In this special Earth Day episode of The Backyard Bouquet, flower farmer and garden educator Jennifer Gulizia shares a deeply personal reflection on growing in harmony with the earth—and what it really means to be a steward of soil, beauty, and biodiversity.

This solo episode blends story, science, and soul. Jennifer shares a poem Where Flowers Lead and shares the regenerative journey that led her family to restore 20 acres of neglected farmland—guided by flowers, rooted in soil, and inspired by hope.

🌿 Inside the episode, you'll hear:

 * What Earth Day means through the lens of a gardener and flower farmer
 * How Kiss the Ground and Common Ground confirmed her family's decision to become stewards of their new farmland
 * The exact moment she stopped spraying neem oil after seeing bees sleep in her dahlias
 * How a few books reshaped her thinking
 * Simple, impactful actions gardeners can take to care for the earth
 * Behind the scenes of her upcoming documentary, Where We Bloom

🎥 Watch the documentaries mentioned:
— Kiss the Ground (Amazon Prime): https://amzn.to/42qveXH
— Common Ground (Amazon Prime): https://amzn.to/449Lxtf

📚 Explore the books referenced:
— Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown
— For the Love of Soil by Nicole Masters
— The Kindest Garden by Marian Boswall
— Seeds of Hope by Jane Goodall

🌼 Learn more about our documentary film:
Visit The Flowering Farmhouse to learn more about our documentary film: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2024/10/28/regenerative-flower-farm-documentary/

🎧 Whether you’re walking your garden rows, composting your kitchen scraps, or simply reflecting on how to live with more intention this season, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that small acts matter. That flowers aren’t just beautiful—they’re powerful. And that where flowers lead, healing follows.

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New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Ep.54: Earth Day in the Garden: Where Flowers Lead Us to Soil, Stewardship & Hope

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Jessica Hall, co-founder of Harmony Harvest Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. What began as a simple question during a family beach vacation—“Where do florists get flowers?”—sparked the beginning of a 20-acre flower farm that now ships bouquets and heirloom chrysanthemum plants across the country.

Jessica shares how she, her sister, and their mom grew their passion into a thriving business rooted in sustainability, technology, and a whole lot of heart. From saving the last U.S.-based flower frog manufacturer to building a farm that blends heritage blooms with modern tools, this is a conversation full of wisdom and inspiration.

Whether you’re just getting started in the garden, knee-deep in flower farming, or dreaming of building something special with your family, Jessica’s story is packed with real-life lessons, encouragement, and the kind of flower talk that makes you want to dig in and grow.

🌸 Highlights from the episode:

 * How a family conversation led to launching Harmony Harvest Farm
 * The power of mentorship and why it’s worth investing in
 * What makes heirloom chrysanthemums so special—and how to grow them
 * Behind the scenes of their flower frog business, Floral Genius
 * Using tech tools to manage a high-volume flower operation

🛒 Shop flowers, chrysanthemums, and flower frogs: hhfshop.com [https://hhfshop.com/]
📸 Follow along: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyhrvst/

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/04/10/ep-53-growing-a-cut-flower-business-with-heirloom-chrysanthemums/

📌 Please Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more flower farming insights!

🌼 Join The Dahlia Patch Waitlist
Ready to grow your best dahlias yet? The Dahlia Patch is an online community for flower lovers who want to grow with more confidence and fewer frustrations.
💌 Get on the waitlist + be the first to access my upcoming free live training:
👉 https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/thedahliapatchwaitlist

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Ep. 53: Growing a Cut Flower Business & Preserving Heirloom Mums with Jessica Hall of Harmony Harvest

How can we create gardens that are both beautiful and beneficial to the planet? In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we sit down with award-winning landscape architect and author Marian Boswall to discuss the power of regenerative gardening and sustainable landscape design. As the founder of Marian Boswall Landscape Architects and co-founder of the Sustainable Landscape Foundation, Marian has spent decades transforming gardens into thriving ecosystems. We explore her new book, The Kindest Garden, which shares practical tips for designing gardens that nurture both nature and the soul. Whether you're a backyard gardener or dreaming of a sustainable landscape, this episode is packed with inspiration!

In this episode, we discuss:

 * What is regenerative gardening?
 * How to design a garden that benefits biodiversity and soil health
 * Practical ways to introduce regenerative principles in small garden spaces
 * The importance of working in harmony with nature for long-term resilience
 * Highlights from The Kindest Garden and Marian's approach to thoughtful garden design

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to create a garden that flourishes with kindness!

