The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

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...

Ever wondered why certain plants, like eucalyptus and snapdragons, seem to have it out for your sanity? We share our personal encounters with these stubborn growers, recounting humorous mishaps and hard-earned lessons. Our greenhouse adventures include a laugh-out-loud tale of overflow chaos, and we emphasize the importance of strategic planning, especially with big events like Mother's Day on the horizon. If you've ever struggled with germination, our candid confessions might just make you feel a little less alone.

Listen in to enjoy and get a giggle or two!

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Ever wonder what goes into crafting those awe-inspiring floral arches? Join Lizzy as she demystifies the complex process, spotlighting the intricate mechanics behind these breathtaking installations. From the strategic use of chicken wire and floral foam to the collaboration with talented visionaries, Lizzy offers a comprehensive guide to turning ambitious concepts into reality. She also opens the floor to you, the listeners, inviting you to share your own experiences with memorable floral installations.

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

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
...

In 2016, as a college horticulture student and a seed-experimenting mom united by a shared passion for gardening. We discovered that flowers, not vegetables, were our unexpected ticket to a thriving business. This episode uncovers the pivotal moments that led us to embrace flower farming as a viable and fulfilling path, drawing on our family's rich gardening history and our love for entrepreneurship.

Transitioning from part-time farmers to full-time entrepreneurs wasn't a walk through a daisy field. We faced infrastructure challenges, like relocating a hoop house, and made tough decisions to grow our business amidst the pandemic's upheaval...

Have you ever thought about how a simple conversation could transform your wedding floristry business? On the Flower Files podcast, we share our journey from the nerve-wracking early phone calls with brides to the rewarding experience of building genuine connections through heartfelt conversations. We dive deep into listening to a couple's unique story and using those insights to create floral arrangements that resonate on an emotional level, turning ordinary transactions into extraordinary memories. Join us as we uncover the secrets to forging meaningful relationships that not only enhance the beauty of the wedding day but also enrich our roles...

Ever wondered how a simple love for flowers could transform into a bustling wedding industry career? Picture this: a former student requests us to craft her wedding florals, setting off a chain reaction that takes us from teachers to floral entrepreneurs. Our journey is filled with unexpected twists, from the pandemic throwing us a curveball, but we found ways to brighten our community’s spirits, selling tulips to support local businesses and healthcare heroes.

Our floral adventure doesn't stop there. We share the real behind-the-scenes drama of weddings, from managing tipsy groomsmen to the art of repurposing bl...

We're going on a journey through the seasons, starting with spring favorites like ranunculus and campanula, each with its charm and set of challenges. From the elegance of white alliums to the unexpected joy of discovering unique ranunculus colors, the conversation paints a vivid picture of flower selection that caters to both aesthetics and the practicalities of gardening in Zone 7b. 

As summer unfolds, we express our excitement for new varieties like bronze and red Irises and the delightful surprises that farmer's market bundles can bring. With a special sneak peek into our upcoming Top 10 Cut Flower l...

Ready to transform your garden with perennial flowers? We bring you practical advice on selecting and growing species like eryngium, along with insights into managing costs, space, and those surprise plant explosions—hello, peonies! Discover how weather plays its mischievous role and learn from our triumphs and mishaps in nurturing a lush perennial paradise. Whether you're a green-thumbed pro or a budding gardener, our shared journeys promise to enrich your gardening adventure.

Support the show

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

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Ro...

Join Lizzie, Liza, and Kenly as we navigate the delightful and sometimes challenging process of selecting the perfect flower seeds. Learn from our experiences and Kenly's expertise as we share valuable lessons from past growing seasons, including managing drought conditions and choosing disease-resistant seed varieties. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie, our journey promises to enrich your knowledge and inspire your green thumb! 

Our conversation takes a humorous twist as we tackle the quirks of gardening, like the cumbersome dance with irrigators and the trials of planting tiny seeds such as foxgloves and snapdragons. We a...

Thinking about your garden goals for 2025? Get ready for inspiration! We're introducing a brand-new downloadable guide launching on January 5th, designed to help you set productive garden goals with reflective prompts. Whether you're looking to ensure a steady flower supply through strategic planting rotations or seeking effective ways to manage garden pests, our personal stories provide practical tips and inspiration for gardeners of all levels. As we celebrate the New Year, we send our warmest wishes and encourage you to embrace the festivities in whatever way brings you joy. Happy New Year from the Flower Files!

Just...

The debate gets crumbly as we tackle cookie toppings—sprinkles, anyone? Some of us love the vibrant crunch, while others prefer their treats sans sprinkles. We reflect on how our childhood art projects with glitter might be to blame for our sprinkle aversions today. 

As the episode wraps up, we unwrap holiday wrapping paper traditions and the quirky customs that make the season special. Whether it's setting out milk and cookies for Santa or indulging in Chinese food on Christmas Eve, we embrace the peculiarities that bring joy to our family gatherings. Tune in for a hearty ser...

