The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

Bats may be regular visitors to our gardens, but these fascinating nighttime flyers are often misunderstood. In this episode, I'm joined by Keisha, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with Delaware Bat Rescue, to separate fact from fiction and explore the remarkable world of bats. From echolocation and natural pest control to rabies awareness and safe rescue practices, we uncover why these litt...

One good tool can completely change the economics of a small farm—especially when it solves a job that quietly eats away at your time. In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan from Farmers Friend to hear the story behind the Greens Harvester and how a challenge from Elliot Coleman sparked years of prototypes, problem-solving, and innovation. We also explore how listening closely to growers has s...

One whiff of balsam fir can transport you straight to the holidays. In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle, owner of Mainely Wild, who sustainably forages balsam fir and other woodland greens across downeast Maine and ships them to florists and makers around the country. We explore what makes premium holiday greenery last, why timing harvest around hard frosts matters, and how thoughtful foraging...

What if protecting pollinators isn’t only about reducing pesticides, but helping bees survive the exposure already happening? In this episode, I’m joined by science journalist Gary W. Hartley to explore emerging research into a “bee detox”—nature-inspired microparticles designed to bind pesticides inside a bee’s gut. We look beyond the exciting early results to what it would actually take for this...

A thriving pollinator garden doesn’t have to become another chore list. In this episode, I’m joined by certified professional horticulturist Cindy King to explore what really creates a healthy habitat—from stronger soil and thoughtful sun exposure to native plants, host plants, and season-long blooms. We also talk about why letting your garden stay a little wild can be one of the smartest things y...

Spring flowers don’t start in spring—and understanding that can completely change the way you plan your garden. In this episode, we break down why fall is the ideal time to establish many of your earliest blooms, from hardy annuals like larkspur, nigella, snapdragons, and sweet peas to spring bulbs and ranunculus. You’ll learn how cooler temperatures, steady moisture, and strong root development s...

Cold storage can protect an entire harvest—or ruin it when you get it wrong. In this episode, I’m joined by Julia from CoolBot to break down what flower growers really need to know about building reliable, affordable cold storage. From DIY coolers and turnkey systems to insulation, sizing, and temperature control, we explore how to create a setup that protects flower quality while giving your farm...

Soil can look ordinary until you realize it can disappear in a single season and take generations to rebuild. In this episode, we sit down with Jenny to explore soil conservation in a practical, approachable way—from the lessons of the Dust Bowl to the work local conservation districts do today to support farmers, gardeners, and landowners. We also connect healthy soil to healthy waterways, especi...

Your farm idea might be brilliant—but can you actually bring it to market without getting buried in permits, licenses, and unexpected costs? In this episode, we're joined by Martin from the Maryland Department of Agriculture to explore what value-added agriculture really means, from agritourism and on-farm experiences to packaged products and new revenue streams. We break down the regulations...

Social media asks florists to be designers, marketers, content creators, and trend forecasters all at once—and the pressure can be overwhelming. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs and Intrigue Teaches to talk about balancing creativity with visibility, sharing knowledge in an industry often shaped by gatekeeping, and building a floral business that can thrive both...

Being busy can feel productive, but on a flower farm, full days don’t always create profitable results. In this episode, we apply the Pareto Principle—the 80/20 rule—to a working cut flower farm and uncover which crops, customers, and activities actually move the business forward. From fieldwork and farmers markets to weddings and marketing, we look at the difference between simply staying busy an...

Holes in leaves, yellowing, black spots, and sudden decline can make it tempting to reach for a spray bottle—but the right diagnosis always comes first. In this episode, we show you how to identify the difference between pests, diseases, and environmental stress by looking beyond a single damaged leaf and reading the bigger picture. You'll learn how weather, watering, and growing conditions c...

That bouquet on the grocery store rack may have traveled thousands of miles before it reached your table—and the journey affects everything from vase life to fragrance. In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob from Flower Forward to unpack the hidden realities of the flower industry, including why nearly 80% of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported and what that means for freshness, sustainability,...

Your flowers look wilted, the sun is blazing, and your first instinct is to grab the hose—but watering more isn't always the answer. In this episode, we break down the most common summer watering mistakes and show you how to tell the difference between thirsty plants, heat stress, and deeper root issues. You'll learn why timing matters, how to water for stronger roots, and what your plan...

Seed packets are small, but the information they hold can shape your entire growing season. In this episode, we break down the details most growers overlook and show you how to use them to make smarter decisions—from crop timing and germination rates to spacing, height, and variety selection. Whether you're growing a backyard garden or managing a cut flower farm, understanding what’s on the p...

A seed packet may be small, but the system behind it is anything but. In this episode, we sit down with the team at GOC to follow the journey of wholesale flower seeds—from forecasting and inventory management to packing, fulfillment, and shipping. If you've ever wondered what happens before a seed packet arrives at your farm, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the curtain. We...

A seed catalog can feel equal parts treasure map and strategy guide, especially when you're growing for real customers and real deadlines. In this episode, we sit down with the team behind GeoSeed and Park Seed to explore what happens behind the scenes of a modern seed company—from customer service and inventory management to fulfillment systems that help get seeds, plugs, and liners into gro...

Social media makes flower farming look effortless, but the reality is far more complex—and far more valuable to learn from. In this episode, I share my journey from agriculture teacher to flower farmer, the lessons I learned the hard way, and why I feel called back to teaching through this podcast and the flower farming community. If you've ever wondered why growing more flowers doesn't...

Your yard can be full of flowers and still fall short when it comes to supporting pollinators. In this episode, we look beyond nectar plants to explore what bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles, and birds actually need to thrive—nesting sites, host plants, shelter, and habitat that isn’t stripped down to mulch and stone. We uncover the often-overlooked roles these species play in keeping garden...

We’re standing in the middle of a working flower farm in early spring talking about the one crop that never fails: weeds. In this episode, we break down what common weeds are actually telling you about your soil, moisture, light, and growing systems—and why weed pressure isn’t a personal failure, it’s information. From bindweed and thistle to surprise woody seedlings, we walk through how to read y...

A sunburn you forgot about might be the one your skin never does. In this episode, I’m joined by Christina DeLeon of Well Ave Dermatology to talk about skin cancer prevention, sunscreen myths, and what it really takes to protect your skin when you spend your life outdoors. From melanoma awareness and skin checks to the truth about sunscreen ingredients, we break through the noise with practical, e...

Your receipts are either protecting your profit or quietly costing you money. In this episode, we’re back with accountant Shannon Everhart to break down what small business owners actually need to know about tax write-offs, documentation, and staying prepared if the IRS ever comes knocking. From faded thermal receipts to mileage logs and digital recordkeeping, we share simple systems that make boo...

You can be incredible at your craft and still get tripped up by the money behind your business. In this episode, I’m joined by tax pro Shannon Everhart to break down the financial foundations every new entrepreneur needs—from the “first dollar” rule to choosing between a sole proprietorship, LLC, or S corp. We simplify what each structure really means so you can make decisions with clarity, not co...

Your first sale is a rush—then the real questions begin. In this episode, we step into the greenhouse to talk through what “next” actually looks like on a working flower farm, from seed starting and temperature control to season extension and crop timing. We also get honest about reinvesting early profits and why scaling too fast—without the right infrastructure—can quietly stall your growth. From...

A single flower can turn into an ER-level problem when you live with a curious cat or a dog that treats the yard like a buffet. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maddie Schofield of Chestertown Animal Hospital to walk through the real risks hiding in spring gardens and everyday arrangements—from toxic plants and fertilizers to the subtle symptoms that signal when something isn’t right. We break d...