Herbs, herbs and more herbs

Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast! I'm Roz Chandler, and today we're joined by Manoj Malde, an award-winning garden designer, TV presenter, and author. Manoj shares his inspiring journey from the fashion industry to becoming a renowned garden designer.

Summary:
Manoj delves into his multicultural background and his early passion for fashion design, reflecting on his journey from being bullied in school to becoming a successful creative director in the fashion industry. Dissatisfied with the direction of fashion, Manoj transitioned to garden design, guided by his mentor, the late Simon Pyle. His Chelsea Flower Show journey, from helping other designers to creating his own garden, reflects his determination and innovative approach.

Key Takeaways:

1. Personalised Garden Design: Manoj's book, "Your Outdoor Room: How to Design a Garden You Can Live In," offers practical guidance for designing gardens tailored to individual lifestyles.
2. Budget-Friendly Gardening: Learn cost-effective strategies, such as buying smaller plants and joining gardening clubs, to create stunning gardens on a budget.
3. Thematic Garden Design: Discover how to incorporate themes into your garden, drawing inspiration from your home's interior design for a cohesive outdoor space.

Manoj's passion for garden design shines through as he emphasises the importance of creating outdoor spaces that reflect personal style and enhance everyday living. Don't miss his book launch on March 21st!

Website: http://manojmaldegardendesign.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manoj_malde/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManojMalde/
Book: Your Outdoor Room: How to Design a Garden You Can Live In

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

Welcome back to another episode of The Cutflower Podcast! I'm your host, Roz Chandler, and today we're diving into the lush world of foliage. Join me as we explore the top picks for your cutting patch and unravel the beauty and versatility these green treasures bring to floral arrangements.

Summary:
In this episode, we embark on a journey through the top 15 foliage varieties for your cutting patch. From the timeless elegance of myrtle to the vibrant hues of Ninebark and the delicate charm of Snowberries, each foliage offers unique characteristics and seasonal appeal. Along the way, we uncover essential growing tips, such as the importance of planning for year-round foliage availability and the patience required for certain species to reach maturity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Abundant Growth: Cultivate more foliage than you think you'll need, replenishing your supply annually to meet demand.
2. Long-Term Investment: Be patient with species like eucalyptus, which may take years to mature but offer enduring beauty.
3. Seasonal Diversity: Select varieties like Hibernum Tinnus for their ever-changing colours and textures, providing year-round interest.
4. Speciality Species: Explore unique finds such as Myrtle, Ninebark, and Snowberries to add depth and character to your arrangements.
5. Community Engagement: Join the Cut Flower Collective Facebook group to share your favourite foliage varieties and exchange gardening insights with fellow enthusiasts.

Join me in discovering the botanical wonders that foliage brings to floral design, and let's cultivate a vibrant tapestry of greenery in our cutting patches! All the links are below. 

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

In this episode, Roz and Tom Coleman share insights and strategies on leveraging social media, particularly Instagram, to grow your business.

Summary:

Join Roz and Tom as they discuss the essential components of a successful social media marketing strategy. They emphasize the importance of providing value to your audience, building authentic relationships, and aligning your social media efforts with your overall business goals.

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Content Creation: Create content that adds value to your audience's lives and resonates with your brand's identity.
2. Engagement is Key: Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages, fostering meaningful connections.
3. Data Analysis: Track and analyse data to understand customer behaviour, measure the effectiveness of your social media efforts, and tailor your marketing strategies accordingly.
4. Authenticity and Integrity: Stay true to your brand values and be authentic in your interactions with your audience.
5. Community Building: Build a community around your brand by providing valuable resources, fostering engagement, and creating a supportive environment for your followers.
6. Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent presence on social media and stay focused on your long-term goals rather than chasing trends or viral content.

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

Hello, lovely listeners! Thank you for joining me on today's podcast. This episode delves into uncharted territory for me, exploring the fascinating realm of manifestation. Buckle up for a journey of self-discovery and empowerment!

