Bloommates

In this episode, we're exploring how flower farmers fill the gap between the end of ranunculus season and the start of dahlias, typically mid-spring to early summer in our region.

We revisit the five growers we've spoken to throughout this season and find out which crops they're growing to maintain a consistent supply of focal flowers during this transitional period. We also share our own recommendations and experiences, including Katie's extensive experimentation this season, as she set out to address this gap in her own production.

Crops discussed include paper daisies, roses, tissue culture dahlias, foxgloves, scabiosa, hydrangeas, gladioli, sunflowers and plenty more.

Featuring insights from:

• Robin from Transition Farm

• Luen's Flowers

• Casey from Three Dogs Flower Farm

• Love Sophie Flowers

• Mel from Andmia Flower Farm

Whether you're looking to improve your seasonal crop planning or simply find new options to keep your buckets full, we hope this episode gives you some ideas for your own spring production.

In this episode, Sarah and Katie visit Mel at Andmia Flower Farm in the Hunter Valley to learn how she built a full-time business growing Australian natives and proteas. Mel explains the farm’s four-year path to profitability, crop choices, watering and fertilising tips, and practical growing and selling lessons for Australian flower farmers.

In this episode Sarah and Katie explore how they would plan each other's farms if they switched, considering space, crops, and business strategies. They share insights on crop choices, farm layout, and the realities of running a flower farm as a business.

Follow us on Instagram!

@bloommatespodcast

@grown_by_lightninghollows

@quayle.cottage

Things we mention a lot:

Florlist.com - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders

@harvest_flowermarket - the local flower hub connecting growers and florists

Highsun Express - bulk seed supplier

Ball Australia - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on episode 26)

Crops we mention a lot (that you may not know how to spell):

Silene vulgaris

Salpiglossis

Nicotiana

Phlox

Monarda

Muscari

In this episode, Sophie from Love Sophie Flowers shares her journey to wedding floristry and flower farming, her strategic approach to growing flowers, and her wish list of flowers she wishes more Australian flower farmers would grow from her perspective as a wedding florist including Phlox and Corn Cockle. Sophie also shares her insights on social media , and building a community around your passion. Discover practical tips for growing flowers such as Pansies and Sweet Peas, engaging audiences, and turning your hobby into a thriving business.

In this episode, Sarah and Katie share their latest farm updates, discuss the impact of heat on flowering, and explore pest management strategies for the upcoming season.

Follow us on Instagram:

⁠@bloommatespodcast⁠

⁠@grown_by_lightninghollows⁠

⁠@quayle.cottage⁠

Things we mention a lot:

⁠Florlist.com⁠ - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders

⁠@harvest_flowermarket⁠ - the local flower hub connecting growers and florists

⁠Highsun Express⁠ - bulk seed supplier

⁠Ball Australia⁠ - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on ⁠episode 26⁠)

Weird crops we mention a lot that you may not know how to spell:

• Silene vulgaris

• Salpiglossis

• Nicotiana

• Phlox

• Monarda

• Muscari

In this episode, Casey from Three Dogs Flower Farm shares her plans for her new rented one acre market garden including on farm events and subscription boxes. She aslo shares insights into her farm operations, seed and dahlia tuber production, and some of her favourite perennials including Windflowers, Silene vulgaris, and Rudbeckia triloba.

Find Casey here:

@threedogsflowerfarm

@hendogfarm

https://threedogsflowerfarm.com.au/

Follow us on Instagram:

@bloommatespodcast

@grown_by_lightninghollows

@quayle.cottage

Things we mention a lot:

Florlist.com - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders

@harvest_flowermarket - the local flower hub connecting growers and florists

Highsun Express - bulk seed supplier

Ball Australia - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on episode 26)

Weird crops we mention a lot that you may not know how to spell:

• Silene vulgaris

• Salpiglossis

• Nicotiana

• Phlox

• Monarda

• Muscari

In this episode, Katie and Sarah join Luen on her new farm where she shares her journey of farm downsizing, plans for her roadside stand, and establishing her new flower farm. She discusses practical tips for crop planning, moving farms, and optimising small-scale flower production. Luke joins for segment on hot composting techniques, farm management, and how he and Luen manage disagreements about the farm.