🔗 Connect with Marian Boswall:

 * Marian’s book, The Kindest Garden: https://bookshop.org/a/2182/9780711289437
 * Follow Marian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianboswall/
 * Follow Marian Boswall Studio: https://www.instagram.com/marianboswallstudio/
 * Marian Boswall Landscape Architects: https://www.marianboswall.com [https://www.marianboswall.com/]

📚Read For The Love Of Soil By Nicole Masters: https://bookshop.org/a/2182/9780578536729

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/03/26/ep-52-the-kindest-garden-and-regenerative-gardening/

📌 Please Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more flower farming insights!

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

🌿 Your Dream Greenhouse Awaits! 🌿

If you've been thinking about adding a greenhouse to your garden or flower farm, now is the perfect time! I've been working with NW Green Panels for over six years, and their high-quality, custom-built greenhouses are truly game-changers for extending the growing season and protecting your plants.

✨ Exclusive Offer for The Backyard Bouquet Podcast Listeners! ✨
Get $750 off PLUS $500 in free accessories OR 5% off your total (whichever is greater)!

🔗 Mention Farmhouse to save on your new greenhouse
👉Design your greenhouse here: https://www.nwgreenpanels.com/

Ep.52: The Kindest Garden: Regenerative Gardening & Sustainable Design with Marian Boswall

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jenny Marks, founder of Trademark Farmer and host of Six Figure Flower Farming. Jenny has been immersed in agriculture her entire life, from growing up on a farm to working in government roles with the USDA and State Departments of Agriculture. After starting a vegetable CSA, she discovered that she loved flowers and that they aligned better with the life she wanted to create. Now, she runs a thriving flower farm and teaches others how to build sustainable floral businesses.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * How Jenny transitioned from vegetables to flowers
 * The biggest business lessons she’s learned in farming
 * Why niching down is key to standing out in the market
 * How to price flowers with confidence and attract the right customers
 * The mindset shifts needed to succeed in flower farming

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for flowers into a thriving business, this episode is packed with practical insights and motivation!

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/03/18/ep-51-how-jenny-marks-created-a-profitable-flower-farm/

🔗 Connect with Jenny Marks:

 * Website: https://www.trademarkfarmer.com/
 * Instagram: @TrademarkFarmer [https://instagram.com/trademarkfarmer]
 * Online Business Course: Six Figure Flower Farming https://www.trademarkfarmer.com/sfff

📌 Please Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more flower farming insights!

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

🌿 Your Dream Greenhouse Awaits! 🌿

If you've been thinking about adding a greenhouse to your garden or flower farm, now is the perfect time! I've been working with NW Green Panels for over six years, and their high-quality, custom-built greenhouses are truly game-changers for extending the growing season and protecting your plants.

✨ Exclusive Offer for The Backyard Bouquet Podcast Listeners! ✨
Get $750 off PLUS $500 in free accessories OR 5% off your total (whichever is greater)!

🔗 Mention Farmhouse to save $ on your new greenhouse
👉 Design your greenhouse here: https://www.nwgreenpanels.com/



Ep.51: How Jenny Marks Built a Profitable Flower Farm & Helps Others Do the Same

Can pansies be a cut flower? 🌸 You might be surprised! In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we’re chatting with Brenna Estrada, author of Pansies and the flower farmer behind Three Brothers Blooms. Brenna is on a mission to bring long-stemmed pansies back into the floral world, and she’s sharing everything you need to know about growing them successfully.

From the history of pansies as a cut flower to tips on growing them for bouquets, Brenna reveals why these delicate blooms deserve a place in every gardener’s cutting garden. Plus, we discuss the best pansy varieties for long stems, how to get vibrant colors, and why this flower has been overlooked for decades.

🌿 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
✔️ Why pansies were once a popular cut flower (and how they can be again!)
✔️ The best pansy varieties for cutting and arranging
✔️ How to grow pansies for long stems and vibrant colors
✔️ Tips for overwintering pansies and extending bloom time
✔️ The secrets behind hybridizing pansies and preserving rare varieties

📖 Get Brenna’s book, Pansies, here: https://bookshop.org/a/2182/9781643264004

Follow Brenna & Three Brothers Blooms:

 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threebrothersblooms/
 * Website: https://threebrothersblooms.com/

Check out Epic Gardening for high-quality gardening tools, raised beds, and expert resources to help you grow a thriving flower garden! Plus, you can save an extra 5% on your order when you use my code THEFLOWERINGFARMHOUSE at checkout!

🔗 Shop Epic Gardening here: https://shop.epicgardening.com/THEFLOWERINGFARMHOUSE

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished” -Lao Tzu

👉 Listen now & subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more flower-growing tips, expert interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of flower farming!

