Farming Flowers

About Farming Flowers

Farming Flowers is a podcast for flower farmers, florists, and anyone curious about where cut flowers actually come from. Host Lisa Shaddox - a working flower farmer herself - talks with growers, florists, and collective founders about the real, unglamorous work of getting flowers from field to vase: the logistics, the relationships, the money, and the problems nobody talks about until they're standing in a field at 6am trying to solve them. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping local flower farming, one honest conversation at a time.

Publisher

Lisa Shaddox, founder of the Central Oregon Flower Collective

Category

business · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Mar 2025

Latest episode

16 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Aug 2026

   From Farm to Market - Building a Flower Collective

   In this episode of the Farming Flowers Podcast, host Lisa Shaddox connects with flower farmer Lisa Schuller and florist Jason Lee to discuss their journey into the establishment of a collaborative flower collective in the Willamette Valley, and the importance of local flowers in floral design. They explore the challenges and opportunities of working together as farmers and florists, the innovative solutions they have implemented to streamline flower availability, and the shifting trends towards local and seasonal flowers in the wedding industry. In this conversation, Jason and Lisa discuss the importance of embracing local flowers in floral design, the benefits of working within collectives, and the innovations in ordering processes that enhance the relationship between florists and farmers. They emphasize the collaborative spirit of the floral community and how it leads to better quality flowers and a more sustainable industry. Where to find Jason: https://adonisfloraldesign.com (https://adonisfloraldesign.com) Where to find the Willamette Valley Flower Collective: https://www.instagram.com/midwillametteflowercollective/ (https://www.instagram.com/midwillametteflowercollective/) To find out more about Fresh Sheet, the live availability tool created for farmers, by a farmer (me!) check out: https://fresh-sheet.com (https://fresh-sheet.com) We're onboarding founding farmers now!

2. 

   19 Nov 2025

   How to Manage Your Flower Farm When Life Throws a Curveball

   In this episode of the Farming Flowers podcast, host Lisa Shaddox speaks with Jessie Babbitt from B.A.R.E. Flower Farm about resilience in the face of life's challenges. Jessie shares her personal journey of navigating her daughter's cancer diagnosis while managing her flower farming business. The conversation explores the emotional and practical impacts of such a life-altering event, the importance of community support, and the strategic decisions Jessie made to keep her business afloat during a difficult time. They discuss the meaning of resilience, the necessity of self-care, and the importance of making thoughtful decisions in times of crisis. Where to find JessieYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCU_KX1NbkJ5LkJjhFE4kj9Q Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/bareflowerfarmNewsletter Signup: https://witty-writer-7787.kit.com/f1791ae598Flowers for E donation site for pediatric cancer research: https://chop.donordrive.com/campaigns/Flowers-for-E

3. 

   18 Nov 2025

   How to Plan Your Flower Farm Using Data

   In this episode of the Farming Flowers Podcast, host Lisa Shaddox discusses the critical role of planning in flower farming with guest, Katrina Hansen, co-creator of the new Emflowered app. Katrina shares how proper foresight is necessary to ensure that specific flowers are available for events and how missing key steps in the planting process can lead to gaps in crop availability. The discussion highlights the importance of working backwards from event dates to ensure all necessary preparations are made in advance, including timely tuber orders and sowing schedules. And Katrina shares the importance of using data as a tool to build resilience in your flower farm planning. Emflowered will launch on December 5th, the shared birthday of both of the creators, Katrina and Kimberly. Click the link below to get on the waitlist! https://emflowered.myflodesk.com/waitlist

4. 

   7 Nov 2025

   Seed Saving to Build Resilience with Don Tipping of Siskiyou Seeds

   This week on the Farming Flowers podcast, host Lisa Shaddox engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Don Tipping, a seed steward and founder of Siskiyou Seeds. Together, they explore the significance of hyper-locally adapted seeds, the art of seed saving, and how resilience plays a vital role in farming today.By focusing on hyper-locally adapted seeds, farmers can better navigate environmental challenges and create a sustainable future for their crops. Key takeaways include the importance of understanding local growing conditions, the value of seed saving, and the need for community collaboration to foster resilience in agriculture.

5. 

   28 Oct 2025

   Building Resilience in Flower Farming with First Year Flower Farmer Bend Blooms

   In episode 2 of the Farming Flowers podcast, we chat with first year flower farmer Charisse, from Bend Blooms, about her surprises and lessons after a full season of flower farming. We also discuss how she plans to pivot on some things for next year. Charisse doesn't have social media, but you can reach her thru her website at bendblooms.com.

6. 