Summary:
In this unconventional episode, we explore the concept of manifestation, dissecting its origins, dispelling myths, and uncovering practical steps to harness its power. Drawing inspiration from Roxy Nafusi's insightful teachings, we navigate through seven transformative steps towards manifesting our desires.

Key Takeaways:

1. Clarity is Key: Define your vision across various aspects of life, transcending traditional vision boards to cultivate a profound sense of purpose.
2. Banish Fear and Doubt: Confront and overcome ingrained fears and self-doubt to pave the way for manifestation.
3. Action Ignites Manifestation: Align your actions with your aspirations, embracing proactive steps towards your goals.
4. Navigate Tests with Resilience: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, maintaining steadfast resolve amidst adversity.
5. Gratitude as a Catalyst: Cultivate a gratitude mindset, acknowledging and appreciating life's myriad blessings.
6. Transform Envy into Inspiration: Shift envy into positive inspiration, leveraging others' successes as beacons of motivation.
7. Trust the Journey: Embrace trust in the universe, relinquishing desperation and finding fulfilment in the journey itself.

Stepping out of my comfort zone, this exploration of manifestation has been both enlightening and transformative. As we navigate our unique paths, I invite your feedback and insights on this intriguing journey. Let's manifest our dreams together!

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

In this delightful short episode of *The Cutflower Podcast*, Roz shares her passion for growing, harvesting, and arranging seasonally grown British blooms. Today, she dives into the 10 tips for establishing your very own cutting patch, drawing from her expertise featured in chapter three of the *Seed to Vase*  book.

Key Takeaways:

1. Size Doesn't Matter: Your cutting patch doesn't need to be vast. Roz suggests starting with a raised bed of about nine square meters, providing ample space for an array of blooms, from Sweet Peas to Cosmos.

2. No Need to Speak Latin: Don't be overwhelmed by botanical jargon. Roz simplifies the distinction between annuals, perennials, and biennials, emphasising the joy of growing for delight and sheer abundance.

3. Grow What You Love: The heart of your cutting patch should reflect your personal taste and memories. Whether it's the flowers from your wedding bouquet or those mentioned in literature, cultivating what you love is key.

4. Choose Your Position: Shelter your patch from the wind, a flower gardener's adversary. Consider using trellis or hedging to protect your blooms, and Roz suggests using foliage plants like eucalyptus for added windbreak.

5. Keep Things Turning Round: Rotate your plants to avoid the buildup of pests and diseases. This practice becomes crucial as your flower garden expands.

6. Make Sure You Have Some Support: Supporting your plants is essential. From Harris fencing to pea netting and canes, having the right support in place before you need it is a top tip.

7. Get Down and Dirty: Understand your soil by investing in a pH and moisture meter. Regardless of your soil type, adding compost or nutrition is crucial as your plants grow from seed to cutting.

8. Look After Your Babies: Even without a greenhouse, you can start small with a warm winter sill or a small cold frame. Roz encourages beginners to start small and gradually expand.

9. A Hoe and a Spade: Continuously sow and grow. Many seeds are sown directly into the soil, taking around 12 weeks from seed to plant. Get out there and enjoy the process!

Join Roz Chandler on their free master classes to delve deeper into the marvels of cut flowers.  You can register here > https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/STV2024 Happy gardening!

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

Hello flower lovers! Roz Chandler here, your host on The Cutflower Podcast. Today, we're continuing our January Series, focusing on the fantastic world of growing your own cut flowers and, specifically, the mental health benefits it brings.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mental Well-being: Growing cut flowers isn't just about blooms; it's a powerful way to enhance your mental health and well-being. Whether you're stressed, overwhelmed, or looking to improve your overall mental health, cultivating cut flowers can be a transformative experience.

2. Joy Beyond Flowers: The joy of growing cut flowers goes beyond the beauty of the blooms. It extends to the satisfaction of gifting flowers to loved ones, considering a flower farming side hustle, or even contemplating a career change.

