As another growing season comes to a close, Jennifer invites you to pause and reflect on the power of gratitude. In this solo episode, Jennifer shares how gratitude can carry us through each stage of growth, from the early seeds of an idea to the quiet rest of winter. She looks back on this past year of farming with honesty and perspective, offering gentle reminders that growth often happens in the unseen moments. Through her reflections, Jennifer encourages you to find gratitude not only in the beauty of what has bloomed, but also in the challenges that helped you grow. Whether you're wrapping up your season or already dreaming about spring, this episode offers a moment to slow down, look back, and give thanks for all that has taken root this year. Connect with Jennifer, Host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhousehttps://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/ Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://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. New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

In this heartfelt conversation, Jennifer sits down with Nicole Pitt, the flower farmer and creative behind Flower Hill Farm and Boon Street Nursery in upstate New York. Nicole is also the voice and heart behind the popular Flower Hill Farm YouTube channel, where she shares her authentic journey as a farmer, creator, and community builder. Nicole opens up about how life's unexpected seasons have shaped her perspective, what it means to grow through change, and how the flower community has supported her through it all. From rebuilding her business with renewed purpose to manifesting hope and growth — even in challenging times — Nicole's story is a beautiful reminder of resilience and connection. You'll also hear about her plans for a new hoop house, her vision for expanding Boon Street Nursery (thanks to a major grant!), and her exciting new project — a brand-new podcast launching later this month. Connect with Nicole: * Flower Hill Farm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlowerHillFarm * Flower Hill Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerhillfarmny/ * Flower Hill Farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowerhillfarmny/ * Flower Hill Farm Website: https://www.flowerhillfarmny.com/ Mentioned in this episode: * Farmer's Friend pre-burned landscape fabric: https://www.farmersfriend.com/p/quick-plant-fabric?rid=floweringfarmhouse Connect with Jennifer, Host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhousehttps://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/ Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://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. New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!

As the flowers fade and the farm quiets down for winter, Jennifer reflects on what this past year of rebuilding her farm has taught her about patience, gratitude, and growth. Inspired by the timeless reminder that "it's not the destination, it's the journey," she shares how slowing down and being present has brought new meaning to the work of tending both the land and the heart. This episode is an invitation to pause and reflect, to notice the beauty in what's already growing, to find joy in the process, and to move forward with faith even when the outcome isn't yet visible. Jennifer shares lessons learned from transforming a fallow field into a thriving flower farm, from the small wins to the moments that stretched her the most. Along the way, she offers reflections to help you reconnect with your own journey, the one that's unfolding right now between the planting and the bloom. Whether you're a flower farmer, gardener, or simply navigating a season of change, this episode is a gentle reminder that growth takes time and that the real magic isn't found at the finish line but in who we become along the way. Podcast Listeners Enjoy 7 Days of Growth Day FREE: Try the GrowthDay App, Jennifer's favorite tool for journaling, tracking habits, and staying grounded in personal growth https://app.growthday.com/signup/referral-trial/floweringfarmhouse Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/10/25/ep-73-journey-to-bloom/ Connect with Jennifer: Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhousehttps://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/ Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://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!

In this inspiring episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with Jessica Eckford-Aguilera, the visionary founder of The Flower Summit and Newcastle Food & Flower Markets in Australia. Jessica shares how her lifelong passion for creativity and community led her to build one of Australia's most beloved floral destinations, complete with a flower market, café, and floral design school. That journey eventually blossomed into the creation of The Flower Summit, a global platform celebrating women in floriculture. Together, Jennifer and Jessica explore: 🌸 Jessica's leap from corporate events to full-time floristry at just 23 years old 🌸 How Newcastle Food & Flower Markets grew into a thriving hub for education, weddings, and local blooms 🌸 The story behind The Flower Summit, a first-of-its-kind event uniting female florists, growers, and creatives around the world 🌸 Why local flowers and global collaboration matter more than ever 🌸 What attendees can expect when they gather in Newcastle, Australia in November 2026 If you love hearing stories of creativity, connection, and women building beauty through flowers, this episode will fill your heart with inspiration and new ideas for your own journey. 🌼 Connect with Jessica Eckford-Aguilera Summit Website: https://flowersummit.com.au [https://flowersummit.com.au/] Instagram: https://instagram.com/theflowersummit Newcastle Food & Flower Markets: https://www.foodandflowermarkets.com.au/ 🎟️ Tickets are now on sale for the first-ever Flower Summit, taking place November 24–25, 2026 in Newcastle, Australia. Join us in Australia: https://flowersummit.com.au/events/flower-summit/ 🎧 Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more inspiring stories from flower farmers, gardeners, and dreamers who are growing beauty and purpose one bloom at a time. Sign up for The Backyard Bouquet Newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/backyardbouquetpodcast ***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!