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/03/11/ep-50-growing-pansies-for-cut-flowers/

Growing Pansies for Cut Flowers with Brenna Estrada of Three Brothers Blooms

In Episode 49 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we sit down with Dustin Saunders of Little Hollow Flowers, a specialty cut flower farm nestled along Colorado’s Front Range. Dustin shares how a fallen ash tree unexpectedly led him and his partner, Kate, into flower farming, and how their diverse backgrounds in landscaping and biodynamic vegetable farming shaped their approach. We discuss season extension techniques, the challenges of farming in Colorado’s extreme climate, and their passion for growing dahlias, ranunculus, and unique perennials. Dustin also shares insights into building a thriving farmer’s market presence, working with the Colorado Flower Collective, and the importance of supporting local flowers over imports.

If you love growing flowers, sustainable farming, or supporting local blooms, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧

📍 Follow Dustin at Little Hollow Flowers [https://littlehollowflowers.com/]: https://littlehollowflowers.com [https://littlehollowflowers.com/]

📍 Instagram (@littlehollowflowers): https://www.instagram.com/littlehollowflowers/

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/03/04/ep-49-little-hollow-flowers/

Sign up for the podcast newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Ep. 49: Sustainable Flower Farming & Extending the Growing Season with Little Hollow Flowers

This special episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast features returning guest Marryn Mathis, founder of The Farmhouse Flower Farm and widely known as the Sweet Pea Queen. Marryn joins the show to celebrate the release of her debut book, Sweet Pea School, a comprehensive guide to growing, nurturing, and enjoying these fragrant, timeless blooms.

In this conversation, Marryn shares her journey from flower farmer to published author, the inspiration behind her book, and invaluable tips for successfully growing sweet peas—no matter your climate. We also explore the fascinating history of sweet peas, the art of breeding new varieties, and the deep emotional connection flowers bring to our lives.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your floral journey, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a love for all things sweet peas. Tune in to discover why these fragrant flowers are having a moment in the gardening world and how you can cultivate them in your own space.

👉 Episode Highlights:

 * How a student’s suggestion led Marryn to write Sweet Pea School
 * The surprising origins of sweet peas and their journey to popularity
 * Common mistakes gardeners make when growing sweet peas
 * Why sweet peas don’t need to be soaked before planting
 * The importance of timing and variety selection for success
 * Marryn’s personal connection to sweet peas and how they shaped her farming journey

📚 Grab a copy of Sweet Pea School: https://amzn.to/4bhrYR6
🌸 Connect with Marryn https://www.instagram.com/thefarmhouseflowerfarm/
💐 Visit Marryn’s Website: https://thefarmhouseflowerfarm.com/

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/02/25/ep-48-growing-sweet-peas-with-marryn-mathis/

Sign up for our newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Ep. 48: Sweet Pea School: Marryn Mathis on Growing, Breeding, and the Magic of Sweet Peas

From her time as a Peace Corps agriculture volunteer in Ecuador to becoming a passionate flower farmer in Colorado, Helen Skiba's story is a beautiful reminder of how life can take us on unexpected paths, like how a visit to a friend’s farm can change everything!

Helen from Artemis Farm dives deep into her commitment to organic farming practices and soil health, sharing how she practices limited tillage and cover cropping. If you’re curious about how to cultivate a thriving garden while also nurturing the earth, you won’t want to miss her insights!

And guess what? Helen is also a new mom! 🎉 She opens up about the joys and challenges of balancing motherhood with running a flower farm. Her daughter, born two months early, has brought a whole new perspective to her life and business. It’s a heartwarming journey that you’ll definitely want to hear!

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Helen’s story is her collaborative approach to farming. She shares her leased land with other local farmers, creating a vibrant community that supports one another.

Helen's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in the world of agriculture, and her passion for flowers and community shines through in every aspect of her work. Be sure to tune in for the full conversation with Helen from Artemis Farm.

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/01/28/ep-47-artemis-flower-farm/

Learn More About Artemis Flower Farm:

 * Website: https://www.artemisflowerfarm.com/
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemisflowerfarm/

Podcast Listeners Enjoy 7 Days of Growth Day FREE: https://www.growthday.com/?via=floweringfarmhouse

Sign up for our newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

Ep.47: Helen Skiba on Balancing Motherhood & Sustainable Flower Farming at Artemis Flower Farm

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from a corporate career to a flourishing flower farm? Join us as we chat with Rebecca Starling, an inspiring flower farmer from Australia who transitioned from a corporate career in London to flower farming in rural Australia. Rebecca shares her heartfelt journey, including the romantic twist that led her to embrace a new life on her husband's fifth-generation family farm.

Rebecca gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, Secrets from the Flower Farm, which is filled with insights on growing stunning, fragrant cut flowers and promoting sustainable gardening practices. The book is set to release on March 4th, 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere and is already available in Australia.

Throughout the episode, Rebecca discusses her diverse experiences gardening in different climates, from the UK to Switzerland, Connecticut, and finally Australia. She emphasizes the importance of adapting gardening techniques to local conditions and shares valuable tips on growing a variety of flowers, including Mediterranean perennials, North American prairie perennials, and Australian and South African native plants.

Rebecca also talks about the challenges and rewards of flower farming in a remote area, her approach to no-till farming, and the importance of perennials in her garden. She highlights some of her favorite perennials, such as salvias, geraniums, lavender, and echinacea, and shares her excitement about new trends in flower fashion.

As a flower farmer, Rebecca has diversified her business by offering market bunches, wedding flowers, dried flowers, and even dahlia tubers and seeds. She discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of running a flower farm in a small town and her efforts to promote local flower farming.

Be sure to tune in to hear Rebecca's heartwarming story, expert tips, and passion for sustainable flower farming. Don't miss this vibrant and informative episode!

Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/01/21/ep-46-starling-flowers-secrets-from-the-flower-farm/

Learn More About Starling Flowers:

 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlingflowers_/
 * Web: https://starlingflowers.com.au/
 * Secrets From The Flower Farm Book: https://amzn.to/4g9t6XP

*****

Podcast Listeners Are Invited To Enjoy 7 Days of Growth Day FREE: https://www.growthday.com/?via=floweringfarmhouse

*****

Sign up for our newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving the podcast a review. Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

Ep. 46: Secrets From The Flower Farm Down Under With Rebecca Starling

Ready to bloom in powerful new ways this year? Join us for this special Season 2 premiere of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, for an intimate look at transformation, growth, and choosing joy in the garden and in life.

After a groundbreaking first season featuring 44 conversations with inspiring growers worldwide, Jennifer opens her heart about her own unexpected journey of starting fresh. When she lost her growing space in 2024, she didn't just rebuild - she reimagined everything. Through clearing both literal and metaphorical weeds, Jennifer discovered how letting go of what no longer serves us creates space for something extraordinary to bloom.

Season 2, themed 'Where We Bloom,' promises to take you on a journey around the world, featuring flower farmers and gardeners who are creating beauty in unique and inspiring ways. Plus, Jennifer reveals an exciting documentary project that will capture every step of transforming bare land into a flourishing flower farm - from breaking ground to first blooms.

Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer, a backyard gardener, or someone who's just beginning to dream of growing flowers, this episode will inspire you to see the possibility in new beginnings. Discover how to align your garden with your joy, clear space for what matters most, and bloom exactly where you're planted.

Perfect for: flower farmers, gardening enthusiasts, dahlia lovers, small business owners, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture or starting a cut flower garden. Join our growing community of flower lovers and learn how choosing joy in your garden can transform your entire growing journey.

Let's make 2025 the year your garden dreams take root and flourish.

Backyard Bouquet Podcast: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/the-backyard-bouquet-podcast/

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

Backyard Bouquet FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowergardening

Ep.45: Where We Bloom: New Beginnings For 2025

Welcome to 'The Backyard Bouquet,' a cut flower podcast where vibrant stories bloom from the fields of local flower farmers and home gardeners alike. Join host Jennifer Gulizia of The Flowering Farmhouse as she dives into the captivating journey of local flowers, sharing inspiring tales and practical insights.

This podcast celebrates the heartfelt journeys of both seasoned flower farmers and passionate backyard growers. Each episode is a vibrant tapestry woven with personal narratives, shedding light on the joys, challenges, and invaluable lessons learned through cultivating flowers.

From nurturing backyard gardens to supporting local flower farmers, 'The Backyard Bouquet' is your go-to place for heartfelt stories and expert growing tips. Discover the art of growing flowers, embrace inspiring tales from the fields, and uncover tricks to cultivate your own beautiful blooms.

Tune in to explore the enchantment of local flowers, find encouragement to cultivate your own floral haven, or discover ways to support local flower farmers. Join us on this flourishing journey and let the blossoms inspire your story.

For Show Notes And More Podcast Details: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/the-backyard-bouquet-podcast/

Join The Backyard Bouquet FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowergardening/

Sign up for my newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/backyardbouquetpodcast

The Flowering Farmhouse: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thefloweringfarmhouse]   [https://www.pinterest.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/]| Website [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/]

Jennifer Gulizia

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