3. Free Master Classes: Dive deeper into the art of cut flower cultivation by joining our annual series of free master classes starting on February 1st. Find us on Facebook in the "Cut Flower Master Classes 2024" group for valuable resources and insights.

4. Therapeutic Gardening: Discover the undeniable therapeutic effects of gardening. Recent discussions with experts like Rosie Dixon emphasise the role of gardening in relieving stress and improving mental health.

5. Physical, Mental, and Emotional Benefits: Gardening isn't just a hobby; it's a holistic approach to well-being. From sensory delights to improved sleep, memory, and cognitive function, the garden offers a wealth of benefits for your overall health.

So, swap the Lycra for outdoor simplicity, and consider cut flowers not just as a visual delight but as a powerful contributor to your mental health in 2024. Join our free master classes, and let's explore together why cut flowers are a beautiful remedy for your well-being. Until next time, happy gardening!

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

Hello fellow garden enthusiasts! 🌷 Roz Chandler here, I am thrilled to embark on another delightful episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Join me as we uncover the magic of blooms and gardening wisdom. 

As January unfolds, we're knee-deep in our cut flower planting series, gearing up for a spectacular February. Exciting news – our free online master classes starting on February 1st are a must-attend. Get ready for a blooming adventure!

Podcast Review and Highlights:
Celebrate with me as The Cutflower Podcast blooms at number four on Apple's Home and Garden Podcasts. Let's reminisce about the podcast wonders from last year – a garden journey for every listener, whether you're a seasoned fan or a fresh bud.

Blooms for the Soul: Therapeutic Gardens:
Step into the serene world of therapeutic gardens with heartwarming stories from Ratio Gardens. Join uplifting conversations with Dr. Olivia Chappell, Dr. Richard Claxton, and garden therapist Ashley Edwards. Discover the healing power of gardening for mental well-being.

Nurturing Mental Well-being:
Explore episodes focused on mental health and gardening with guests like Helen Cross and Alice Vincent. Unearth the profound impact of gardening on well-being and the joy of connecting with nature.

Wildlife, Biodiversity, and Football Gardens:
Embark on a delightful journey with beekeeper Helen Rogers and Professor Dave Goulson into the world of bees and biodiversity. Meet Michael Canard, the green mind behind a coastal compost club intertwining football and gardening. Footballers turned gardeners? Let's kick off this green revolution!

Adapting to Climate Change:
Navigate the green path with Sally Morgan's insights on resilient gardening and Marianne Boswell's wisdom on sustainability in the face of climate change. Listen as Professor Alastair Griffiths shares the RHS perspective on tackling climate challenges.

Sowing Seeds of Inspiration:
For aspiring flower farmers, don't miss the inspiring journey of Sue McGlasson. From seedling dreams to blooming reality, her story is a testament to the flourishing possibilities in the world of flower farming.

As we wrap up this vibrant bouquet of insights, mark your calendars for our master classes on the first, second, and fifth of February. Join our Facebook group, Cut Flower Masterclasses 2024, and let's continue growing together. Until next time, happy gardening! 🌻

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

Roz Chandler here! January vibes on planning your cutting patch. Don't miss our Feb 1st cut flower master classes on Facebook (Cut Flower Master Classes 2024).

Plot Planning Essentials:

1. Purpose: Define goals – personal joy or potential flower farm?
2. Space: Tailor plans to your available space.
3. Layout: Separate flower areas for charm. Consider raised beds.
4. Sunlight: 6-8 hours' exposure; windbreaks if needed.
5. Soil: Test pH, add compost. Go eco-friendly, avoid herbicides.
6. Watering: Plan irrigation; rainwater harvesting is a plus.
7. Germination: Choose a suitable space; care as seedlings grow.

Tips for Success):

• Successional planting keeps blooms coming.
• Variety is key – perennials, biennials, herbs.
• Mind spacing, stake tall plants, embrace mulching.
• Manage pests with bio-controls, clean tools, and stay eco-friendly.
• Enjoy the process; initial setbacks are part of learning.

Conclusion:
Cheers to the journey! Embrace the learning curve, celebrate fresh blooms. Happy gardening!

