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Bloommates

Two Aussie Flower Farmers

Katie from Grown by Lightning Hollows and Sarah from Quayle Cottage; two Aussie flower-farming friends chatting business and blooms.

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23 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 12 min
English

Episodes 23

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S3 · E33
Monday · 1 hr 49 min
33. Chaotic Ramblings with Luen's Flowers: Urban Farming, Roadside Stand & Compost with Luke
In this episode, Katie and Sarah join Luen on her new farm where she shares her journey of farm downsizing, plans for her roadside stand, and establishing her new flower farm. She discusses practical tips for crop planning, moving farms, and optimising small-scale flower production. Luke joins for segment on hot composting techniques, farm management, and how he and Luen manage disagreements about the farm. Follow us on Instagram: @luensflowers @bloommatespodcast @grown_by_lightninghollows @quayle.cottage Things we mention a lot: Florlist.com - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders @harvest_flowermarket - the local flower hub connecting growers and florists Highsun Express - bulk seed supplier Ball Australia - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on episode 26)
S3 · E32
September 14 · 53 min
32. Summer Crop Plan Debrief
Flower farmers Katie and Sarah share their crop plans for the upcoming summer/autumn season including a mix of annuals and flowering perennials. They touch on their goals for this season that helped guide them when planning as well as some growing and sowing techniques for warm weather.
S3 · E31
September 7 · 1 hr 26 min
31. Inside the World of Zinnia Breeding, Seed Production & Biodynamics with Robin from Transition Farm
Robin from Transition Farm shares her journey from vegetable farming to seed production, emphasizing the importance of biodynamic practices, soil health and seed sovereignty. Discover how her farm adapts to climate challenges as well as the additional tax that seed growing puts on the soil and how Robin combats this. In this episode, Robin shares how she began seed breeding, the benefits of biodynamic practices, and insights into growing resilient, vibrant flowers like zinnias. Discover how regional seed production and sustainable practices can transform flower farming. TRANSITION FARM DEVELOPED ZINNIAS https://transitionfarm.com/collections/transition-farm-developed-zinnias TRANSITION FARM SEED RAISING MIX RECIPE https://transitionfarm.com/blogs/growing-resources/transition-farm-seed-raising-mix STAND UP SOIL BLOCKER Ladbrooke stand up soil blocker 1.5" 20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BUV4OOK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
S3 · E30
August 31 · 1 hr 18 min
30. We're Back! Winter Wrap Up: Big Projects, Winter Flowers & Mulch Film Update
Bioplastic Mulch Film: https://ausbioplas.com.au/products/biodegradable-mulch-film?srsltid=AfmBOoqSEEdTp4npUzMW_rN89aU0uujdUPlNaTLUAMeterJeKXWZ-hZs Blogpost about the Florlist platform update: https://www.quaylecottage.com.au/blog/florlist-overview
S2 · E29
May 25 · 1 hr 30 min
29. Summer/Autumn Wrap Up: New Tools, Direct Sowing & Mother's Day
In this episode, Sarah and Katie share their season wrap-up, discuss challenges like weeds and weather, and share practical tips on DIY tools (the wire weeder), using bio plastic mulch, planting, direct sowing, and pest management. They reflect on their successes, failures, and plans for the next season, offering valuable insights for fellow flower farmers and gardeners.
S2 · E28
May 11 · 47 min
28. Top 5 Dahlias for Cut Flowers (According To Our Podcast Guests)
This episode is a dahlia lover’s dream. Katie and Sarah asked each guest from this season of the podcast to share their top 5 favourite dahlias for cut flower production, then compiled all the answers (as well as their own) into one big list of Australian grower favourites. From tried-and-true classics to newer releases, a few tissue culture varieties from Ball Australia, and even a few that haven’t quite hit the market yet, this episode covers more than 30 cultivars that flower farmers across Australia are loving right now. Whether you’re growing on a tiny patch or a large-scale farm, there’s plenty of inspiration for your wish list ahead of tuber sale season! Featured growers & their picks: Luen (@luensflowers) Coorabell Astrid, Bracken Palomino, Coorabell Texas, Boundary Snowflake, Kotare Buttermilk. Honourable mention: Devon Seattle Jen (@southernhighlandsflowerfarm) Fancy Pants, Penhill Watermelon, Lileah Pink Petticoats, Darbro Barton A25, Florelie Cosmic Romance Kate (@bushy.blooms) Portlight Pair Beauty, Orange Stone, Yellow Quartz, Coorabell Astrid, Winkie Rhubarb Mardi (@qcflowerfarm) Queen Vic Life on Mars, Serenade Rosa, Serenade Fairylights, QC Hot Mess (working title), Coorabell Emma Sarah (@quayle.cottage) Everbloom First Dance, Florelie Antique, Everbloom Lioness, Everbloom Rockmelon, Sheila, Boundary Snowflake. Katie (@grown_by_lightninghollows) Carlos Watermelon, Winkie Truffle, Bracken Palomino, Florelie Lizzie Lou, XanZu Bek, Devon Salmon. Honourable mentions: Pink Quartz, Florelie Flamingo, Coorabell Moonglow