Follow us on Instagram:

@luensflowers @bloommatespodcast @grown_by_lightninghollows @quayle.cottage

Things we mention a lot:

Florlist.com - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders

@harvest_flowermarket - the local flower hub connecting growers and florists

Highsun Express - bulk seed supplier

Ball Australia - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on episode 26)

Flower farmers Katie and Sarah share their crop plans for the upcoming summer/autumn season including a mix of annuals and flowering perennials. They touch on their goals for this season that helped guide them when planning as well as some growing and sowing techniques for warm weather.

Robin from Transition Farm shares her journey from vegetable farming to seed production, emphasizing the importance of biodynamic practices, soil health and seed sovereignty. Discover how her farm adapts to climate challenges as well as the additional tax that seed growing puts on the soil and how Robin combats this. In this episode, Robin shares how she began seed breeding, the benefits of biodynamic practices, and insights into growing resilient, vibrant flowers like zinnias. Discover how regional seed production and sustainable practices can transform flower farming.

TRANSITION FARM DEVELOPED ZINNIAS

https://transitionfarm.com/collections/transition-farm-developed-zinnias

TRANSITION FARM SEED RAISING MIX RECIPE

https://transitionfarm.com/blogs/growing-resources/transition-farm-seed-raising-mix

STAND UP SOIL BLOCKER

Ladbrooke stand up soil blocker 1.5" 20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BUV4OOK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Bioplastic Mulch Film: https://ausbioplas.com.au/products/biodegradable-mulch-film?srsltid=AfmBOoqSEEdTp4npUzMW_rN89aU0uujdUPlNaTLUAMeterJeKXWZ-hZs

Blogpost about the Florlist platform update: https://www.quaylecottage.com.au/blog/florlist-overview

In this episode, Sarah and Katie share their season wrap-up, discuss challenges like weeds and weather, and share practical tips on DIY tools (the wire weeder), using bio plastic mulch, planting, direct sowing, and pest management. They reflect on their successes, failures, and plans for the next season, offering valuable insights for fellow flower farmers and gardeners.

This episode is a dahlia lover’s dream. Katie and Sarah asked each guest from this season of the podcast to share their top 5 favourite dahlias for cut flower production, then compiled all the answers (as well as their own) into one big list of Australian grower favourites.

From tried-and-true classics to newer releases, a few tissue culture varieties from Ball Australia, and even a few that haven’t quite hit the market yet, this episode covers more than 30 cultivars that flower farmers across Australia are loving right now. Whether you’re growing on a tiny patch or a large-scale farm, there’s plenty of inspiration for your wish list ahead of tuber sale season!

Featured growers & their picks:

Luen (@luensflowers) Coorabell Astrid, Bracken Palomino, Coorabell Texas, Boundary Snowflake, Kotare Buttermilk. Honourable mention: Devon Seattle

Jen (@southernhighlandsflowerfarm) Fancy Pants, Penhill Watermelon, Lileah Pink Petticoats, Darbro Barton A25, Florelie Cosmic Romance

Kate (@bushy.blooms) Portlight Pair Beauty, Orange Stone, Yellow Quartz, Coorabell Astrid, Winkie Rhubarb

Mardi (@qcflowerfarm) Queen Vic Life on Mars, Serenade Rosa, Serenade Fairylights, QC Hot Mess (working title), Coorabell Emma

Sarah (@quayle.cottage) Everbloom First Dance, Florelie Antique, Everbloom Lioness, Everbloom Rockmelon, Sheila, Boundary Snowflake.

Katie (@grown_by_lightninghollows) Carlos Watermelon, Winkie Truffle, Bracken Palomino, Florelie Lizzie Lou, XanZu Bek, Devon Salmon. Honourable mentions: Pink Quartz, Florelie Flamingo, Coorabell Moonglow

In this episode, Sarah and Katie chat with Hannah Urquhart from @floriculturalife - an ag science graduate working at Bush Roses in Bookham, NSW, a large-scale commercial flower farm growing everything from roses and natives to annuals, perennials and foliage.

We dive into what working on a commercial flower farm actually looks like day-to-day, from the systems and infrastructure needed to run at scale to the realities of working as an employee in the flower industry rather than owning the business yourself.

You can find Hannah here:

Instagram: @floriculturalife

OUR FREE GUIDE: ⁠How To Order From Ball Australia⁠

In this episode, Katie & Sarah talk through where they actually buy everything from for their Australian flower farms including plugs, seeds, live plants, bulbs, farming tools, and floristry equipment.

Chapters:

00:37 Ball Australia

28:13 High Sun Express for Bulk Seeds

35:39 Royston Petrie Seeds

40:30 Bulb Suppliers

44:35 Plant Suppliers

56:39 Retail Seed Suppliers

01:05:46 Essential Equipment and Tools for Flower Farming & Floristry.

Suppliers mentioned:

• ​Ball Australia
• ​High Sun Express
• ​Royston Petrie Seeds
• ​Drewitts Family Farms (wholesale) / Red Earth Bulbs (retail)
• ​Van Diemen Quality Bulbs
• ​JD Propagation
• ​Mikiry Chrysanthemums
• ​Wild Violet Flower Farm
• ​Pure Maiden Farm
• ​Twist Creek Flora
• ​Southern Highlands Flower Farm
• ​Di’s Delightful Plants
• ​Woodbridge Nursery
• ​ERA Nursery
• ​Veggie & Flower Garden Seeds
• ​The Seed Collection
• ​The Diggers Club
• ​Transition Farm
• ​Earthenry Farm
• ​Southern Harvest
• ​Seed Scape
• ​Three Dogs Flower Farm
• ​Active Vista
• ​Koch & Co
• ​Apack
• ​Garden City Plastics

⁠Seeds per gram list⁠ (to help with ordering from Royston Petrie Seeds)

In this episode, Katie and Sarah chat with Mardi from Quite Contrary Flower Farm. They cover everything from growing dahlias, the digging/dividing/storing process, as well as tuber sales. They also ask Mardi about her field grown roses and her bed prep process when it comes to turning grass into growing space.

Find Mardi here:

instagram.com/qcflowerfarm/

quitecontraryflowerfarm.com

In this episode, Katie and Sarah chat with Kate from Bushy Blooms in Albany, Western Australia. They cover everything from growing at scale, selling to a wholesaler, growing dahlias, and diversifying your sales channels to ensure your flowers always have an outlet. As well as wholesale, Kate also sells her flowers at a farmers market, through her roadside stand, to event florists, and does DIY event buckets. Kate gives a behind the scenes look at the process of selling to a wholesaler and the logistics involved.

Find Kate here:

https://www.instagram.com/bushy.blooms/

https://www.bushyblooms.net/

In part two of this interview with Jen from Southern Highlands Flower Farm, Sarah and Katie chat with Jen about all things Italian cut flower Pansies, on farm events and workshops, as well as how Jen has created a workplace that supports mums.

Make sure you head to part one to hear about how Jen got started, how the business has evolved and diversified, as well as tips on growing Ranunculus as a cut flower.

Find Jen here:

⁠https://southernhighlandsflowerfarm.com.au⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/southernhighlandsflowerfarm

In part one of this interview with Jen from Southern Highlands Flower Farm, Sarah and Katie ask about Jen's background and how she got started before diving into her sales channels, how the business has evolved and diversified, and growing Ranunculus as a cut flower.

Make sure you head to part two for all things Italian cut flower Pansies, on farm event and workshops, as well as how Jen has created a workplace that supports mums.

Find Jen here:

https://southernhighlandsflowerfarm.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/southernhighlandsflowerfarm

In this episode Katie & Sarah share an update on seasonal farm activities like what they are sowing, planting and harvesting along with crop planning tweaks, and managing weather challenges. It provides practical tips on planting, support systems, and adapting to weather impacts like high winds, perfect for flower farmers and growers.

Sarah and Katie share their detailed crop planning process for the 2026-2027 season, focusing on spring flowers, succession planting, intercropping, and lessons learned from last year. They discuss specific crops, planting strategies, and how to optimise flower farm productivity.

Follow Luen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luensflowers/

In this episode we chat to Luen Free of Luen’s Flowers who shares her journey of transitioning to a new farm, growing on leased land, and planning her growing season in a different climate. She discusses her move, farm setup, crop choices, and insights into flower farming in subtropical versus a temperate climate. Join us as Luen Free shares her journey into flower farming, her new farm plans, and expert tips on roses and cut flowers. Discover practical insights on planning, planting, and maintaining a thriving flower farm, perfect for aspiring and seasoned growers alike.

In this episode, Sarah and Katie share their experience with cool flowers in Australia, covering seed starting, climate considerations, crop selection, and tips for success. Perfect for growers in temperate and subtropical climates looking to optimise their spring flower production.

In the first episode of Season 2, Katie and Sarah are back after a 3 month break, and dive into the challenges and successes they had over summer. Like always, weather and pest pressure caused issues for both flower farmers but Katie has had her best season yet with an abundance of dahlias, and Sarah has had success with her seed shop while her crops recovered from pest damage.