As Christmas approaches, we're using dried flowers like calendula and echinops in the barn, each with its own quirks, while embracing the perennial resilience of yarrow. This episode invites you to step into our workshop, where the joy of working with nature's diverse palette feels like a festive celebration.

From wreath-making to December weddings, we're unraveling the vibrant world of floral arrangements. Our creative process incorporates dried elements like seed pods and pine cones, though not without battling the challenges posed by lotus pods and those with trypophobia. There's a unique satisfaction in seeing our creations upon...

What if the essence of holiday warmth and nostalgia could be wrapped up in a single podcast episode? Tune in to our festive journey through cherished traditions, from childhood classics like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to modern favorites like "Elf," and discover the intriguing history of poinsettias. 

This episode is a comforting reminder of the joy in imperfection, offering reassurance for those navigating the playful pressures of being an Elf on the Shelf parent. Embrace the season's spirit with tales and trivia that bring a twinkle to your holiday traditions.

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Dive into the creative realm with us as we explore the art of coastal-inspired wreaths, blending elements like silver wire and white pine with gold-painted pine cones to capture a unique, beachy vibe. Hear about our experiences hosting wreath-making classes where every participant's style shone through, from whimsical imaginations to meticulous symmetry. We share light-hearted tales of identifying an accountant by their precision and the race against squirrels to gather pine cones. Our outdoor adventure with Ana and Javita adds a touch of humor, as we recall our unexpected encounter with chiggers amidst the beauty of evergreens.

...

Ever wonder what would happen if you combined turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce into a sandwich? Spoiler alert: it becomes Dad's famous Thanksgiving panini, a tradition that makes its way into our holiday conversations. This week, we reminisce about our family's quirky Thanksgiving rituals and debate the age-old question: jelly or whole berry cranberry sauce? From the classic turkey to the controversial turducken, our chat takes a historical detour as we explore how Thanksgiving traditions have morphed over the years. 

Our culinary journey doesn’t stop there. We uncover the mysteries behind some beloved family food traditions and...

The end-of-season garden clean-up can feel like an emotional roller coaster, filled with both accomplishment and frustration. Ever wonder whether to tackle those overgrown areas now or let nature handle some of the clean-up until spring? Liza from Wildly Native Flower Farm joins us to share her personal journey through this seasonal transition, offering insights into the art of balancing meticulous gardening with a laissez-faire approach. We'll dive into the importance of leaving seed heads for birds and being mindful of the overwintering needs of insects, as well as the differences between maintaining a flower garden and a vegetable...

Unlock the secrets of successful flower cultivation with the latest episode of the Flower Files, where we welcome Lillian to discuss the ins and outs of hoop houses. Ever wonder how to keep your garden thriving from early spring to late fall despite unpredictable weather? Our conversation reveals how these structures act as protective barriers, helping manage temperature fluctuations and providing a haven against pests like aphids and whiteflies. Prepare to be inspired by personal stories and experiences that highlight the art and science behind extending growing seasons and enhancing flower production.

Discover effective strategies for diverse crop...

Get inspired by our creative solutions to the often tricky sustainability problems in event planning. We'll share our journey of transforming flower and candle wax waste into new opportunities, from donating wax for educational purposes to crafting our farm-inspired candles. Plus, we engage our community with an Instagram poll on flower donations, reflecting our dedication to eco-friendly practices. Whether planning a wedding or just being passionate about sustainability, this episode offers insights and inspiration for all.

Get your hand-poured, love-filled, recycled candles here!
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/1795668413/lavender-hand-poured-wax-candle-with?click_key=53a3837dc4da2d3033c7130b...

Which Character are you? The Flower Farmer who talks to plants? The Florist Shop who cures any case of the blues and can make any birthday better? Or the Wedding Florist who sets up your wedding day to your Pinterest perfection and takes on the daily or nightly task of detail execution? Take the quiz to find out which one you are!

Take the Quiz here! : https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/which-personality-are-you

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

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry...

Join me for an exploration into the garden's shadowy corners, where common backyard plants reveal their secret toxic traits. Whether you're a gardening guru or someone who simply enjoys the beauty of floral arrangements, this episode will prompt a reevaluation of the natural world around you. As Halloween is right around the corner, I'll share tips on how to safely enjoy your festive botanicals without unwelcome surprises! There's some information in here you may want to listen into, plants and flowers you've seen in wedding florals, your arrangements sent to you by delivery or what you've seen in the...

What if the happiest day of your life leaves you feeling empty afterward? Join me as we explore the unexpected experience of post-wedding blues, shared from my unique perspective as a newlywed and floral designer. In this episode of The Flower Files, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster that follows the intricate wedding planning process. The journey is filled with joy and challenges. As we navigate the emotional aftermath, I discuss how reliving those cherished wedding moments through photos and thank-you cards can help soothe the transition.

