The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

Money shouldn’t feel like a roller coaster, and it definitely shouldn’t require a spreadsheet to enjoy your life. We sat down with the Budget Besties to unpack a system that replaces jargon and guilt with clarity and calm. Their approach is all about simple, separated, automatic budgets that mirror how you already spend: one account pays bills, a couple of category accounts handle daily life like gas and groceries, and a handful of savings buckets quietly build for the “unexpected” expenses that are actually totally expected—tires, holidays, kids’ sports, HOA fees, and travel.

We tackle the m...

Want a wreath that looks designer without the designer price tag? We walk through a simple, durable method for crafting lush holiday wreaths using farm-grown, foraged, and locally sourced materials—plus the pro tricks that keep everything secure, balanced, and beautiful all season.

We start with the foundation that matters: choosing the right ring size for your door, why double or triple rail bases prevent spin, and how to pick paddle wire gauges that match your project. Then we get into the greens—fir for fullness, spruce for structure, pine for movement, cedar for fragrance and berries, holl...

Stop guessing and start testing. We sat down with operator and entrepreneur Ashish Gupta to unpack how creative founders and flower farmers can scale without losing the craft—or their minds. From mapping your weekly work to isolating true needle-movers, you’ll hear a clear framework to align your role with your energy and hire for the right gaps, even when you can only afford a part-time seat.

Together we walk through practical demand validation so you don’t ramp production into a void. You’ll learn how to define a tight ideal customer profile, run time-bound B2B and...

Planning a wedding shouldn’t feel like wrestling a never-ending feed. We sat down with Wed Society Delaware to unpack how a curated, human-first platform helps couples cut through the noise, discover trusted local vendors, and fall back in love with the process. From the farmer’s field to the florist’s bench to a photographer’s lens, this conversation celebrates the people who make celebrations sing—and the community that holds them up.

We dig into the real pain points couples face: sixteen vendor categories, decision fatigue, and inspiration that’s beautiful but often unrealistic. Wed Society’s lo...

Sick of watered-down wellness and candy masquerading as care? We sit down with elderberry farmer Russell Carter to unpack the farm-to-bottle truth behind one of the most hyped immune boosters and why fresh-pressed juice changes everything.

Russell’s path runs from a 450-hive beekeeping business to a thriving elderberry farm that harvests at sunrise, de-stems on shaker tables, and presses the berries the same day—then freezes the juice to lock in color, flavor, and antioxidants. He explains the big difference between American elderberry (a vigorous primocane shrub) and the European tree-type most dried imports come from. That...

Grief doesn’t come with a manual, but flowers come close to a language. We open the studio door on how funeral and memorial flowers actually work—what families ask for, what those designs mean, and how small choices can turn a service into a tribute that feels true. From casket sprays and easel arrangements to personalized scenes built with antlers, feathers, boots, or fishing lures, we explore the shift from generic sympathy to storytelling through blooms.

We trace the roots of tradition—from Egyptians and Greeks to the symbolism-crazed Victorians—and translate the meanings people still feel tod...

The scent that changes a room, the greenery that holds a wedding arch, and a plant with a passport—eucalyptus earns its reputation on every front. We go deep on how this Australian native became a global favorite, why designers lean on its silvery tone and elegant drape, and how home growers can raise a steady supply for fresh and dried arrangements. From the Greek roots of its name to the cap that pops as it blooms, we bring the history to life and connect it to practical choices you can make in your garden and studio.

We...

Planning a wedding shouldn’t feel like wading through quicksand. We’re joined by Michelle and Dan from Wed Society Delaware to unpack a simpler path: a curated, local-first approach that connects couples with the best vendors across Delaware and the Eastern Shore—without the noise, hype, or decision fatigue. We talk candidly about how thoughtful curation beats mass directories, why responsiveness and human guidance matter, and how real work from real venues sets honest expectations and sparks better ideas.

You’ll get an inside look at The Book of Weddings, a coffee-table-quality print publication designed to be kept...