S2 · E27
May 4 · 57 min
27. Inside a Commercial Flower Farm: The Employee Experience with Hannah Urquhart
In this episode, Sarah and Katie chat with Hannah Urquhart from @floriculturalife - an ag science graduate working at Bush Roses in Bookham, NSW, a large-scale commercial flower farm growing everything from roses and natives to annuals, perennials and foliage. We dive into what working on a commercial flower farm actually looks like day-to-day, from the systems and infrastructure needed to run at scale to the realities of working as an employee in the flower industry rather than owning the business yourself. You can find Hannah here: Instagram: @floriculturalife
S2 · E26
April 27 · 1 hr 13 min
26. The Ultimate Supplier Guide for Aussie Flower Farmers: Plugs, Seeds, Bulbs & More!
OUR FREE GUIDE: ⁠How To Order From Ball Australia⁠ In this episode, Katie & Sarah talk through where they actually buy everything from for their Australian flower farms including plugs, seeds, live plants, bulbs, farming tools, and floristry equipment. Chapters: 00:37 Ball Australia 28:13 High Sun Express for Bulk Seeds 35:39 Royston Petrie Seeds 40:30 Bulb Suppliers 44:35 Plant Suppliers 56:39 Retail Seed Suppliers 01:05:46 Essential Equipment and Tools for Flower Farming & Floristry. Suppliers mentioned: Ball Australia High Sun Express Royston Petrie Seeds Drewitts Family Farms (wholesale) / Red Earth Bulbs (retail) Van Diemen Quality Bulbs JD Propagation Mikiry Chrysanthemums Wild Violet Flower Farm Pure Maiden Farm Twist Creek Flora Southern Highlands Flower Farm Di’s Delightful Plants Woodbridge Nursery ERA Nursery Veggie & Flower Garden Seeds The Seed Collection The Diggers Club Transition Farm Earthenry Farm Southern Harvest Seed Scape Three Dogs Flower Farm Active Vista Koch & Co Apack Garden City Plastics ⁠Seeds per gram list⁠ (to help with ordering from Royston Petrie Seeds)
S2 · E25
April 20 · 1 hr 19 min
25. Dahlias, Tuber Sales & Turning Grass into Growing Space with Mardi from Quite Contrary Flower Farm
In this episode, Katie and Sarah chat with Mardi from Quite Contrary Flower Farm. They cover everything from growing dahlias, the digging/dividing/storing process, as well as tuber sales. They also ask Mardi about her field grown roses and her bed prep process when it comes to turning grass into growing space. Find Mardi here: instagram.com/qcflowerfarm/ quitecontraryflowerfarm.com
S2 · E24
April 13 · 1 hr 19 min
24. Selling to a Wholesaler & Scaling a Flower Farm with Kate from Bushy Blooms
In this episode, Katie and Sarah chat with Kate from Bushy Blooms in Albany, Western Australia. They cover everything from growing at scale, selling to a wholesaler, growing dahlias, and diversifying your sales channels to ensure your flowers always have an outlet. As well as wholesale, Kate also sells her flowers at a farmers market, through her roadside stand, to event florists, and does DIY event buckets. Kate gives a behind the scenes look at the process of selling to a wholesaler and the logistics involved. Find Kate here: https://www.instagram.com/bushy.blooms/ https://www.bushyblooms.net/
S2 · E23
April 7 · 1 hr 9 min
23. (PART 2) Italian Pansies & Growing a Team with Jen from Southern Highlands Flower Farm
In part two of this interview with Jen from Southern Highlands Flower Farm, Sarah and Katie chat with Jen about all things Italian cut flower Pansies, on farm events and workshops, as well as how Jen has created a workplace that supports mums. Make sure you head to part one to hear about how Jen got started, how the business has evolved and diversified, as well as tips on growing Ranunculus as a cut flower. Find Jen here: ⁠https://southernhighlandsflowerfarm.com.au⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/southernhighlandsflowerfarm
S2 · E22
April 7 · 1 hr 6 min
22. (PART 1) Ranunculus & Diversifying Sales Channels with Jen from Southern Highlands Flower Farm
In part one of this interview with Jen from Southern Highlands Flower Farm, Sarah and Katie ask about Jen's background and how she got started before diving into her sales channels, how the business has evolved and diversified, and growing Ranunculus as a cut flower. Make sure you head to part two for all things Italian cut flower Pansies, on farm event and workshops, as well as how Jen has created a workplace that supports mums. Find Jen here: https://southernhighlandsflowerfarm.com.au https://www.instagram.com/southernhighlandsflowerfarm