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective

Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Cutflower Podcast! In this episode, Roz is honoured to have three distinguished guests, Professors Dave Goulston, Marian Boswell, and David Beck, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.

Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these experts delve into the fascinating realm of sustainability in the flower industry, providing valuable insights and perspectives. Join Roz as she explores the intersection of academia, biology, landscaping, and economic development, unravelling the complexities and opportunities that shape the world of cut flowers.

Guest Introductions:

 1. Dave Goulston:

•  Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex.
• A lifelong insect enthusiast, specialising in bumblebees.
• Author of books such as "The Garden Jungle" and "Silent Earth."
• Advocate for insect conservation and sustainable gardening.

2. Marian Boswell:

•   Landscape architect and former lecturer at the University of Greenwich.
• Specialised in historic garden conservation.
• Author of the book "Sustainable Garden."
• Focuses on regenerative design and sustainability in landscaping.

3. David Beck

• Recently appointed Professor of Sustainability and Economic Development at Coventry University.
• Background in geography and development studies
• Expert in sustainability-related aspects of horticultural supply chains.
• Co-founder of the Sustainable Cut Flowers Project.

Episode Highlights:

1. Dave Goulston on Bumblebees and Insect Conservation:

• Discussion on the decline of bumblebees and the importance of insect conservation
• The role of gardens in supporting insect biodiversity.
• Sustainable gardening practices and the value of rewilding.

2. Marian Boswell on Sustainable Landscaping:

• Exploring Marian's journey in historic garden conservation.
• The significance of honouring the past in landscaping.
• Sustainable and regenerative design principles in gardening.

3. David Beck on Sustainability in the Flower Industry:

•  Insights into David's academic journe

New Catalogue Out Now, Oct 23,
https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

This podcast episode is sponsored by First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
A polytunnel is an amazing protective environment for plants, vegetables and flowers, extending any growing season, whether you're growing for pleasure or commercially. 
Whether you go for a small or a large tunnel, you can be assured of the same high quality product from First Tunnels, poly tunnels.  Do pop over to their website and take a look at their range

Summary
In this conversation, Michael Perry, also known as the Plant Geek, discusses his journey in the gardening industry and his passion for plants. He shares his early experiences gardening with his grandparents and how it shaped his love for plants. Michael talks about his career at Thompson & Morgan and his transition to a mixed portfolio of work. He also discusses his book, Water's Curious, and the inspiration behind it. 

Michael shares his approach to building a following on Instagram and the challenges he has faced in his career. He emphasises the importance of following instincts and staying open to opportunities. In this conversation, Michael and Roz discuss various topics related to work, travel, and future plans. They talk about the balance between work and personal travel, with Michael expressing his satisfaction in being able to travel for work and enjoy his job. They also discuss investing in Substack, a blogging platform, and the opportunities it provides for monetising knowledge. Michael shares his upcoming plans, including speaking at events and travelling abroad. They also touch on the American Association of Specialty Cut Flower Conference and the cooperative model of flower farmers. The conversation concludes with Roz expressing appreciation for Michael's knowledge and sharing his contact details.

Takeaways

• Early experiences gardening with grandparents can shape a lifelong passion for plants.
• Transitioning to a mixed portfolio of work can provide new opportunities and challenges.
• Building a following on social media, such as Instagram, can serve as a portfolio and connect with industry professionals.
• Following instincts and staying open to opportunities can lead to a fulfilling career.
• Passion for plants and gardening can be shared through various mediums, such as books and podcasts. Balancing work and personal travel can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle.
• Investing in platforms like Substack can provide opportunities to monetize knowledge.
• Attending conferences and events can offer valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities.
• Cooperative models in industries like flower farming can be effective for distribution and collaboration.

Michael Perry Resources:

• Website: https://mrplantgeek.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/mr_plantgeek/

New Catalogue Out Now, Oct 23,
https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: www.thecutflowercollective.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Groups Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Learn With The Cut Flower Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwiththecutflowercollective