The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

Ever wondered how a simple love for flowers could transform into a bustling wedding industry career? Picture this: a former student requests us to craft her wedding florals, setting off a chain reaction that takes us from teachers to floral entrepreneurs. Our journey is filled with unexpected twists, from the pandemic throwing us a curveball, but we found ways to brighten our community’s spirits,...

We're going on a journey through the seasons, starting with spring favorites like ranunculus and campanula, each with its charm and set of challenges. From the elegance of white alliums to the unexpected joy of discovering unique ranunculus colors, the conversation paints a vivid picture of flower selection that caters to both aesthetics and the practicalities of gardening in Zone 7b.  As sum...

Ready to transform your garden with perennial flowers? We bring you practical advice on selecting and growing species like eryngium, along with insights into managing costs, space, and those surprise plant explosions—hello, peonies! Discover how weather plays its mischievous role and learn from our triumphs and mishaps in nurturing a lush perennial paradise. Whether you're a green-thumbed pro...

Join Lizzie, Liza, and Kenly as we navigate the delightful and sometimes challenging process of selecting the perfect flower seeds. Learn from our experiences and Kenly's expertise as we share valuable lessons from past growing seasons, including managing drought conditions and choosing disease-resistant seed varieties. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie, our journey promises...

Thinking about your garden goals for 2025? Get ready for inspiration! We're introducing a brand-new downloadable guide launching on January 5th, designed to help you set productive garden goals with reflective prompts. Whether you're looking to ensure a steady flower supply through strategic planting rotations or seeking effective ways to manage garden pests, our personal stories provide...

The debate gets crumbly as we tackle cookie toppings—sprinkles, anyone? Some of us love the vibrant crunch, while others prefer their treats sans sprinkles. We reflect on how our childhood art projects with glitter might be to blame for our sprinkle aversions today.  As the episode wraps up, we unwrap holiday wrapping paper traditions and the quirky customs that make the season special. Whether it...

As Christmas approaches, we're using dried flowers like calendula and echinops in the barn, each with its own quirks, while embracing the perennial resilience of yarrow. This episode invites you to step into our workshop, where the joy of working with nature's diverse palette feels like a festive celebration. From wreath-making to December weddings, we're unraveling the vibrant worl...

What if the essence of holiday warmth and nostalgia could be wrapped up in a single podcast episode? Tune in to our festive journey through cherished traditions, from childhood classics like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to modern favorites like "Elf," and discover the intriguing history of poinsettias.  This episode is a comforting reminder of the joy in imperfection, offer...

Dive into the creative realm with us as we explore the art of coastal-inspired wreaths, blending elements like silver wire and white pine with gold-painted pine cones to capture a unique, beachy vibe. Hear about our experiences hosting wreath-making classes where every participant's style shone through, from whimsical imaginations to meticulous symmetry. We share light-hearted tales of identi...

Thanksgiving, but make it personal. From Dad’s legendary turkey-stuffing-cranberry panini to the great cranberry sauce debate (jelly or whole berry), this episode is a cozy dive into the quirky food traditions that define our holidays. Expect laughter, nostalgia, questionable casseroles, and a reminder that the best Thanksgiving dishes aren’t always classic—they’re the ones tied to family stories....

The end-of-season garden clean-up can feel like an emotional roller coaster, filled with both accomplishment and frustration. Ever wonder whether to tackle those overgrown areas now or let nature handle some of the clean-up until spring? Liza from Wildly Native Flower Farm joins us to share her personal journey through this seasonal transition, offering insights into the art of balancing meticulou...

Hoop houses are where strategy meets season. In this episode of The Flower Files , we talk weather swings, pest pressure, and the quiet power of protected growing—how a layer of plastic can mean earlier ranunculus, stronger stems, and blooms that last past first frost. From sticky traps and IPM to crop timing, day length, and the plants that surprise us most, this is a grounded look at extending t...

Get inspired by our creative solutions to the often tricky sustainability problems in event planning. We'll share our journey of transforming flower and candle wax waste into new opportunities, from donating wax for educational purposes to crafting our farm-inspired candles. Plus, we engage our community with an Instagram poll on flower donations, reflecting our dedication to eco-friendly pra...