Balancing the dual role of being both a bride...

What does fall mean to you? Join us for a heartwarming chat with Kenly, Lizzy, and Liza as we celebrate the simple pleasures of autumn. From the joy of transitioning into cozy sweatshirts to the nostalgic crunch of leaves, we share our love for the season’s scents like cinnamon sticks and hot cider and dive into the chaos of holiday preparations. And honestly? What we love about fall and what it means to us. Get ready for a silly chit-chat about movies, ghosts, TV shows, food, and some autumn vibes! 

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The Wildly Native team takes on the Explore page on Instagram. We concur the myths and realities of what you see on social media. How realistic is a massive bar piece with florals attached to it? How many people does it take to set up FIVE arches down your aisle? What does or does not make sense for you? We review a few photos in this episode, tune in to see what we say! 

Photo User's Photos we talked about:

@warehouserentals
@_newromanticflorals_
@theflowerpursuit
@lalune_flower
@sonny_and_willow
@vaileco
@s...

Ever wondered what to do with all those beautiful wedding flowers after the celebration is over? Discover creative and sustainable ways to give your wedding florals a second life in our latest episode. From pressing flowers and creating petal confetti to donating arrangements to community places like churches, we share our personal stories and practical tips to reduce waste and make your big day even more meaningful. We'll bust common myths about reusing wedding florals and discuss the logistics of it, it can be easier than it seems! 

Bouquet Preservation Blog: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/wedding-bouquet-preservation-what-to-do-next

Su...

This episode of the Flower Files dives into Liza's journey of transitioning from a 14-year career in high school agriculture teaching to the exciting world of entrepreneurship with Wildly Native. I open up about the deep bonds formed with students, the interdisciplinary wonders of subjects like animal science and biotechnology, and the immense joy of guiding students through FFA competitions. While stepping out of the classroom was a significant change, the spirit of teaching continues to shape my path. Join me as I reminisce about the meaningful connections and lasting impact of my teaching career, reminding us all that...

Ever wondered what it takes to carve out a successful career in the vibrant world of hair design? This week, I'm joined by the wonderfully talented Mallory, who not only paints a vivid picture of her own journey through the cosmetology labyrinth but also provides a treasure trove of insights for those eyeing a similar path. From grappling with post-high school indecision to selecting the perfect hair school, Mallory's experiences shed light on the dedication and passion required to thrive in this industry. We navigate through the rigors of hair school, the leap into the creative chaos of the...

Ever found yourself staring at a photograph, wondering about the story behind the smile or the location? This week, our vibrant guest Jennifer Quinn of Jen Quinn Creative and APG Media of Chesapeake, wields her artistic prowess to unravel the narrative threads of graphic design, photography, and the pulse of the magazine world. As we weave through Jen's transition from fashion to full-fledged visual storytelling, you'll get an insider's perspective on how she breathed new life into Chesapeake Bay Wedding Magazine and orchestrated events that showcase the sincerity of love stories. Her philosophy will change the way you view...

Have you ever felt the thrill of mastering a machine that's key to taming the land? Come along as I, Amber, reminisce about my transition from a no-go on the lawnmower to becoming a collegiate tractor connoisseur. Joined by my friends Liza and Lizzie, we weave tales from the flower fields that go beyond the hum of engines—sharing the heartwarming and often hilarious chaos that ensues when farm animals and machinery collide. From sizeable tractors shaping the bounty of our soil to the modest hand rototiller that started it all, we explore the vital tools that keep our fa...

When serenity meets the storm beneath the surface, it's all in a day's work for Sarah Reynolds, the remarkable Eastern Shore wedding planner who guides us through the whirlwind of tying the knot. From her surprising transition from military life to orchestrating the most enchanting tented and waterside weddings, Sarah lets us in on the secrets of maintaining poise amid the chaos. Our conversation is a journey that begins with her very first event and sails through the evolving tides of the wedding industry, revealing the resilience and grace it takes to craft the perfect day.

Managing...

Join us as we sit down with the exuberant Sammy, a flower enthusiast who hails from England but found her home and heart in Maryland, USA. Sammy will take you along on her life’s journey: from her early aspirations of marine biology in the UK, to her bold decision to move to the US, and the captivating love story that finally planted her roots in Maryland. You’ll feel Sammy's infectious joy for life and her passion for all things floral.

Immerse yourself in the world of wedding planning as Sammy recounts her own story, tackling the...

Wedding setups can whirl you through a storm of emotions faster than the unruly winds we braved on one unforgettable April day. Amber and I share a laughter-filled recount of a special day that tested our mettle, from the sweet victory of delivering squeal-worthy bouquets to the bridal party, to the elaborate dance with the elements as we adorned a pergola strong enough to withstand Mother Nature's mood swings. Our conversation wanders through the unexpected chill that nipped at our sun-kissed skin, and the challenges that come with creating an elegant vision with just a wisp of greenery, proving...