What if your flower business could reach customers nationwide instead of just at your local farmer's market? In this eye-opening conversation, e-commerce expert Neil reveals the untapped potential for flower entrepreneurs in the digital marketplace.

Neil shares his journey from corporate tech professional to e-commerce strategist, emphasizing that "you are never ready to start a business" – you simply must begin and commit to moving forward. With refreshing candor, he dismantles common myths about selling online and offers a paradigm shift for flower businesses: instead of just selling flowers, consider selling the entire ecosystem around gardening passion.

What if your next chapter starts with a handful of seeds and a sunny corner of the yard? We walk through the surprisingly simple path from backyard blooms to a real, family-powered side hustle—no acres, no greenhouse, and no debt spiral required. You’ll hear how quick-win crops like zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, and marigolds can deliver early confidence and steady sales, why kid-friendly tasks turn gardening into a living classroom, and how small systems—clean buckets, sharp snips, smart weeding choices—save time without killing joy.

We get practical about money, too. From pricing easy-to-grab bunches for a fa...

What happens when your passion project grows beyond what you ever imagined – and starts suffocating you? Lindsay Krick never set out to be a business owner. She just loved indoor cycling and noticed Delaware needed more of it. So she started trucking bikes to parking lots, wineries, and breweries for pop-up classes. Within months, those weekend events had transformed into a brick-and-mortar studio focused on mental wellness through movement.

"It was never supposed to be what it became," Lindsay reflects, sharing the raw reality behind her fitness empire that eventually grew to three locations and 45 instructors. Unlike tr...

Your menstrual cycle isn't just a biological function—it's a blueprint for maximizing your productivity, health, and wellbeing. This eye-opening conversation with Alyx, co-founder of The Agenda app, reveals how tracking your cycle can transform every aspect of your life.

Alex shares her journey from accidental discovery to full-fledged "periodpreneur," explaining how she noticed her sales performance directly correlated with her menstrual cycle phases. This revelation led to a powerful insight: aligning our work and life with our natural biological rhythms creates more flow and less struggle.

The episode breaks down the four phases of th...

Have you ever noticed how your shoulders relax and your breath deepens when you step into a garden? There's something profound happening in that moment—something that goes far beyond pretty flowers and vegetable harvests.

In this heartfelt episode, I open up about the unexpected mental health lessons I've discovered while tending to my flower farm. The garden has become my therapist, my meditation space, and my teacher. Those zinnias glowing in the morning light aren't just beautiful—they're reminders to slow down in a world that demands we constantly rush. The twisted stems finding their way to s...

What if the flowers from your wedding day, memorial service, or special celebration could last forever? Andrea Cole, founder of Designs by Andrea, brings this possibility to life through her remarkable flower preservation artistry. In this captivating conversation, Andrea reveals how a Valentine's bouquet and the discovery of her husband's grandmother's pressed flower hobby sparked a passion that evolved into preserving thousands of meaningful floral arrangements.

Andrea walks us through the science behind flower preservation, explaining the seven different methods her studio employs to transform fresh blooms into lasting keepsakes. From silica gel extraction to microwave pressing...

Ever felt that gut-wrenching disappointment when a potential client ghosts you after what seemed like the perfect consultation? You're not alone. In this refreshingly honest episode, we dive deep into why couples don't book with flower vendors—and why that might actually be the best thing for your business and mental health.

From the messy day-to-day realities of running a flower farm to the delicate dance of client expectations, we're pulling back the curtain on what really happens when potential clients walk away. Whether it's price shock (those $10,000 Pinterest installations aren't happening on a $500 budget!), personality clashes, or...

Customer reviews aren't just nice-to-have compliments—they're powerful marketing tools that build trust and credibility for your business. In this revealing episode, we dive deep into why reviews matter so much, especially for emotionally-driven businesses like floristry and farming where connection and beauty are everything.

Feeling awkward about asking for reviews? You're not alone. We explore why this discomfort exists and how to reframe your thinking: when you've delivered a great experience, asking for feedback isn't begging—it's celebrating a successful collaboration between you and your customer. With practical strategies for making requests feel natural and prompts to h...

Ever wonder how those stunning orchids end up in your local grocery store? This eye-opening conversation with Toine Overgaag, president of Westerlay Orchids, reveals the fascinating journey from Dutch immigrant orchid growers to building one of America's largest sustainable greenhouse operations.

When South American imports decimated the domestic rose industry, Tuan and his father made a pivotal decision to transition to orchids—plants that couldn't be easily shipped in from abroad. What started as a stopgap career move during the Y2K crisis blossomed into a passion and eventually an empire producing over 4 million orchids annually across 18 ac...

Ever caught yourself apologizing to a withering houseplant? You're not alone. The myth of the "black thumb" has discouraged countless would-be plant parents from bringing green life into their homes. But here's the liberating truth we unpack in this episode: nobody is born with a universal talent (or lack thereof) for growing plants.

Through candid conversations and light-hearted plant confessions, we reveal how success with one type of plant doesn't guarantee success with another. Our hosts share personal triumphs and failures—from orchids that bloom year after year to cacti that mysteriously shrivel within weeks. This isn't ab...

The muddy, exhausting, and deeply rewarding reality of flower farming doesn't match the idyllic images you see on social media. When you picture flower farmers, you probably imagine whimsical figures floating through fields in flowy dresses, effortlessly gathering perfect blooms. But as Kenley and Lizzie of Wildly Native Flower Farm reveal, the truth involves 5:30 AM starts, battles with intimidating insects called cicada killers, and planning complex crop rotations 18 months in advance.

The misunderstandings are constant and sometimes comical. From Kenley being mistaken for a plumber while grabbing lunch covered in mud, to Lizzie repeatedly being asked if...

Ever wondered what it's really like to run your own business? Behind the Instagram-worthy moments and "follow your passion" platitudes lies a complex reality that entrepreneurs rarely discuss openly.

"Being human and owning your own business is feeling everything deeply, but having to put a good face on." This powerful insight from our conversation captures the essence of entrepreneurship – a journey filled with both magical moments and challenging realities that test your resolve daily.

When I left teaching with its pension and health benefits to start Wildly Native Flower Farm, people thought I was crazy. Th...

Ever poured your heart into a new product only to hear crickets when you finally announce it? You're not alone. The difference between underwhelming launches and sold-out success isn't just about having a great product—it's about mastering the art of the launch itself.

This episode pulls back the curtain on what really makes launches work in the flower business. Forget simply posting "link in bio" and expecting magic to happen. We're talking about the psychology, energy, and strategy behind launches that convert browsers into buyers.

You'll discover why a launch is more like a pe...

Dive into the vibrant intersection where culinary arts meet floral design as we explore the transformative world of edible flowers. No longer relegated to mere garnishes, these botanical wonders are revolutionizing everything from cocktails to cakes, steaks to grazing tables – creating multi-sensory experiences that guests won't forget.

The journey begins with dispelling common misconceptions about edible blooms. While pansies, violas, and lavender may be familiar faces in the culinary floral landscape, we venture beyond these standards to uncover unexpected flavor profiles. Did you know that delicate snapdragons pack a spicy punch comparable to salsa? Or that the In...

Dive into the enchanting world where beauty meets flavor as we explore the art and science of culinary florals. From those delicate viola-topped wedding cakes to peppery nasturtiums bringing life to summer salads, edible flowers create magic beyond mere visual appeal – they transform ordinary dishes into sensory experiences.

Growing flowers for consumption requires a completely different approach than standard flower farming. We break down exactly what it takes: the commitment to organic practices, the precise timing of harvests (those early mornings matter!), and the meticulous handling required to deliver pristine, flavor-packed petals. Whether you're cultivating for chefs or...

The life of a flower delivery person is filled with unexpected adventures that rarely make it to social media. In this candid and entertaining episode, host Liza Goetz along with team members Kenley and Amber pull back the curtain on the chaotic reality behind those perfect flower deliveries.

From the daily struggle of keeping water-filled buckets upright during transport (and the inevitable mold that grows when spills happen) to the surprisingly common challenge of finding unmarked houses down winding farm lanes, delivering flowers requires creativity, patience, and sometimes a good pair of running shoes. The team shares...