The first frost often marks the end of the flower growing season, and it's the perfect time to pause and reflect. In this short solo episode, Jennifer invites flower farmers and gardeners to slow down and look back on the year with honesty and gratitude. She shares how to "thin the weeds" in both the garden and in life so you can focus on what truly thrives. Learn how to rest your garden, reset your mindset, and prepare for a new season of growth. Whether you grow flowers for profit or for joy, this gentle conversation will remind you that every ending creates space for new beginnings and that letting go is part of flourishing. ✨ In this episode: * Practical ways to reflect after the first frost * What to release in your garden or business before winter * How to plan now for a thriving, more intentional next season Read: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown [https://amzn.to/43qyDpg] Sign up for The Backyard Bouquet Newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/backyardbouquetpodcast Connect with Jennifer | The Flowering Farmhouse * Podcast Website: thefloweringfarmhouse.com/the-backyard-bouquet-podcast/ [https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/the-backyard-bouquet-podcast/] * Instagram @thefloweringfarmhouse [https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/] * Instagram @thebackyardbouquetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast]

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia of The Flowering Farmhouse sits down with Shannon Allen of Bloom Hill Farm and Lyndsay Biehl of Wildroot Flower Co. — the powerhouse duo behind The Dirt on Flowers Podcast. Shannon and Lyndsay pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving flower farm. From humble beginnings to leading two of the most recognized farms in the industry, they share honest insights about growth, grit, and learning through every season. You'll hear how they've turned passion into profitable, purpose-driven businesses while staying true to their roots — and why embracing imperfection and community has been key to their success. They also give us a behind-the-scenes look at DirtCon, their new virtual summit designed to connect, educate, and inspire flower farmers from around the world. If you've ever dreamed of starting or scaling a flower farm, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and ready to dig into your own next chapter. In this episode: * How Shannon and Lyndsay built successful flower farms from the ground up * The mindset and resilience it takes to grow season after season * Lessons learned from the real side of flower farming * The vision and purpose behind DirtCon, their virtual flower farming summit Episode 70 Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/10/15/ep-70-behind-the-dirt-on-flowers-podcast/ Links mentioned in this episode: * The Dirt on Flowers Podcast [https://www.thedirtonflowers.com/] * The Dirt on Flowers: Tulip Episode [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-209-tulip-deep-dive/id1625592313?i=1000727446889] * Bloom Hill Farm [https://www.instagram.com/bloomhillfarm/] * Wildroot Flower Co. [https://www.instagram.com/wildroot_flowerco/] 🌼 Learn More About DirtCon Ready to connect with other flower farmers and grow your business? 🌸 Join DirtCon, the virtual summit created by The Dirt on Flowers team — featuring expert speakers, real-world strategies, and inspiration for every stage of your flower farming journey. 👉 Click here to learn more and grab your ticket. [https://dirtcon2026.heysummit.com/?ac=9lbFI4Ji] (affiliate link) 🎧 Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more inspiring stories from flower farmers, gardeners, and dreamers who are growing beauty and purpose one bloom at a time. Sign up for The Backyard Bouquet Newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/backyardbouquetpodcast

What happens when flower farming and painting come together? In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with artist and flower farmer Valerie Miller of Steel Cow Lavender Farm in Iowa. Valerie is a gifted painter and the founder of Art Garden Therapy, a monthly painting membership that invites people of all skill levels to discover the joy of creativity through simple, step-by-step lessons. Valerie shares how her journey began with painting cows, evolved into creating vibrant flower and farm-inspired art, and how her lavender farm continues to inspire her work. She opens up about the story behind Art Garden Therapy, why flowers—especially lavender, peonies, and dahlias—show up so often in her art, and how farming and painting both create powerful spaces for connection and creativity. 🌿 In this episode, you'll learn: * How Valerie and her family built Steel Cow Lavender Farm * What inspired her transition from animals to flower paintings * The vision behind Art Garden Therapy and how it helps beginners paint with confidence * Why flowers play such a central role in her art and teaching * How farming and painting both serve as pathways to creativity and joy 🌸 Connect with Valerie Miller: * Steel Cow Lavender Farm: https://www.steelcowlavenderfarm.com [https://www.steelcowlavenderfarm.com/] * Art Garden Therapy Membership: https://artgardentherapy.com [https://artgardentherapy.com/] * Steel Cow Art & Paintings: https://www.steelcow.com [https://www.steelcow.com/] If you love flowers, painting, and stories of creativity rooted in nature, this conversation will inspire you to pick up a brush—or plant a seed. 📌 Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more flower farming insights! Sign up for The Backyard Bouquet Newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/backyardbouquetpodcast ***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!

