Bloommates
By Two Aussie Flower Farmers
33. Chaotic Ramblings with Luen's Flowers: Urban Farming, Roadside Stand & Compost with Luke
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)
32. Summer Crop Plan Debrief
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.
31. Inside the World of Zinnia Breeding, Seed Production & Biodynamics with Robin from Transition Farm
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
30. We're Back! Winter Wrap Up: Big Projects, Winter Flowers & Mulch Film Update
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
29. Summer/Autumn Wrap Up: New Tools, Direct Sowing & Mother's Day
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.
28. Top 5 Dahlias for Cut Flowers (According To Our Podcast Guests)
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
27. Inside a Commercial Flower Farm: The Employee Experience with Hannah Urquhart
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
26. The Ultimate Supplier Guide for Aussie Flower Farmers: Plugs, Seeds, Bulbs & More!
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)
25. Dahlias, Tuber Sales & Turning Grass into Growing Space with Mardi from Quite Contrary Flower Farm
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:
24. Selling to a Wholesaler & Scaling a Flower Farm with Kate from Bushy Blooms
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:
23. (PART 2) Italian Pansies & Growing a Team with Jen from Southern Highlands Flower Farm
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:
22. (PART 1) Ranunculus & Diversifying Sales Channels with Jen from Southern Highlands Flower Farm
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:
21. March Wrap Up
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.
20. Our 2026 Crop Plans
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.
19. Roses in the Subtropics & the Big Flower Farm Move with Luen's Flowers
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.
18. Growing Cool Season Hardy Annuals in Australia
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.
17. We're back! Summer Wrap Up
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/
16. Season Wrap Up
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.
15. A Deep Dive on Selling to Florists
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
14. Lessons from Grown Not Flown & the Bigger Pie Philosophy with Nikki Davey
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.
13. November Wrap Up
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.
12. In Class with Wildflower Academy: Pricing, Processes & Practical Magic
Film & Foliage:
www.instagram.com/filmandfoliage
Wildflower Academy:
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.
11. Roadside Stands and Other Character Building Ways to Sell Your Flowers
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.
10. Dishing the Dirt with Bec Noble
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.
9. October Wrap Up
In this episode, Katie and Sarah discuss their experiences as flower farmers in Australia during October. They share insights on weather challenges, planting updates, and the success of their harvests, particularly focusing on Corn Cockle/Agrostemma. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and farming, the complexities of ordering and growing dahlias, and the introduction of new woody perennials to their farms. Additionally, they explore financial aspects of flower farming, including budgeting and profitability, while looking ahead to future planting and seasonal changes.
Chapters
00:00 October Wrap-Up: Weather Challenges and Planting Successes
04:53 Harvesting Corncockle: Yields and Lessons Learned
09:05 Weddings and Floral Design: Balancing Business and Personal Life
15:24 Jobs and Seasonal Transitions: Navigating Burnout and Motivation
22:10 Roses and Thrips: Challenges in Flower Farming
27:17 Insecticidal Soap and Dahlias
29:45 Ordering Tubers and Delivery Challenges
33:38 Selling Dahlia Tubers and Storage Issues
35:15 Woody and Perennial Shrubs
39:00 Taking Cuttings and Success Rates
41:05 Budgeting for Farm Expenses
43:32 Profitability and Revenue Insights
45:13 Current Blooms and Seasonal Changes
8. Florists Spill: Local Sourcing, Sustainability & Competition with The Little Garden
This episode is a heartfelt conversation with Jess and Cait, who share their experiences and insights into the world of retail floristry. They discuss the importance of sustainability, the challenges and joys of working with local flower growers, and the unique connections they foster with their community through their shop, The Little Garden. They discuss their commitment to local sourcing, the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and their philosophy of radical honesty and community support.
7. Crop Planning: Mapping Out Your Flower Year
Bed Rotations & Sowings - Template spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lHdGneb_V7inYF9mMgZKfKXSpdOrYHg8xbnFwKJu7gY/edit?usp=sharing
(You are welcome to copy and paste this template into your own spreadsheet to use)
In this conversation, Sarah and Katie discuss their approach to crop planning. After discussing how they choose what they grow in a previous epsiode, this conversation dives into what they do after they have their list of flowers. From where crops are placed, mapping their growing spaces, planning sowing dates and successions, and managing the timing of it all.