The devil truly is in the details when it comes to wedding flowers, but those meticulous touches create the magic that transforms a beautiful day into an unforgettable experience. At Wildly Native Flower Farm, our approach to wedding florals starts not with color palettes or Pinterest boards, but with your unique love story.

Walking you through our personalized wedding journey, we reveal how our process differs from traditional florists. We limit our wedding calendar deliberately, ensuring each couple receives our undivided creative attention rather than becoming another templated production. Growing our own flowers gives us extraordinary flexibility—al...

Ever found yourself dragging a garden hose at sunset, wondering if there's a smarter way to keep your flowers hydrated? You're not alone. Irrigation might be the least glamorous part of flower growing, but it's the foundation that determines whether your garden merely survives or truly thrives.

The balance is delicate – too much water invites disease and rot, while too little results in stunted growth and what I affectionately call "Barbie doll-sized flowers." Finding that sweet spot of consistent, deep watering builds strong root systems that support magnificent blooms, longer vase life, and healthier plants overall.

As the mercury rises, even the most dedicated gardeners find their flower beds waving white flags of surrender. But summer heat doesn't have to spell disaster for your garden! Through practical wisdom and time-tested techniques, this episode unpacks everything you need to know about keeping your flowers vibrant and thriving during the hottest months of the year.

We start by breaking down the science behind summer stress on plants and dive into transformative watering practices that go beyond basic sprinkling. The timing, depth, and frequency of watering makes all the difference between weak, wilting stems and resilient...

The humble peony might just be the most anticipated bloom in the flower world—a perennial powerhouse that has customers planning weddings around its fleeting season and flower farmers scrambling to extend its magical but all-too-brief window of perfection.

Stepping into the world of peonies means committing to a long-term relationship. These stunning perennials take 2-3 years before producing sellable stems, but once established, they'll reward your patience for decades with some of the highest-value blooms in the cut flower market. At Wildly Native Flower Farm, our three 100-foot rows produce stems that wholesale for $3-5 each du...

The never-ending battle against weeds is something every gardener faces, but few tackle it with the strategic approach needed to truly gain the upper hand. As flower farmers managing five acres of blooms, we've developed battle-tested methods for keeping unwanted plants at bay while nurturing our intentional plantings.

Whether you're tending a small cutting garden or managing acres of flowers, our farm-tested advice will help you develop sustainable weed management practices that work with nature rather than fighting against it. Take this week's "bloom homework" challenge—tackle one problematic garden area using our methods and share your be...

Stepping off the farm and into the wild, this episode explores the beautiful art of ethical wildflower foraging. Many assume our name "Wildly Native Flower Farm" means we simply gather wild blooms, but today we're discussing those who actually do venture into nature's gardens to respectfully harvest seasonal treasures.

Whether you're a flower farmer, florist, or wildflower enthusiast, this episode equips you with knowledge to forage safely, responsibly, and creatively. Share your foraging stories and favorite finds with us on Instagram – we'd love to hear about your wild adventures!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Beneath the romantic facade of the floral industry lies an uncomfortable reality that few are willing to address. This eye-opening episode tackles the dirty secrets hiding behind those perfect blooms, challenging both professionals and flower lovers to confront the true environmental cost of beauty.

This isn't about perfection – it's about intention. Designers can remain creative and profitable while making conscientious choices that respect our planet. Consumers deserve transparency about where their flowers come from and how they're grown. 

Together, we can transform floristry from an industry that often works against nature to one that truly hon...

A critical moment between a flower's first bloom and its peak determines how long it will last in a vase. Miss this window, and you'll lose days of enjoyment from your carefully grown blooms.

Flower farmers Liza, Lizzy, and Kenly dive deep into the secrets of perfect harvest timing that dramatically extends vase life. They reveal why early morning cutting makes all the difference (and why noon to 3 PM is catastrophic for your flowers), plus share specific indicators for knowing exactly when to harvest everything from spike flowers to bulbs.

Whether you're growing cut flowers...