Which Character are you? The Flower Farmer who talks to plants? The Florist Shop who cures any case of the blues and can make any birthday better? Or the Wedding Florist who sets up your wedding day to your Pinterest perfection and takes on the daily or nightly task of detail execution? Take the quiz to find out which one you are! Take the Quiz here! : https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/which-pers...

Join me for an exploration into the garden's shadowy corners, where common backyard plants reveal their secret toxic traits. Whether you're a gardening guru or someone who simply enjoys the beauty of floral arrangements, this episode will prompt a reevaluation of the natural world around you. As Halloween is right around the corner, I'll share tips on how to safely enjoy your festiv...

What if the happiest day of your life leaves you feeling empty afterward? Join me as we explore the unexpected experience of post-wedding blues, shared from my unique perspective as a newlywed and floral designer. In this episode of The Flower Files, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster that follows the intricate wedding planning process. The journey is filled with joy and challenges. As we...

What does fall mean to you? Join us for a heartwarming chat with Kenly, Lizzy, and Liza as we celebrate the simple pleasures of autumn. From the joy of transitioning into cozy sweatshirts to the nostalgic crunch of leaves, we share our love for the season’s scents like cinnamon sticks and hot cider and dive into the chaos of holiday preparations. And honestly? What we love about fall and what it m...

The Wildly Native team takes on the Explore page on Instagram. We concur the myths and realities of what you see on social media. How realistic is a massive bar piece with florals attached to it? How many people does it take to set up FIVE arches down your aisle? What does or does not make sense for you? We review a few photos in this episode, tune in to see what we say!  Photo User's Photos...

Ever wondered what to do with all those beautiful wedding flowers after the celebration is over? Discover creative and sustainable ways to give your wedding florals a second life in our latest episode. From pressing flowers and creating petal confetti to donating arrangements to community places like churches, we share our personal stories and practical tips to reduce waste and make your big day e...

This episode of the Flower Files dives into Liza's journey of transitioning from a 14-year career in high school agriculture teaching to the exciting world of entrepreneurship with Wildly Native. I open up about the deep bonds formed with students, the interdisciplinary wonders of subjects like animal science and biotechnology, and the immense joy of guiding students through FFA competitions....

Ever wondered what it takes to carve out a successful career in the vibrant world of hair design? This week, I'm joined by the wonderfully talented Mallory, who not only paints a vivid picture of her own journey through the cosmetology labyrinth but also provides a treasure trove of insights for those eyeing a similar path. From grappling with post-high school indecision to selecting the perf...

Ever found yourself staring at a photograph, wondering about the story behind the smile or the location? This week, our vibrant guest Jennifer Quinn of Jen Quinn Creative and APG Media of Chesapeake, wields her artistic prowess to unravel the narrative threads of graphic design, photography, and the pulse of the magazine world. As we weave through Jen's transition from fashion to full-fledged...

Have you ever felt the thrill of mastering a machine that's key to taming the land? Come along as I, Amber, reminisce about my transition from a no-go on the lawnmower to becoming a collegiate tractor connoisseur. Joined by my friends Liza and Lizzie, we weave tales from the flower fields that go beyond the hum of engines—sharing the heartwarming and often hilarious chaos that ensues when far...

When serenity meets the storm beneath the surface, it's all in a day's work for Sarah Reynolds, the remarkable Eastern Shore wedding planner who guides us through the whirlwind of tying the knot. From her surprising transition from military life to orchestrating the most enchanting tented and waterside weddings, Sarah lets us in on the secrets of maintaining poise amid the chaos. Our con...

Join us as we sit down with the exuberant Sammy, a flower enthusiast who hails from England but found her home and heart in Maryland, USA. Sammy will take you along on her life’s journey: from her early aspirations of marine biology in the UK, to her bold decision to move to the US, and the captivating love story that finally planted her roots in Maryland. You’ll feel Sammy's infectious joy f...