6. All Things Seeds with Three Dogs Flower Farm
In this episode, Sarah and Katie, two flower farmers from Australia, interview Casey from Three Dogs Flower Farm. Casey shares her journey from being a botanist to starting her flower farm, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way. The conversation covers topics like seed saving, favourite flowers, and the importance of local adaptation.
5. How We Choose What We Grow
In this episode, Sarah and Katie, two flower farmers from Australia, discuss their experiences and insights into flower farming. They explore how they choose what to grow based on market needs, personal preferences, and constraints. The conversation delves into the importance of profitability, data analysis, and the balance between joy and financial viability in farming. They also share their experiences with trialling new crops and the challenges they face in the industry. The episode wraps up with a look at future plans and the excitement of upcoming interviews with other growers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Flower Farming and Seasonal Changes
06:18 Constraints in Flower Farming: Space, Time, and Climate
14:11 Risk Tolerance in Flower Farming: A Balancing Act
28:57 Crop Planning: Lessons Learned and Future Goals
34:03 Understanding Crop Costs and Labor
38:40 Balancing Joy and Profit in Crop Selection
44:13 Trialing New Crops and Learning from Failures
59:17 Engaging with Florists and Customers for Crop Planning
4. September Wrap Up
In this episode, Katie and Sarah, two flower farmers from Australia, discuss the rapid transition to high temps in early Spring, share insights on direct sowing techniques, the excitement of designing for weddings (and Katie's big wedding drama). The conversation also touches on the complexities of colour descriptions and reflections on their farming journey as they look forward to the rest of the season.
Chapters
00:00 Spring Weather Changes and Impact on Flower Farming
06:08 Irrigation and Watering
12:40 Direct Sowing and Seed
19:05 Flowering Varieties and Seasonal Blooms
25:20 Wedding Preparation and Drama
31:28 Flower Sales Success
40:11 Physical Challenges in Flower Farming
48:42 Crop Trials
55:15 Seasonal Transitions and Future Planning
3. Get to know Sarah from Quayle Cottage
In this episode, Katie interviews Sarah about her unique experience in the world of flower farming. She discusses her urban growing space, the evolution of the crops she grows, and the importance of community. The conversation delves into the challenges she faces, particularly regarding time constraints and small space growing, and how she navigates the business side of selling flowers to florists.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Flower Farming Journeys
10:02 Selling to Florists: The Business Side
14:39 Challenges in Flower Farming
19:35 Time Management and Farming Practices
24:00 Partnerships in Flower Farming
28:37 Future Crop Expectations and Innovations
2. Get to know Katie from Grown by Lightning Hollows
In this episode, Sarah interviews Katie about her journey into flower farming, discussing her growing space, customer base, and the challenges she faces. Katie elaborates on her property, the flooding issues, and her approach to growing flowers sustainably. She also touches on her sales strategies, including a roadside stand and selling florists, and expanding her growing space. The conversation highlights the joy of harvesting, the business mindset required for flower farming, and the story behind the name 'Grown by Lightning Hollows.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Flower Farming Journey
05:56 Customer Base and Sales Avenues
11:51 Favourite Aspects of Flower Farming
17:28 Weekly Workflow
23:18 Future Plans
1. Meet Your Bloommates
In the very first episode of the Bloommates podcast, Sarah and Katie, two passionate flower farmers from Australia, share their journey into flower farming, their motivations for starting the podcast, and their experiences in the industry. They discuss the need for more Australian-specific content in the flower farming community, their personal stories, and the diverse flower varieties they grow. The episode also touches on building a customer base with florists and their future plans for the podcast, including upcoming episodes and topics.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bloommates Podcast
06:05 Personal Stories and Backgrounds
12:00 Starting Out in Flower Farming
21:49 Building a Florist Customer Base
Trailer
Bloommates season 1 coming 2025.