Battling aphids on delicate ranunculus, chasing Japanese beetles off prized dahlias, and racing against an incoming thunderstorm to stake sunflowers—these are just glimpses into the not-so-glamorous side of flower farming that we're diving into headfirst.

Flower farmers face a relentless trifecta of challenges: persistent pests, sneaky diseases, and unpredictable weather patterns that can transform a perfect field into a disaster zone overnight. From the vampiric aphids that multiply faster than you can count to the powdery mildew that creeps across zinnias after a single humid night, we're breaking down the enemies and our battle strategies with re...

Ever wondered if your choice of cutting tool is affecting your flowers' longevity? In this refreshing deep-dive, mother-daughter duo Liza and Lizzy from Wildly Native Flower Farm tackle the great clipper versus knife debate that divides the floral industry.

The science behind flower cutting is fascinating—creating a clean wound at the stem end significantly impacts water uptake and vase life. As Liza explains, "When you cut a flower, you're making a wound, and how you make that wound affects how long the flower will last." This episode unpacks why traditional florists often prefer the precision of a...

The conversation doesn't shy away from practical challenges like preserving flowers in sweltering summer heat ("chasing the shade" and keeping everything in water until purchase), navigating social media strategies across different platforms, and battling the market vendor's worst enemy: wind. You'll laugh at Renee's advice for couples at the market: "If your partner stops to admire flowers and you keep walking, you've messed up!"

Whether you're a seasoned market vendor or considering your first booth, this episode delivers actionable insights wrapped in warm, honest conversation. Share your own market setup photos with us on Instagram or tell...

Ever wondered why some cut flowers wilt after two days while others stay vibrant for weeks? The answer isn't expensive preservatives or complicated tricks—it's about understanding the fundamentals of flower care from harvest to vase.

Flower farm florist Lizzy Frey pulls back the curtain on professional flower longevity secrets in this practical, tip-filled episode. You'll discover why morning harvest matters, how local flowers dramatically outlast imports, and why keeping leaves out of water prevents premature wilting.

Whether you're looking to maximize your farmer's market purchases or properly care for flowers from your own cutting ga...

Join Liza, Kenley, and Lizzy as they pull back the curtain on what spring really means for flower farmers. From pre-dawn alarms and caffeine-fueled early mornings to the meticulous tracking of thousands of seedlings, you'll discover why this season both exhausts and exhilarates those who grow flowers professionally.

The team shares candid insights about the controlled chaos of spring farming – battling unpredictable weather patterns, managing planting schedules that can make or break the entire season, and processing the notoriously messy tulip harvest. The spring hustle might be exhausting, but as the team reveals, those first specialty blooms ma...

Starting flowers from seed is a transformative journey that opens up a world of possibilities most gardeners never experience. While it might seem intimidating at first, the rewards are worth it – greater variety, significant cost savings, and the pure satisfaction of nurturing something from its very beginning.

As Kenly reveals from her years of experience managing our seed starting program, success comes down to understanding some fundamental principles. The 128-cell trays we use hit that perfect sweet spot for most flower varieties – enough space for healthy root development without the risk of becoming root-bound too quickly. Proper soil...

In this Flower Files episode, we take a refreshing dive into the vital world of soil—the unsung hero of any flourishing garden. Many people underestimate the difference between dirt and soil, completely missing how deeply they affect gardening outcomes. Drawing on our personal experiences at Wildly Native Flower Farm, we discuss various soil types—sandy, clay, silty, and loamy—and how each plays a distinct role in nurturing flower growth.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of soil amendments and strategies to boost soil health, ensuring your flowers flourish with vivid colors and lush foliage. We’ll...

Step into the vibrant world of floral design in our latest episode, where we unveil the often-overlooked potential of greens. 

We'll delve into practical advice on sourcing greens, highlighting sustainable practices such as foraging from your own garden. Discover the joy of incorporating personal touches in your work while also embracing current trends that put greens in the limelight. From lush installations to minimalist settings where greens take center stage, we cover it all. 

By the end of our chat, you'll see greens through a new lens and understand their significant role in your creations. Do...