S2 · E21
March 30 · 47 min
21. March Wrap Up
In this episode Katie & Sarah share an update on seasonal farm activities like what they are sowing, planting and harvesting along with crop planning tweaks, and managing weather challenges. It provides practical tips on planting, support systems, and adapting to weather impacts like high winds, perfect for flower farmers and growers.
S2 · E20
March 23 · 1 hr 9 min
20. Our 2026 Crop Plans
Sarah and Katie share their detailed crop planning process for the 2026-2027 season, focusing on spring flowers, succession planting, intercropping, and lessons learned from last year. They discuss specific crops, planting strategies, and how to optimise flower farm productivity.
S2 · E19
March 16 · 1 hr 21 min
19. Roses in the Subtropics & the Big Flower Farm Move with Luen's Flowers
Follow Luen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luensflowers/ In this episode we chat to Luen Free of Luen’s Flowers who shares her journey of transitioning to a new farm, growing on leased land, and planning her growing season in a different climate. She discusses her move, farm setup, crop choices, and insights into flower farming in subtropical versus a temperate climate. Join us as Luen Free shares her journey into flower farming, her new farm plans, and expert tips on roses and cut flowers. Discover practical insights on planning, planting, and maintaining a thriving flower farm, perfect for aspiring and seasoned growers alike.
March 9 · 1 hr 18 min
18. Growing Cool Season Hardy Annuals in Australia
In this episode, Sarah and Katie share their experience with cool flowers in Australia, covering seed starting, climate considerations, crop selection, and tips for success. Perfect for growers in temperate and subtropical climates looking to optimise their spring flower production.
S2 · E1
March 2 · 45 min
17. We're back! Summer Wrap Up
In the first episode of Season 2, Katie and Sarah are back after a 3 month break, and dive into the challenges and successes they had over summer. Like always, weather and pest pressure caused issues for both flower farmers but Katie has had her best season yet with an abundance of dahlias, and Sarah has had success with her seed shop while her crops recovered from pest damage. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloommatespodcast/
S1 · E16
Dec 22, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
16. Season Wrap Up
In this final episode of the season, Sarah and Katie celebrate their milestone of completing Season 1 of the podcast and plan to return with Season 2 in March 2026. They share an update on the working bee at Grown By Lightning Hollows, reflect on the challenges of irrigation and seedling care in the Summer heat, share their data on four crops from the Spring season including Delphinium, Ranunculus, Corn Cockle (Agrostemma), and Pansies. They also give recommendations for resources and podcasts for flower farmers to enjoy over the break before the return.
S1 · E15
Dec 15, 2025 · 1 hr 22 min
15. A Deep Dive on Selling to Florists
In this episode, Sarah and Katie discuss: Their experiences and insights on selling flowers wholesale to florists The digital tools they use including an online availability list Crop selection and understanding florist needs The best ways to first approach florists Strategies to make yourself stand out as a flower farmer The importance of pre-orders Strategies for pricing and invoicing, and Effective communication for long-term relationships Ultimately, they highlight the joy of selling to florists and the importance of adapting to market demands. Find Sarah's companion resource with more detail and examples here: www.quaylecottage.com.au/shop
S1 · E14
Dec 10, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
14. Lessons from Grown Not Flown & the Bigger Pie Philosophy with Nikki Davey
duckduckpig.com.au instagram.com/duck.duck.pig milkingducks.com Nikki's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Pie-Gets-Bigger-Complementors-Competitors/dp/0646715984 In this conversation, Nikki Davey discusses the importance of collaboration in the flower farming industry, emphasising the need for an abundance mindset rather than a competitive one. She shares her journey from finance to flower farming, explores innovative practices that can benefit the flower industry, and highlights some case studies other agricultural sectors that she mentions in her book "The Pie Gets Bigger". The discussion also touches on the impact Grown Not Flown has on the flower farming community and the future of collaborations within the industry. Nikki stresses the importance of treating flower farming as a legitimate business and the need for data-driven decisions to enhance productivity and sustainability.

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