   27 Oct 2025

   Building Resilience in Flower Farming

   We're kicking off season two with Stephen Workman from Mountain Man Flowers, who grows in the high desert of Utah. In this conversation, we discuss the concept of resilience, and its importance in facing adversity and overcoming obstacles. Stephen highlights how personal belief systems play a crucial role in resilience and the determination to achieve one's goals despite challenges. And he's had a few, including wildfire evacuations, flooding, and weather extremes. I hope that you enjoy these bite sized nuggets of inspiration and insight! Where to find Stephen:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainmanflowers/Website: https://www.picklinq.com***************************************************Where to find the Central Oregon Flower CollectiveInstagram: / coflowercollective Website: https://coflowercollective.comFacebook: / centraloregonflowercollective

7. 

   22 Jun 2025

   First Year Flower Farming

   Summary In this episode of the Farming Flowers podcast, host Lisa Shaddox interviews first-year flower farmer Charisse from Bend Blooms. They discuss Charisse's journey into flower farming, including her decision to grow flowers, the challenges she faces, and the resources she utilizes to learn about flower farming. The conversation covers topics such as soil preparation, pest management, and the impact of weather on plant growth, providing valuable insights for both new and experienced flower farmers. In this conversation, Charisse and Lisa discuss the various challenges and mysteries of flower farming, including plant growth inconsistencies, pest management, weed control strategies, and the emotional rollercoaster of farming. They explore the effectiveness of different farming techniques, such as using chickens for pest control and the debate over landscape fabric. Charisse shares her experiences with irrigation and the importance of understanding soil moisture, while also reflecting on her successes and future plans for her flower farm.

8. 

   8 Jun 2025

   What it's Really Like to Run a Lavender Farm

   In this episode of the Farming Flowers podcast, Lisa Shaddox interviews Jill Ogorsolka, a lavender farmer who transitioned from a vineyard to cultivating lavender. Jill shares her unexpected journey into lavender farming, the challenges of maintaining a farm in Oregon's short growing season, and the innovative products they have developed, including unique lava stone diffusers. The conversation also delves into the intricacies of essential oil production, the importance of understanding different lavender cultivars, and the community engagement through U-Cut lavender experiences. In this conversation, Lisa and Jill discuss the intricacies of lavender farming, including the harvesting process, pest management, and the lifespan of lavender plants. They also explore Jill's new venture into winter tulips, the challenges faced in growing them, and the unexpected uses of lavender, such as extending the life of kitchen sponges. The discussion concludes with a light-hearted question about the personality of lavender, highlighting its dependable and versatile nature. In this conversation, Jill and Lisa explore the multifaceted uses of lavender, from daily rituals to its applications in skincare and wellness. They discuss the importance of understanding the differences between essential oils and hydrosols, emphasizing the user-friendly nature of hydrosols. Jill shares her journey as a lavender farmer, offering valuable advice for those interested in entering the field, including considerations for sustainable farming practices and the importance of choosing the right plants for specific growing conditions. The discussion highlights the beauty and versatility of lavender, as well as the community aspect of farming. Ultraviolet Lavender Farm (https://ultravioletlavenderfarm.com) Tumalo Lavender (tumalolavender.com) Windy Ridge Lavender (https://www.windyridgelavender.com/)

9. 

   25 May 2025

   Healing thru Flowers

   In this episode of the Farming Flowers podcast, Lisa Shaddox and Kasey Nothiger discuss Kasey's inspiring journey from a life-altering car accident to establishing her flower farm, Firefly Fields Northwest. Kasey shares her struggles with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and how it motivated her to create a U-pick flower experience to help others. The conversation highlights themes of resilience, community support, and the healing power of nature. In this conversation, Kasey shares her experiences and lessons learned from running a U-Pick flower farm. She discusses the challenges of growing various flowers, the importance of customer engagement, and the operational decisions that impact the success of the farm. She also emphasizes the need for accessibility and education for customers, as well as the importance of adapting to changing circumstances in the business. In this conversation, Kasey shares her experiences and insights from running a U-Pick flower farm. She discusses the risks involved, lessons learned from her first year, and the importance of managing resources effectively. She also emphasizes the significance of creating a memorable customer experience through thoughtful choices in tools and signage. She encourages aspiring U-Pick operators to start small and highlights the value of connecting with customers through education. Additionally, Kasey shares her commitment to philanthropy, detailing how a portion of her proceeds supports families in need.

10. 

    11 May 2025

    Flower Farming After 50 Part Deux

    Summary In this episode of the Farming Flowers podcast, Lisa Shaddox continues the conversation about flower farming after 50, featuring guests Amy and Leah. They discuss their inspirations for starting flower farming later in life, the physical challenges they face, and how they balance self-care with their farming activities. The conversation also touches on the business side of flower farming, the importance of community, and reflections on their journeys. The episode emphasizes the value of experience, connection, and the joy of growing flowers.

