Podcast
Episode 75: Growing Dreams Under Glass

Episode 75: Growing Dreams Under Glass

In Episode 75 of The Flower Files, we chat with Westerlay Orchids president Tuan Overgaag about building one of the largest orchid operations in the U.S. From his family’s Dutch greenhouse beginnings to producing over 4 million orchids a year in California, Tuan shares how sustainability, core values, and smart scaling fuel the business. Whether you’re growing a single Phalaenopsis on your windowsill or dreaming of a commercial greenhouse, this episode offers inspiration — and practical advice — for making your floral dreams a reality.

Episode 74: Confessions of Accidental Plant Killers

Episode 74: Confessions of Accidental Plant Killers

We’re professional growers — and yes, we’ve still killed our fair share of houseplants. In Episode 74 of The Flower Files, we share hilarious plant fails, the chaos of mixing plants and pets, and our go-to tips for keeping your leafy friends alive. Whether you’re a total beginner or a recovering plant killer, we’ve got ideas for easy plants to start with and advice to help you grow your confidence (and your collection).

Episode 73: Flower Farmers: It’s a Real Job

Episode 73: Flower Farmers: It’s a Real Job

If you think flower farming is just frolicking through fields in flowy dresses, think again. In Episode 73 of The Flower Files, we pull back the curtain on what our days really look like — 5:30 AM harvests, duct-taped pant legs to keep out ticks, planning wedding color palettes over a year in advance, and occasionally dodging cicada killers in the zinnia patch.

Episode 70: Beyond Garnish: The Untapped Power of Edible Blooms

Episode 70: Beyond Garnish: The Untapped Power of Edible Blooms

Think flowers are just for vases? Think again. In Episode 70 of The Flower Files, we explore the flavorful, functional world of edible flowers—from spicy snapdragons to sweet honeysuckle. Discover how to elevate your next event with florals that do more than just look pretty.

Episode 69: Beyond Beauty: The Delicious Secret Life of Flowers

Episode 69: Beyond Beauty: The Delicious Secret Life of Flowers

Edible flowers aren’t just pretty — they’re powerful. From garnishing cocktails to topping wedding cakes, culinary blooms offer color, flavor, and endless creativity. In this episode of The Flower Files, Liza Goetz shares expert tips for growing edible florals and turning them into profit (and pleasure).

Episode 66: Wet Your Plants: A Florist’s Comedy of Irrigation Errors

Episode 66: Wet Your Plants: A Florist’s Comedy of Irrigation Errors

Irrigation may not be glamorous, but it’s the backbone of every successful garden or flower farm. In this episode of The Flower Files, Liza breaks down the real-world challenges of watering everything from backyard beds to full production fields—and shares flower garden irrigation tips that actually work. From choosing the right hose or drip tape to setting up smart watering schedules and avoiding mildew and root rot, this guide will help you water with confidence. Whether you’re hand-watering seedlings or managing zones with timers and drip systems, learn how to keep your flowers healthy, your workflow efficient, and your plants—well—wet (in the good way).

Episode 65: Hot Plants, Cool Tips: A Florist’s Guide to Summer Gardening

Episode 65: Hot Plants, Cool Tips: A Florist’s Guide to Summer Gardening

If your summer garden looks a little crispy, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this episode of The Flower Files, we’re diving into practical, florist-approved summer gardening tips to help your blooms survive and thrive. From watering best practices and mulch dos and don’ts to managing heat-loving pests and choosing the right flowers for hot weather, this guide is packed with real-life fixes to keep your flowers healthy and vibrant. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or professional grower, these insights will help you beat the summer stress and enjoy lush, colorful blooms all season long.

Episode 64: A Deep Dive Into Peonies

Episode 64: A Deep Dive Into Peonies

Thinking about growing peonies? This in-depth guide walks you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right type of peony to planting, supporting heavy blooms, preventing disease, and designing breathtaking floral arrangements. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a budding flower farmer, discover expert insights on how to grow healthy, vibrant peonies that can last for decades and become one of your most profitable crops. We also bust common myths, share storage and harvesting tips, and even dive into the fun of edible peonies and floral mishaps. If peonies are on your radar, this is the guide you need.

Episode 63: Get Ready for the Weeds: Mulch, Fabric and More!

