Flower Power Podcast

Martha Brettschneider is an experienced gardener, nature photographer, a positive intelligence mental fitness coach and a mindfulness teacher. In this conversation she talks about the role gardening has played in her life and how this relationship has evolved over the years. Martha is the author of Blooming into Mindfulness - How the Universe Used a Garden, Cancer and Carpools to Teach Me that Calm is the New Happy. I loved every moment of this conversation and can't wait to be present again in my garden as soon as I can get out there.BioMartha Brettschneider is a certified PQ® Mental Fitness Coach, mindfulness teacher, and author dedicated to helping individuals transform stress into strength and embrace their evolving potential. A former international economist, she guides clients to cultivate resilience, clarity, and purpose through the power of presence and daily mental fitness. Her business, Damselwings, LLC, also includes a visual mindfulness arm—creating nature-inspired wall art that brings grounding energy into homes, offices, and wellness spaces. Whether through coaching, teaching, or photography, Martha empowers others to reconnect with their inner wisdom and lead from a place of trust, calm, and authentic strength. Her book Blooming Into Mindfulness: How the Universe Used a Garden, Cancer, and Carpools to Teach Me That Calm Is the New Happy chronicles her journey, including the central role that her garden played. Sign up for Martha's mailing list and receive a free meditation download here: https://damselwings.com/meditation-optin/Websites : https://damselwings.com/  and https://www.damselwingsphotography.com/Upcoming Programs30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge Starting May 5 LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERESage Photography Retreat May 17-18 in Blueridge Mountains, Woodville, VA LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HEREDeeper work of tending to our inner garden and strengthening our root systems through Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness coaching SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL WITH MARTHA HEREEmail: martha@damselwings.comBook link: https://www.amazon.com/Blooming-into-Mindfulness-Universe-Carpools/dp/0996935223Follow Martha on Instagram @marthabrett and @the_sage_photography_project

I learned so much about owning a successful floral design business from Oscar Andrade of Petals to the Metal. After 8 years owning this business and growing up working in his aunt's flower shop in Miami, Oscar has floristry in his blood.  During our conversation Oscar gives some great advice to new and experienced floral designers. He also describes working with wire service providers and explains how he sources most of his flowers. Be sure to follow Oscar on social media and reach out if you need a mentor or want to partner up with him!Instagram- @petalstothemetalfloristdcWebsite: www.districtpetals.com

In this episode I interviewed Sangeeta of Renzinnia Farms. We talked about succession planting, money saving tips, sunflower varieties and the benefits of working in the soil.  Sangeeta has wanted to own a farm since her childhood and in 2020 purchased a beautiful 22-acre property about 30 minutes from her home. Enjoy this conversation and all the lessons Sangeeta has for you.Follow them on Instagram:@renzinnia_farms

Send us a textEpisode 2 of Season 2 is very exciting!  I talk with Sarah Khan, a visual architect and floral artist in the DC area who does very creative and extravagant work. She has made a boat out of florals, 30+ peacocks, a Barbie House and even designed with some of her team on Season 2 of the HBO show Full Bloom. Sarah, owner of Sarah Khan Events & Design, is the queen of floral installations. She currently has an exhibit at the Museum of Illusion in DC.  In this conversation Sarah shares the influence of her parents and their love of plants and gardening. She also tells us how she elevates her designs to make them evoke emotion and memories. Sarah's Full Bio:Sarah's passion for luxury and beauty began at a young age, shaped by the artistry passed down from her mother and grandmother. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Pakistani and Indian crafts, Sarah has successfully blended timeless techniques with modern design to create unique, culturally infused event experiences for South Asians in the US. As Creative Director, she approaches every project as an opportunity to craft transformative visual stories, with a focus on timeless elegance.Her work has earned recognition in Harper's Bazaar Bride, Washingtonian Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Modern Luxury Weddings DC, and top South Asian bridal blogs. Notable projects include floral and set designs for a welcoming ceremony for former President Obama, a floral dress for Cirque Du Soleil, National Geographic's coverage of an ethnic wedding, and a finale party for The Real Housewives of Potomac. Above all, Sarah's greatest satisfaction comes from collaborating closely with clients to exceed their expectations and deliver a tangible, unforgettable vision. Follow her on IG: @sarahkhaneventstyling

