Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne

Planning on planting cool flowers in very early spring, including some that typically prefer to be direct-seeded? Wondering if sowing directly outdoors at that time of year is the best option? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss very early spring planting of cool-season hardy annuals that prefer to be sown directly outdoors in the garden. They cover the challenges of direct seeding during this time fram...

Wondering which cool flowers you should only count on for one round of blooms? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss their list of "one and done" cool flowers and explain why this list of plants may differ depending on your climate. They cover why each of these plants is considered "one and done", why they are worth growing, approximately how many stems you can expect from each plant, and tips for success...

Happy New Year, everyone! Interested in integrating the Pantone Color of the Year into your garden or floral arrangements? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss the Pantone Color of the Year for 2023 ('Viva Magenta') and a flower that matches this color beautifully (Zinnia 'Uproar Rose'). Of all the zinnias Lisa has grown as a flower farmer, 'Uproar Rose' is her very favorite. Listen to the podcast and fi...

Have you ever wondered how the seed in your packets was actually produced? Interested in learning how to save seed from your celosia plants? Today, Lisa and Layne are joined by Emily Nekl of Fuggles Flowers to discuss her experience this past year growing 'Texas Plumes' celosia for seed production. Emily walks us through the entire process, from starting the seed to harvesting, drying, and cleanin...

Are your fall-planted cool flowers getting too large or even trying to bloom before winter? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss why bigger is not necessarily better for cool flowers heading into winter, tips for trying to slow the growth of your plants, and what to do if they are attempting to bloom prematurely. Listen to the podcast and get ready to troubleshoot your overeager cool flowers! The video v...

Do you love having the showstopping blooms of amaryllis in your home during the wintertime? Wondering how to care for your growing plant and what to do after it blooms? Today, Lisa and Layne are joined by Val Schirmer of Three Toads Farm to discuss the ins and outs of amaryllis care. They cover bulb selection, potting and growing tips, troubleshooting, and the steps to take to save your amaryllis...

Interested in flower arranging but wondering which tools and supplies you need to get started? Today, florist Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers joins Lisa and Layne to discuss the key items you need in your toolbox. Whether you are interested in floral design yourself or would like to put together a kit for a friend, Ellen fills us in on the must-have essentials. Listen to the podcast and get rea...

Shopping for a gardener (or yourself) this holiday season? Lisa and Layne have you covered! In a singing Santa hat and antlers, Lisa and Layne discuss their top gift ideas for gardeners, flower farmers, and even houseplant lovers. Listen to the podcast for a fun look at some of the girls' all-time favorite things! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener’s...

In honor of Thanksgiving Day in the United States, Lisa and Layne discuss two flowers they are thankful for - sunflowers and strawflowers.  Listen to the podcast and learn what these beautiful flowers have to offer.  For those celebrating Thanksgiving today, we wish you a safe and happy holiday with family and friends! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to...

You want your seeds to last as long as possible, but what storage conditions should you provide to maximize their shelf life? Join Lisa and Layne as they discuss tips and tricks for buying, storing, and even saving seed. They cover when to buy seed, how much to order, and where and how to properly store seed, including the conditions to avoid. Plus, they provide information for people hoping to co...

Looking for a flower with eye-catching color combinations to add interest to your bouquets? Bicolor sunflowers feature striking blends of yellow, orange, or buttercream petals brushed with plum, burgundy, or rust tones near the flower centers. Join Lisa and Layne as they provide an in-depth look at bicolor sunflowers, including the ideal time of year to grow them. Plus, they introduce their favori...

Wishing you could preserve the beauty of flowers long after the blooms in your garden or bouquet have faded? You can, with dried flowers! Today, Lisa and Layne are joined by florist Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers to discuss tips and tricks for creating glorious dried flower arrangements. Ellen offers valuable insights from nearly a decade of drying flowers professionally and an insider's look...

Planning on planting some or all of your Cool Flowers in very early spring? Think you can wait until then to prepare your beds? Think again! Join Lisa and Layne as they discuss the importance of preparing your beds for very early spring ahead of time, in fall. Listen to the podcast and learn when, why, and how to prepare the beds for your very early spring Cool Flower plantings! The video version...

You fall-planted the Cool Flowers hardy in your zone, but what additional steps can you take to protect your plants and make sure they overwinter successfully? Join Lisa and Layne as they address some of the most frequently asked questions about winter protection and row covers. They discuss the benefits of using row covers, how to properly secure the covers so they stay put, temperature and weath...

Have you ever considered how amazing it is that something as tiny as a seed can alter the course of someone’s life and take them in directions they never thought possible? Join Layne as she interviews Lisa about the various ways seeds changed her life. They discuss Lisa’s first seed starting experience, her entrance into flower farming, how annual crops shaped her business, and priceless advice fr...

You know which Cool Flower seeds to sow directly into the garden and when, but what steps should you take to ensure a thick, healthy stand of direct-seeded plants come springtime? Join Lisa and Layne as they share practical tips and tricks for successful outdoor sowing. They discuss proper bed preparation, watering, weed prevention, thinning, sowing poppies and bells of Ireland, and more. Listen t...

Interested in growing larkspur, bachelor buttons, or bells of Ireland? Did you know that some of spring’s most coveted flowers – including these beauties – actually prefer to be sown directly outdoors rather than started indoors as transplants? Join Lisa and Layne as they cover some of the most frequently asked questions about sowing seeds directly in the garden. They discuss some of the advantage...

Your Cool Flower seeds have sprouted – now what? Join Lisa and Layne as they discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about caring for your Cool Flower seedlings. They discuss grow lights, ideal air temperatures, transplant size, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to give your Cool Flower seedlings the conditions they need to thrive! The video version of Lisa and Layne’s conv...

Ready to start your Cool Flower seeds but still have some lingering questions? Join Lisa and Layne as they discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about starting cool-season hardy annuals indoors from seed. They discuss heat mats, light requirements, germination troubleshooting, and more. Listen to the podcast and help set yourself up for Cool Flowers seed starting success! The video v...

We are so excited to present our first episode of "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne", co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa has been flower farming for over two decades and is the founder and owner of The Gardener’s Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas...

Join Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo as they discuss all things related to gardening, flower farming, and growing from seed. Lisa brings over two decades of flower farming experience to the conversation, while Layne offers the perspective of an avid home gardener, seed starter, and engineer. Together, the duo provides an informative and entertaining look into the world of flowers as well as ve...