What does large-scale flower farming really look like in the United States? In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer Gulizia sits down with Madison Milgard, Vice President of Brand and Market Strategy at Continental Floral Greens (CF Greens) — the largest U.S.-based flower farm. Madison shares the inspiring story of her family-owned business, from its roots in Washington's noble fir forests to stewarding thousands of acres across Oregon, California, Florida, and beyond. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how Continental Floral Greens produces millions of stems, the innovations driving sustainability, and why greenery is the unsung hero of floral design. You'll learn about: * How Continental Floral Greens grew from a small tree farm to the largest U.S.-based flower farm * What sustainability looks like at scale — from recyclable packaging to stewarding 10,000 acres of noble fir * New dahlia trials with extended vase life and what it means for florists and regional growers * Why collaboration across farms, wholesalers, and organizations like SustainaBloom is key to the future of floriculture * Advice for growers who dream of scaling their flower farm (and why resilience + the right team are essential) Whether you're a backyard grower, a budding flower farmer, or simply fascinated by the floral industry, this conversation will expand your perspective on what's possible — and how sustainability and innovation are shaping the future of flowers. 📍 Connect with Continental Floral Greens: * Website: https://www.cfgreens.com/https://www.cfgreens.com * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfgreens * Email Madison: madisonmilgard@cfgreens.com Enjoying the show? Please rate & review The Backyard Bouquet Podcast—it helps more flower lovers find us and keeps these conversations blooming!

If you've ever had more flowers than you know what to do with—or wished you could make a special bouquet last forever—this episode will spark your creativity. In this conversation, I'm joined by Kate Punnett, founder of The August Press, a professional flower press studio dedicated to turning fresh blooms into timeless art. With over a decade as an organic urban flower grower and sustainable florist, Kate shares her best tips for pressing flowers successfully, from choosing the right blooms to avoiding mold, storing delicate petals, and creating pieces that last. We talk about: * The easiest (and trickiest) flowers to press * How to capture every stage of a bloom's life cycle in art * Common mistakes that lead to mold — and how to avoid them * Sustainable ways to preserve bridal bouquets * Why pressing flowers is the perfect slow art for our fast-paced world Whether you're a flower farmer, gardener, or someone who treasures the beauty of a single bloom, this episode will inspire you to see your flowers in a whole new way. 🌸 Learn more about Kate & The August Press Website: https://www.theaugustpress.com [https://www.theaugustpress.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaugustpress 🎧 Listen & Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your Favorite Podcast App 📬 Let's Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/ Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/the-backyard-bouquet-podcast/ 💬 Enjoying the show? Please rate & review The Backyard Bouquet Podcast—it helps more flower lovers find us and keeps these conversations blooming!

If you've ever struggled with burnout, self-doubt, or pricing your flowers with confidence, this episode is for you. In Episode 66 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Charlotte Smith — a farmer, coach, and host of The Profitable Mindset Podcast — to talk about the mindset shifts that can make or break your flower farming business. Charlotte shares how her own farming journey led her to coaching, why your thoughts shape your results, and how to overcome limiting beliefs like "people won't pay that price" or "my field's not good enough." You'll learn why perfectionism holds so many farmers back, how to stop looping in overwhelm, and simple questions that can help you get unstuck and grow with purpose. You'll also hear about Charlotte's free upcoming Master Class — 5 Mistakes Farmers Make That Keep Them Broke — happening August 18–19. Don't miss your chance to learn from one of the most respected voices in the industry. 🌸 In this episode, you'll learn: * How mindset directly affects your profitability * Common limiting beliefs that hold flower farmers back * Why building a local customer base starts offline * Charlotte's "belief triad" and how it can change your business * What to do when perfectionism and self-doubt show up Whether you're just starting out or you've been farming for years, this is a conversation that will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and ready to take the next step. 🎧 Listen now and grab the link to Charlotte's free Master Class in the show notes! Show Note: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/08/06/ep-66-charlotte-smith-mindset-for-flower-farmers/ Follow Charlotte Smith On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlotte.m.smith/ Listen To The Profitable Mindset Podcast: https://charlottemsmith.com/podcast/ Join Charlotte August 18th & 19th: FREE Master Class: 5 costly mistakes that are keeping your farm broke [http://charottemsmith.com/masterclass] Sign Up HERE: https://courses.3cowmarketing.com/five-mistakes Join Farm Marketing Mastery - break out of marketing misery [https://charlottemsmith.com/mastery]: https://charlottemsmith.com/mastery  [https://charlottemsmith.com/mastery] Sign up for The Backyard Bouquet Newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/backyardbouquetpodcast ***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!