Send us a textLaurie Young is an inspirational advocate for neurodiversity in Loudoun County, VA. She is the executive director of Legacy Farms, a non-profit in Leesburg that employs neurodiverse individuals ages 16 and up in an apprenticeship-mentor business model. Legacy Farms offers incredible weekly flower subscriptions to several places in Northern Virginia. Check out their CSA packages and locations!Follow them on Instagram!  And remember like we said on the show today, "Awesome people make awesome businesses!"  Wherever you are tuning in from, buy local flowers and support your local small businesses. Laurie's Full BioLaurie Young is Executive Director of Legacy Farms, a nonprofit that empowers neurodivergent individuals ages 16+ through vocational training, personal development programming, and entrepreneurial opportunities. She is Founder of Legacy Blooms, a specialty-cut flower business within the nonprofit that is a working model for a successful neurodiverse business. Proceeds from the business help fund the nonprofit's vocational training programs. Legacy is founded on a mindful approach to cultivating both flowers and people, prioritizing individual growth, meaningful work, and strong community connections.https://www.legacyfarmsvirginia.org/https://www.facebook.com/LegacyFarmsVirginiahttps://www.instagram.com/legacyfarmsvirginiaPartners mentioned:Farm & Program PartnersTemple Hall Regional ParkFabbioli CellarsNew Ag SchoolFleur de Leah FlowersA Place To BeSharon Hallman PhotographyLoudoun Hunger ReliefFloral PartnersLightfoot RestaurantGratefully Rooted100 Bowls of SoupWeird Brothers CoffeeSimply Be CoffeeRoots 657Lark Brewing Company

Send us a textListen to this episode to learn all kinds of tips and tricks from Ellen Frost, floral designer, master gardener and owner of Local Color Flowers in Baltimore, MD.  Local Color Flowers has been around for 18 years. They source 100%  of the flowers they use for weddings, events and single orders locally. They work with about 40 farms in the surrounding area. Isn't that incredible?  Ellen is here to talk about how they make this work!  Be sure to follow Ellen and join her FlowerMore community for monthly design challenges and live design sessions. A subscription to "FlowerMore" would also make the perfect "gift" for a flower lover in your life. (Now I know what I want for Christmas. :)Ellen's BioEllen Frost loves working as a florist and running her business, Local Color Flowers, founded in 2008. She's built a community of flower friends at her shop over the years through events like her open studio, book club, weekly drop-ins, design challenges and more. Now she's expanding that community online at FlowerMore where flower nerds dig deep into the fascinating world of flowers. She also offer classes online, a free weekly newsletter and videos on her YouTube channel.Ellen has been a member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers since she started her business.  Ellen was the first florist to win their prestigious Allan M Armitage Leadership award in 2016 for her commitment to local flower sourcing.  Ellen is an MBA graduate with years of business experience before she became an entrepreneur. She's also not afraid to get her hands dirty with farming on her resume.  Ellen is obsessed with flowers and loves leading the conversation.Sign up for her  FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER filled with fun flower content! 

Send us a textToday I had a great conversation with Rachel Robillard of June Moon Florals. She enjoys designing in a contemporary style and her designs are breathtaking!  Listen to hear what Rachel's favorite flower is and to hear her tips for increasing vase life. In this conversation Rachel offers some advice for floral design freelancers and tells us about her business goals for 2024.BIOWith a lifelong passion for nature and a keen eye for design, Rachel has been creating stunning arrangements for luxury weddings, events, and resorts. Her love for all things earthy shines through in every piece she designs. With every arrangement, Rachel brings her love for the natural world to life, incorporating each element in the most elegant way.SOCIALS@junemoonflorals (Instagram)June Moon Floral Design Studio (pinterest)June Moon Floral Design (Facebook)junemoonflorals.com (Soon!)

Send us a textIn this episode I talk with Alisa Ellie, the founder and lead floral designer behind Malva & Moss, a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I loved our conversation so much. Alisa said, "Florals don't just decorate, they narrate a story about a space, a brand, or a person."  I completely agree!  I admire Alisa's rebellious design style where she uses the whole stem, includes sculptural pieces and makes genuine pieces of art.  I hope you enjoy our conversation.  Let it inspire you to create floral designs that are unique to your personality, your story and your space.More about AlisaWith a distinctive style that fuses contemporary, clean sculptural designs with an artful, sustainable approach, Alisa specializes in crafting bespoke floral arrangements for weddings, corporate events, and businesses. Her work is deeply rooted in an eco-friendly approach, using locally sourced, seasonal blooms and sustainable mechanics to minimize waste. A former Silicon Valley professional, Alisa brings a fresh, innovative perspective to floristry, focusing on personalized designs that tell a story. She is passionate about sharing her journey and insights on running a creative business. Follow her on IG @malvaandmoss

Send us a textIn this podcast I interviewed Wanpen and Miguel Ordonez. They have been married for 39 wonderful years. They demonstrate how it takes teamwork to make a garden thrive. Both Wanpen and Miguel grew up gardening - Wanpen in a small village in Northern Thailand and Miguel in New York.Listen to hear what is growing in their garden, how they build their garden fence and irrigate using rainwater only. Enjoy this great conversation. This will inspire you to bring nutrients into your soil, build hot boxes to grow lettuce through the winter and cook using the fresh herbs and veggies from your garden!