11. 

    27 Apr 2025

    Flower Farming Over 50

    In this episode of the Farming Flowers podcast, host Lisa Shaddox engages with two flower farmers, Patti Smiley and Mindy Christiansen, who share their experiences of starting flower farming later in life. They discuss the motivations behind their transitions, the physical adjustments they’ve made as they age, and the balance between farming and personal life. The conversation also delves into the business aspects of flower farming, highlighting the challenges and learning curves involved in managing a farm as a business. In this conversation, Lisa, Patti, and Mindy discuss the challenges and joys of flower farming, particularly for women over 50. They explore marketing strategies, the importance of community connections, and the nuances of growing lavender. The discussion emphasizes the need for support networks and practical advice for aspiring flower farmers, highlighting the rewarding aspects of pursuing a passion later in life.

12. 

    13 Apr 2025

    Soil Health is Farm Wealth

    In this episode of the Farming Flowers Podcast, host Lisa Shaddox interviews agronomist James Seeley about the critical aspects of soil health. They discuss the key indicators of healthy soil, the importance of soil testing, the role of microbial life, methods to build organic matter, and best practices for fertilization. The conversation emphasizes the need for sustainable farming practices and understanding the complex interactions within soil nutrients. In this conversation, Lisa and James delve into the intricacies of soil health, discussing methods to improve nutrient cycling, the importance of microbial activity, and common mistakes in soil management. They emphasize the need for soil testing, maintaining ground cover, and understanding the balance of nutrients to foster resilient crops. The discussion also touches on innovative watering techniques and the significance of building soil health from scratch, especially in challenging environments. Link to Mulder's Chart (https://www.nutriag.com/mulderschart/) Link to soil book that James mentioned (https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Shop/Product-Catalog/Product-Details?productid=%7B664A5FD7-9DFB-DE11-9CDF-0013210E308C%7D)Link to soil testing lab that James uses (https://al-labs-west.com/soil-analysis/)

13. 

    30 Mar 2025

    A Florist's Take on Local Flowers with Gloria Rice of High Desert Florals

    In this episode of the Farming Flowers podcast, host Lisa Shaddox interviews Gloria Rice, owner of High Desert Florals (https://highdesertflorals.com), about her journey from makeup artistry to floristry, the benefits of using local flowers, and the challenges florists face in sourcing them. Gloria shares her insights on the importance of embracing the uniqueness of local blooms, navigating seasonal changes, and the current trends in wedding flowers. She also offers valuable advice for both flower farmers and designers looking to incorporate local flowers into their work.

14. 

    16 Mar 2025

    Flower Farming as a Side Hustle with Covey Fields

    In this episode of the Farming Flowers podcast, host Lisa Shaddox interviews Emily from Covey Fields, exploring her journey from a passionate gardener to a flower farming entrepreneur. Emily shares her experiences in naming her farm, her early gardening memories, and the transition from hobby to business. The conversation delves into the challenges of starting a flower farming business, balancing a full-time job, and dealing with environmental factors. Emily discusses her sales strategies, including a unique subscription model and pop-up events, as well as the importance of community support. The episode concludes with insights on budgeting and initial startup costs for aspiring flower farmers. In this conversation, Emily shares her journey as a flower farmer, discussing the challenges and learning curves she faced in predicting blooms, managing logistics, and expanding her product offerings to include oils. She delves into her experiences with wedding floristry, the importance of social media for customer engagement, and her goals for the future of her farm. Emily emphasizes the significance of community support and overcoming self-doubt in entrepreneurship, encouraging others to take the leap into their own ventures.

15. 

    12 Mar 2025

    Flower Farming as a Side Hustle with The Littlest Flower Farm

    In this episode, Lisa Shaddox interviews Lindsay Wiley from the Littlest Flower Farm, discussing her journey into flower farming as a side hustle. Lindsay shares her experiences, challenges, and the transition from a hobbyist to a business owner. The conversation covers the importance of local flowers, the intricacies of growing dahlias, navigating regulations for sales, and balancing a full-time job with flower farming. Lindsay emphasizes the community support she found in the Flower Collective and her aspirations for expanding her business. In this conversation, Lindsay shares her journey of balancing a full-time job with her passion for flower farming. She discusses the importance of setting structured routines, managing burnout, and learning from experiences. Lindsay emphasizes the significance of goal setting and community support while providing practical advice for aspiring flower farmers. The discussion highlights the dynamic nature of finding balance in life and the value of pursuing what you love. If you'd like to see the pictures that we share of Lindsay's beautiful grow space, you can watch the video version of this podcast over on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/mrS1HfMuTDM

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.