Episode 63: Get Ready for the Weeds: Mulch, Fabric and More!

Weeds creeping into your flower beds? In this episode of The Flower Files, Liza and Kenley unpack their favorite methods—like mulching, smart tools, and even tarping—to help you reclaim your garden. Whether you’re a backyard grower or a flower farmer, these tips will help you weed less and bloom more.

Episode 62: Wildflowers: Ethical Foraging for Floral Design

Episode 62: Wildflowers: Ethical Foraging for Floral Design

Wildflower foraging brings raw, organic beauty to floral design—but it comes with responsibilities. From identifying blooms like Queen Anne’s Lace to avoiding chiggers and staying legal, here’s everything florists need to know about harvesting from the wild.

Episode 61: Florist Sustainability

Episode 61: Florist Sustainability

Is your floral design truly sustainable, or just dressed up to look that way? In this powerful episode, Liza Goetz of Wildly Native Flower Farm exposes the not-so-pretty side of the flower industry and shares actionable tips to design more responsibly—from sourcing locally to ditching floral foam for good.

Episode 59: Pests, Diseases and Weather. Oh my!

In Episode 59 of the Flower Files, Liza and Kenley take you through the flower farming trenches—from dealing with destructive bugs and devastating plant diseases to navigating wild weather patterns. Packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical tips, this episode is your go-to guide for keeping your flowers thriving, no matter what the season throws at you.

Episode 58: Clipper vs. Knife: What We Use

Episode 58: Clipper vs. Knife: What We Use

In Episode 58 of The Flower Files Podcast, Liza and Lizzie tackle the age-old debate: clippers vs. knives for cutting flowers. From the science of stem cuts to funny flower farm fails, this episode is packed with practical advice and real talk for florists and flower lovers alike.

Episode 57: How to Stand Out: Cut Flowers at Farmers Market

Episode 57: How to Stand Out: Cut Flowers at Farmers Market

In How to Stand Out: Cut Flowers at Market, Liza and Renee of Wildly Native Flower Farm spill their best tips for making a splash at the farmer’s market. Learn how to create a visually striking booth, engage customers with ease, and keep your flowers fresh—even in the summer heat.

Episode 56: How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer: Florist Secrets You Must Know

Episode 56: How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer: Florist Secrets You Must Know

Tired of wilting flowers just days after bringing them home? In this episode of The Flower Files, Lizzie from Wildly Native Flower Farm shares pro florist secrets on how to make cut flowers last longer using simple, natural methods. Learn how harvest timing, vase prep, and daily care can keep your blooms fresh for up to two weeks — no flower food required.

Episode 55: Day in the Life of a Flower Farmer

Episode 55: Day in the Life of a Flower Farmer

Spring is the busiest—and most magical—season on the flower farm. In this episode of The Flower Files, we walk through a typical day in the life of our team at Wildly Native Flower Farm. From 5:30 AM wake-up calls to messy tulip harvests and spreadsheet overload, here’s what it really looks like behind the blooms.

Episode 54: Seed Starting 101

Episode 54: Seed Starting 101

Starting flowers from seed is an exciting way to grow unique varieties while saving money. In this post, we break down the essential steps for successful seed starting, from choosing trays to watering techniques. Read on for expert advice from The Flower Files!

Episode 53: Soil Secrets: How to Build Healthy Soil Beds

Episode 53: Soil Secrets: How to Build Healthy Soil Beds

Discover the secrets of healthy soil for flowers! From sandy to clay-heavy soils, we break down the best soil types, amendments, and growing tips for lush, vibrant blooms. Whether you’re a home gardener or a flower farmer, this guide will help you cultivate the best foundation for your flowers.

Episode 52: Floral Greens: How to Select the Types & Why We Love Them

Episode 52: Floral Greens: How to Select the Types & Why We Love Them

Greens are more than just fillers in floral design—they provide structure, depth, and texture. Whether you’re a florist, flower farmer, or just love arranging blooms, understanding how to select and use the right greens can transform your creations. From the classic eucalyptus to foraged treasures like ninebark and viburnum, this guide dives into the best greenery options, trending styles, and expert tips from The Flower Files podcast. Explore how to make your arrangements more balanced, lush, and captivating with the perfect greens.