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with Jenny Jonak of Dragon Song Farm in Oregon's Willamette Valley to explore how one flower farmer is blending sustainable flower farming, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and policy advocacy to create real impact. Jenny shares how she grew her CSA flower farm from a few bouquets for friends into a thriving market business—and why she now champions water rights reform and land access for small farmers. We also dive into her innovative pressed flower jewelry, neurodivergent-friendly farm systems, and real-world tips for succeeding at farmers markets. Whether you're a flower farmer, backyard grower, or passionate advocate for local agriculture, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt perspective. What You'll Learn: * How Jenny scaled Dragon Song Farm from a backyard garden to a full-time CSA and market farm * Her journey as a neurodivergent farmer and systems that support her success * Tips for creating high-impact farmers market bouquets (and maximizing cooler space!) * The surprising legal hurdles small farms face around water rights in Oregon * How pressed flower jewelry became a profitable and creative side of her farm business Resources & Links Mentioned: * Visit Jenny's website: dragonsongfarm.com [https://www.dragonsongfarm.com/] * Follow Jenny on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dragonsongfarm] * Learn more about the August Press for pressed flowers: https://www.theaugustpress.com/ * Explore Friends of Family Farmers – Oregon-based advocacy and resources: https://friendsoffamilyfarmers.org/ * Connect with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service): https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ * Learn about ASCFG – Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers: https://www.ascfg.org/ 🎙️ Tune in and discover how one woman is growing more than just flowers—she's cultivating change. Sign up for our newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/backyardbouquetpodcast ***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!

In Episode 64 of The Backyard Bouquet, flower farmer and educator Brooke Palmer of Jenny Creek Flowers returns to the podcast—one year after making the leap from part-time growing to full-time cut flower farming. After balancing a teaching career and a growing flower farm for several years, Brooke decided in 2024 to hang up her classroom keys and pour her energy into her blooms. Now, she's reflecting on what it's really been like to turn her side hustle into a full-time flower farming business. We talk about everything from launching successful workshops and peony you-picks to navigating unexpected crop failures and mindset struggles. Brooke shares the strategies she's leaned on, the rhythms she's found, and how she's redefining success on her own terms. If you're dreaming of going full-time with your farm or simply want an honest look at life beyond the leap, this episode is for you. Key topics: * The emotional and practical realities of going full-time * Building a flower business around workshops and U-picks * Managing time with intention (and being done by noon!) * The power of mindset coaching and weekly reflection * Letting go of comparison and choosing sustainability over scale 🌸 Connect with Brooke: Website: jennycreekflowers.com [https://www.jennycreekflowers.com/] Instagram: @jennycreekflowers [https://www.instagram.com/jennycreekflowers/] Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/07/24/ep-64-brooke-palmerfrom-side-hustle-to-full-time-flower-farmer/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://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!

In Episode 63 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Diane Szukovathy of Jello Mold Farm to explore the critical role of floral standards in flower farming. Diane shares how she went from planting zinnia seeds as a child to co-founding the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market and co-authoring Floral Standards — a groundbreaking guide for harvesting and handling over 230 floral crops. We dig  into: * Growing pristine, sustainable flowers and achieving Salmon-Safe certification * The inspiring creation of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, a farmer-owned co-op * Why harvest timing and quality control are key to professional flower sales * How Floral Standards is becoming the go-to guide for farmers, florists, and collectives Whether you're growing in your backyard or managing a flower farm, this episode will help you cut better stems, build stronger systems, and elevate your craft. Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/07/01/ep-63-floral-standards-for-farmers/ 🌿 Order the Floral Standards book: Seattle Wholesale Growers Market [https://www.seattlewholesalegrowersmarket.com/] 📬 Connect with Diane: Visit jellomoldfarm.com [http://jellomoldfarm.com/] and click "Contact Us" Follow Seattle Wholesale Growers Market on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattlewholesalegrowersmarket/ 📌 Please Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more flower farming insights! Sign up for our newsletter: https://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!

