The Flower Podcast

This week, Scott explores the intersection of science and artistry in the world of flower breeding. Dr. Keith Hammett, New Zealand's leading ornamental plant breeder, shares his passion for developing Dahlias, Sweet Peas, and Clivias that blend genetics, color, and creativity. Together, they discuss the delicate balance between science and art, the importance of scent in breeding, the joy of discovery, and how breeders quietly shape the world of floristry through their vision and dedication. This episode is made possible by our sponsors: Rooted Farmers: Connecting flower farmers and florists through one simple, trusted platform. Visit RootedFarmers.com [https://www.rootedfarmers.com] and use code TFP25 for special offer of $75.00 off any individual plan (essential or pro) with Rooted Farmers.  ASCFG: Supporting flower farmers with education, research, and community. Learn more at ascfg.org [https://www.ascfg.org]. 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.

Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas Building a new flower farm from the ground up! In this episode, returning guest Galena Berkompas of Micro Flower Farm shares what it's like to start over on a new piece of land in Vancouver, Washington. She talks about prioritizing perennials, choosing cover crops, and balancing short-term crops with long-term investments. Galena also dives into her watering schedule, dahlia care, and the lessons she's learning as she rebuilds her micro farm from the ground up. Highlights: 1 Starting fresh on new land 2 Planting perennials for long-term success 3 TEFF as a cover crop 4 Midnight watering schedule & overhead irrigation 5 Dahlia care and nitrogen timing 6 Managing pollinated blooms 7 Building structure with shrubs & greens 8 Balancing quick-income crops with long-term growth Sponsors: Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers — Learn more and join at ascfg.org [https://www.ascfg.org] The Gardener's Workshop — Helping flower farmers grow smarter at thegardenersworkshop.com [https://www.thegardenersworkshop.com] 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.

What Is Your Most Important Tool? Madeline Hooper has such a great story. After years in public relations, competing as a ballroom dancer, and teacher she turned her focus to gardening and helping others. Together with her husband, she's spent over three decades creating and caring for their Rockland Farm in New York. She's also the co-creator of the TV series GardenFit, and she shares down-to-earth ways we can take care of our most important tool—our own body. Whether you're planting, weeding, hauling buckets, or marathon wedding installations, her tips will help you move smarter, avoid aches, and enjoy the work we love for years to come.  It's all about self-care and taking care of our bodies to let them continue to take care of us. 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.

My guest today is Jenny Marks from Clifton Springs New York, a grower and educator who has built her business from the ground up. Jenny runs Trademarks Flower Farm, a productive one-acre farm celebrated for its gorgeous early spring blooms and smart, efficient growing practices. Alongside her own farm work, she created Trademark Farmer, where she teaches and mentors small-scale flower farmers who want to build profitable, sustainable businesses of their own. Jenny is also the voice behind the Six Figure Flower Farming podcast and teaches an in-depth online course of the same name, sharing practical strategies to help growers plan, market, and manage their farms with confidence. On top of that, she serves as the Northeast Regional Director for the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers [https://www.ascfg.org], helping connect and support growers throughout the region and today Jenny is on The Flower Podcast.  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 of The Flower Podcast, Scott is joined by Tina Barkley, co-founder of Fleurs de Villes. With more than 25 years in creative industries, Tina has built a career around bringing beauty, entrepreneurship, and storytelling together. She shares how floral artistry can go beyond decoration — becoming a way to tell stories, engage communities, and open new opportunities for your business. From saying "no" as a chance to pivot, to embracing perseverance and creativity, Tina encourages florists, flower farmers, and designers to see exhibitions and collaborations as powerful stages for their artistry. Fleurs de Villes showcases what's possible when flowers meet imagination, and this conversation is full of inspiration for anyone looking to grow their business and creative voice. Learn more about today's episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com] From timeless vessels that complement any bloom, to bold statement pieces that spark conversation, Accent Decor provides the tools you need to elevate your designs and showcase your creativity. Their ever-evolving collections are built with both beauty and functionality in mind, helping you share your unique floral story in every arrangement. Discover how Accent Decor can support your work by visiting accentdecor.com [https://www.accentdecor.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.