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloommatespodcast/

In this final episode of the season, Sarah and Katie celebrate their milestone of completing Season 1 of the podcast and plan to return with Season 2 in March 2026. They share an update on the working bee at Grown By Lightning Hollows, reflect on the challenges of irrigation and seedling care in the Summer heat, share their data on four crops from the Spring season including Delphinium, Ranunculus, Corn Cockle (Agrostemma), and Pansies. They also give recommendations for resources and podcasts for flower farmers to enjoy over the break before the return.

In this episode, Sarah and Katie discuss:

• Their experiences and insights on selling flowers wholesale to florists
• The digital tools they use including an online availability list
• Crop selection and understanding florist needs
• The best ways to first approach florists
• Strategies to make yourself stand out as a flower farmer
• The importance of pre-orders
• Strategies for pricing and invoicing, and
• Effective communication for long-term relationships

Ultimately, they highlight the joy of selling to florists and the importance of adapting to market demands.

Find Sarah's companion resource with more detail and examples here: www.quaylecottage.com.au/shop

duckduckpig.com.au

instagram.com/duck.duck.pig

milkingducks.com

Nikki's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Pie-Gets-Bigger-Complementors-Competitors/dp/0646715984

In this conversation, Nikki Davey discusses the importance of collaboration in the flower farming industry, emphasising the need for an abundance mindset rather than a competitive one. She shares her journey from finance to flower farming, explores innovative practices that can benefit the flower industry, and highlights some case studies other agricultural sectors that she mentions in her book "The Pie Gets Bigger". The discussion also touches on the impact Grown Not Flown has on the flower farming community and the future of collaborations within the industry. Nikki stresses the importance of treating flower farming as a legitimate business and the need for data-driven decisions to enhance productivity and sustainability.

In this conversation, Katie and Sarah reflect on the past month of November on their Hunter Valley farms. They discuss some of the challenges they've been facing such as hot dry weather, compaction and compost contamination. This conversation highlights the complexities of agricultural business and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Film & Foliage:

⁠www.filmandfoliage.com⁠

⁠www.instagram.com/filmandfoliage⁠

Wildflower Academy:

⁠www.wildfloweracademy.co⁠

⁠www.instagram.com/academywildflower⁠

The Harvest:

⁠www.quaylecottage.com.au/theharvest⁠

In this conversation, Sarah and Katie are joined by Ash Wheelhouse, a seasoned floral designer and founder of Wildflower Academy. They explore the intricacies of floral design, the challenges faced by florists, and the importance of local sourcing. Ashlee shares her journey in the floral industry, the impact of the pandemic on her business, and the creation of 'The Harvest', a local flower hub that connects growers and florists. The discussion also delves into the sourcing process for wedding flowers, the importance of focus when shopping, and the value of building relationships with growers. The challenges of sourcing local flowers compared to imports are explored, highlighting the benefits of quality and cost. The conversation also touches on the customisation available when working with local growers and the growing demand for unique and unusual floral varieties. Finally, the barriers to importing seed for desired flower varieties are discussed, shedding light on the complexities of the floral industry. In this conversation, Ash discusses her journey in the floral industry, focusing on the transition from traditional practices to sustainable methods, the establishment of Wildflower Academy, and the importance of community among florists. The dialogue explores the evolving perception of floristry as an art form, the significance of personal branding, and practical advice for growers considering entering the wedding market. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the perspectives of both florists and growers, effective marketing strategies, the importance of CRM systems for managing events, and the complexities of pricing in the floral industry. They also discuss the intricacies of floristry, including the challenges of foraging, pricing strategies, and the value of craftsmanship in floral design. They explore how growers can better understand their worth and the importance of community collaboration in the industry. The discussion also touches on personal favourites in flowers and trends.

This conversation explores the intricacies of selling flowers retail, focusing on roadside stands. Sarah and Katie discuss the selection of flowers, the different ways to sell flowers direct to consumer, the benefits and challenges of retail versus wholesale, customer engagement, marketing strategies, payment methods, and pricing. They also touch on the importance of social media and the hidden costs associated with running a flower business. Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights for aspiring flower sellers.

Bec, from Dish the Dirt, discusses the evolution of the Australian flower farming community, the challenges faced by growers, and the impact her podcast has had. We explore the importance of collaboration between growers and florists, the role of community in the industry, and the significance of platforms like Growers Avenue. The discussion also touches on sustainability practices, the future of flower farming, and advice for new growers entering the field.