What does it take to grow cut flowers for over 40 weddings a season—while running a farm as a family of four? In Part 2 of our conversation, Jennifer Joray of Eastern River Farm [https://www.instagram.com/easternriverfarm/] returns to share the details of how her family built a thriving, regenerative flower business in Maine. From crop planning to bouquet-making, and from packing systems to building in family rest, Jennifer walks us through what it really takes to succeed in growing cut flowers for weddings. You'll hear: 🌸 How they scaled from 8 to 65 weddings—and why they chose to scale back 💐 The top crops they rely on to meet wedding demand (think delphinium, mountain mint, lisianthus & more) 🪴 How they grow nearly everything from seed—including delphinium! 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Their entire family's role in floral design, prep, and packing 🌱 What regenerative flower farming means to them—and why protecting family rhythms is part of it Whether you're dreaming of your own flower farm or looking to refine your wedding offerings, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical systems, and heartfelt wisdom. 🎧 Missed Part 1? Listen to Ep. 61: Jennifer Joray of Eastern River Farm on Flower Farming, Lyme Disease, & Finding Healing Through Nature Connect with Jennifer Joray: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easternriverfarm/  [https://www.instagram.com/easternriverfarm/] * Website: https://easternriverfarm.com [https://easternriverfarm.com/] 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!

What happens when a simple question—"What about farming?"—leads to a total life transformation? In this powerful episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer Joray of Eastern River Farm [https://www.instagram.com/easternriverfarm/] shares her family's courageous journey from city living to flower farming on a 20-acre homestead in Maine. But their story goes far beyond soil and seeds. Jennifer Joray opens up about the challenges of navigating Lyme disease, the unexpected health impacts of ticks on the farm, and how her family found healing through nature, herbal remedies, and a more intentional way of living. You'll learn: 🌼 Why they had left behind urban life for a flower farm 🦠 How they manage Lyme disease with herbs instead of chemicals 🐦 The beauty of rebuilding an ecosystem and welcoming back wildlife 🌱 What it means to farm in harmony with the land 🌸 How healing the land helped heal their family  Whether you're a flower farmer, backyard gardener, or someone looking to live a more natural, grounded life—this episode is full of wisdom, resilience, and inspiration. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Healing Lyme [https://amzn.to/3HxEcuh] by Stephen Buhner 🌿 Pacific Botanicals [https://www.pacificbotanicals.com/] – Trusted source for clean, dried herbs 🌿 Strictly Medicinal Seeds [https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/] – Medicinal seeds from herbalist Rico Cech 🌿 Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine [https://chestnutherbs.com/] – Online courses by Juliet Blankespoor 🌿 Zack Woods Herb Farm [https://zackwoodsherbs.com/] – Vermont-based medicinal herb farm 🌿 The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer by Jeff & Melanie Carpenter Connect with Jennifer Joray: 📸 Instagram: @easternriverfarm [https://www.instagram.com/easternriverfarm/] 🌐 Website: easternriverfarm.com [https://easternriverfarm.com/] Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/06/12/ep-61-jennifer-joray-farming-with-lyme-disease/ 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!

In this powerful episode of The Backyard Bouquet, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with Nicole Sardo of Midnight Magic Garden—a former stop-motion artist who left her dream job at Laika Studios after a life-altering autoimmune diagnosis. Nicole shares her remarkable journey of healing through gardening, how she's building a flourishing micro flower farm in her front yard, and how she's now uplifting other growers through her initiatives: Small Farms Big Orders and a fascinating Heirloom Dahlia Study. If you've ever faced a turning point, wondered how to pivot with purpose, or needed a reminder that beauty can take root even in your hardest seasons—this one's for you. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: * Midnight Magic Garden Website: https://www.midnightmagicgarden.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnightmagicgarden/ * Small Farms Big Orders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/984326049857334 * Heirloom Dahlia Study Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6PR6PHGbMDihX3vgkR6gpoCF-9ZH3LgU5TBf6KyjLbU4-Yw/viewform * Dahlia World Database: http://www.dahliaworld.co.uk/dahliadirectory.htm 📌 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!

