinking, building relationships, and making choices that align with your values and goals. Rooted Farmers is free for flower buyers, from consumers to all kinds of florists. Additionally, flower farmers can save $75 on either of the plans they offer by using the code TFP25 for that discount. Follow this link to Rooted Farmers [https://www.rootedfarmers.com]. Now is a great time to join the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers!  Connect with growers, take advantage of educational opportunities, access the vast library of past articles and conferences, and so much more.  Visit ASCFG.org [https://www.ascfg.org] to learn more about all the benefits that comes with membership Learn more about today’s episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com]. Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss a minute.

Flowers are at the heart of so many meaningful moments—especially since Mother’s Day week just happened. This episode honors the hardworking farmers, florists, designers, and behind-the-scenes teams who make it all possible. Returning guest Diane Szukovathy of Jello Mold Farm joins Scott for a rich conversation about long-term farm planning, infrastructure investment, and the evolving role of a flower grower. As a founding member of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, Diane also shares the story behind Floral Standards—a new, farmer-developed book designed to help growers sell more confidently with clear guidelines for stem counts, harvest stages, and post-harvest care. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about local flowers, building a business, or creating a lasting impact in the floral industry. Learn more about today’s episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com]. Visit Diane’s page for easy access to all of her links and social pages. Now is a great time to join the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers! Connect with growers, take advantage of educational opportunities, access the vast library of past articles and conferences, and so much more. Visit ASCFG.org [https://www.ascfg.org] to learn more about all the benefits that comes with membership. Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast. You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss a minute.

We’re chatting with Nicole Pitt, the passionate owner of Flower Hill Farm [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com/guestsoftheflowerpodcast#/nicole-pitt-flower-hill-farm], and a popular YouTube creator, as she shares her journey in the world of flower farming. Nicole’s story is all about planting roots, both literally and figuratively, as she returned to her childhood home in 2018 and transformed it into a thriving farm full of flowers. Some of the topics we discussed: Perennials as a Foundation:   Nicole emphasizes that perennials, though slower to establish, are long-term investments that form the backbone of the farm. Animal Control Is Essential:  Research the best animal control methods for your area. Nicole used fencing, poles, and covers, but every farm's needs are different. Retail Space for Community Connection:   Creating a retail space helped Nicole connect with her community while keeping her private/family space separate. Revitalizing a Nursery:  Nicole brought new life to the nursery — not just as a business, but as a way to give back to her community and offer another revenue stream for the town. Be the Face of Your Business:  Show up as yourself. Vulnerability makes you relatable and helps build trust with your audience or customers. Take Lots of Photos:  Document your journey from different angles — both for storytelling and content creation. Stay True to Yourself:  Even if your close circle doesn’t fully understand your path, it doesn’t mean they don’t support you. Trust your vision and keep going. Learn more about today’s episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com]. Take a minute and explore all the offerings at The Gardener's Workshop [https://www.thegardenersworkshop.com]. They offer a wide range of products for farmers and gardeners. Plus wonderful courses to help you fine tune your skills in growing. Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast.  You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss a minute.