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet, we are joined by Frances Palmer—renowned potter, gardener, photographer, and author—to celebrate the release of her newest book, Life With Flowers. Known for her iconic handmade vessels and stunning floral photography, Frances shares how a life rooted in creativity, cultivation, and intention can lead to unexpected beauty and joy. In their conversation, Jennifer and Frances explore: * The inspiration and creative process behind Life With Flowers * How gardening, ceramics, and photography intersect in Frances's daily life * Lessons learned from decades of self-taught artistry and flower growing * Why imperfection and process are central to creativity * The role of seasonal rhythms in her work—and her favorite flower to grow (even if it's a challenge) * How tending a garden supports mental health, mindfulness, and connection with the earth * Tips for photographing flowers using natural light and simple setups at home Whether you're a flower lover, artist, or someone yearning to create a slower, more beautiful life, this episode is a nourishing reminder to keep growing—one bloom, one pot, and one season at a time. Purchase Life With Flowers: https://amzn.to/44LtaLj Connect with Frances:   Website: francespalmerpottery.com [https://www.francespalmerpottery.com/]  Instagram: @francespalmer [https://www.instagram.com/francespalmer] ***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!

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we are joined by Debra Prinzing, founder of the Slow Flowers Movement and co-author of The Flower Farmers: Inspiration and Advice from Expert Growers. Debra shares her journey from writing The 50 Mile Bouquet to founding the Slow Flowers Movement—a movement that champions local, seasonal, and sustainable flowers. In this inspiring conversation, Debra talks about the importance of supporting local flower farmers, how storytelling is transforming the floral industry, and the lessons she's learned from interviewing flower farmers across North America. Whether you're a flower lover, a backyard gardener, or aspiring flower farmer, this episode is full of valuable insights on how to embrace the beauty and purpose of local blooms. Tune in to learn: * What the Slow Flowers Movement is and how it's changing the way we source flowers * The stories behind The Flower Farmers book and how it highlights the lives of flower growers * How the power of local flowers extends beyond beauty to healing and community-building * Practical advice for new and experienced flower farmers Join us for an insightful discussion that will leave you inspired to support local flowers and consider the bigger picture behind every bloom. Show Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2025/05/13/ep-58-the-slow-flowers-movement/ Learn More: * Slow Flowers Society: https://www.slowflowerssociety.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowflowerssociety/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debraprinzing/ * Purchase The Flower Farmers Book: https://store.abramsbooks.com/products/the-flower-farmers ***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!

This week on The Backyard Bouquet, we're celebrating a century of spectacular blooms with Schreiner's Iris Gardens, one of the most iconic names in American flower farming. For over 100 years, the Schreiner family has been growing and breeding world-class bearded iris—a legacy that began in Minnesota and eventually found its forever home in Oregon's Willamette Valley. In this conversation, Ben Schreiner and Liz Schmidt offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a multi-generational iris farm, from hybridizing breathtaking new varieties to caring for over 150 acres of flowers. Whether you're dreaming of adding irises to your garden or curious how these resilient blooms perform as cut flowers, you'll walk away inspired to see bearded iris in a whole new light. We talk about: * How bearded iris earned their place in the world of cut flowers * What makes these perennials so tough, low-maintenance, and stunning * Tips for planting, dividing, and growing irises in Zones 3–9 * The decade-long process behind breeding a brand-new iris * Why Schreiner's believes beauty and legacy can bloom side by side This is a celebration of history, horticulture, and the flowers that keep on blooming—season after season, generation after generation. Learn more about Schreiner's Gardens: https://www.schreinersgardens.com/ ***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!

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer invites you to step away from the rush of the season and pause at the garden gate. With raw honesty and gentle encouragement, she explores what it means to be in a season of becoming—when everything feels tender, stretched, and unfinished. Through the metaphors of seeds cracking open, the lotus rising from the mud, and the relentless (but sacred) push of spring, this episode offers a soulful reminder: you're not behind, you're in the middle of something meaningful. Whether you're planting your first seeds, rebuilding something from scratch, or simply navigating the unknown, let this be your permission to slow down, trust the process, and grow at your own pace. https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/the-backyard-bouquet-podcast/ ***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!