Send us a Text Message.In this podcast I interviewed Kate Carrico and Kira Memery, two incredibly generous flower farmers in central Virginia.  They are the faces behind Blooms4Good.  Kate and Kira sell their flowers at local pop-up events with 100% of the proceeds going to the non-profits they support!!!  Yes, you read that right. 100% of what they earn goes to the nonprofits they support!  This 2024 growing season they are supporting the non-profits SAFE (a shelter for victims of domestic violence – based in Culpeper and serving the surrounding rural counties) and International Neighbors (helping refugee families get settled & connected in the Charlottesville area.) I have never met two more generous people. I'm in awe of the work they are doing and all the "good", awareness, change, fundraising and collaboration that has stemmed from their beautiful BLOOMS.In this episode they talk about how their organization, Blooms4Good, began, how it has changed their lives for the better, and their goals in the year to come. I can't wait to support them in the future and for YOU to hear their story and be inspired to do something good in your community. BIO: blooms4good blooms4good is a small but mighty squad of do-gooders, growing flowers in central Virginia to raise money and awareness for local non-profits.   Kate and Kira met in the summer of 2023 – Kira had an established flower farm in Barboursville, VA and was looking for an outlet for her blooms while also wanting to do some good. Meanwhile, Kate had launched blooms4good the year prior – she was inspired by the potential her small Gordonsville flower farm could have in the community and decided to leverage her garden to raise money for local non-profits. Her first event was the fall of 2022. The blooms4good team hit the ground running in 2023, popping up at local vineyards and breweries – selling flower arrangements in vases donated by friends and family, filled with flowers grown with so much love – some blooms were even donated by other local growers! Kate and Kira covered all expenses so that every dollar could go to charity.This 2024 season, the blooms and generosity of flower lovers are primarily supporting International Neighbors (helping refugee families get settled & connected in the Charlottesville) and SAFE (a shelter for victims of domestic violence – based in Culpeper and serving the surrounding rural counties).  The team also joins other charities as fundraising opportunities arise._____________________________________________________________________Instagram:  @blooms4goodUpcoming events:9/7 Cville Pride FestivalFundraising for: Charlottesville Pride Community Network (cvillepride.org)9/14 Caboose Brewery Pop Up (Fairfax Location)Fundraising for: BellRinger · Gear Up: End Cancer

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I interview Joan Fuller of Hidden Pond Farm all about the history and purpose behind her cut flower farm. Started as a way to raise money for farm animal sanctuaries and as an educational farm to teach others how to grow cut flowers, Joan and her husband Bill, are living life with a purpose! I'm planning a day retreat to visit Hidden Pond Farm on Saturday, Sept 14. Anyone local be sure to check out the schedule and see if you can make it down there with me or another time for the Twilight on the Farm or week-end U-Picks. 

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I get to talk with Mike Hines, a floral designer, instructor, entrepreneur and owner of Epoch Floral Design Company in Chicago. He is also the author of the book Uprooted, where he describes his floral design technique, philosophy and sources of inspiration.  In this show Mike gives his best advice for florists - old and new. He talks about how his designs have changed over time. Mike is an inspiration in the floral design world. I'm so excited for you to hear him talk about his greatest passion and share his best design tips with you.  He will inspire you to be more creative, less afraid and embrace a style that is uniquely your own. The floral industry is grateful for Mike's work, energy and the way he is inspiring others to think & teach design differently.  Mike really is "epic!"Mike's BioMike Hines, co-founder and creative director of epoch, IS epoch.  With a reach far and wide from Chicago to across the globe, Mike has made his impact in the floral industry by defying the rules, creating styled and unique spaces and ensuring  complete client satisfaction by developing and installing possibilities beyond imagination.  During his 20 years of experience in the world of floristry and design, his passion for floral goes beyond the stem and often enters into a world of interior design as he is constantly changing the atmosphere of floristry to include that of the interior for which he works.  However, having fun and challenging his own imagination is what makes Mike a leading floral designer.Follow Mike on Instagram at @mdhines and @epochfloralCheck out his website: https://www.epochfloral.com/mike-hines

Send us a Text Message.Eugene Schied is a hobby gardener. He has been gardening for 27 years since buying his home in Vienna, VA.  He lives down the street for me and his garden is just bursting with life and color. He even has a beautiful garden over his garage!  For Eugene gardening is a means of artistic expression, an opportunity to connect with nature, and a way to honor his ancestors. His dad was a gardener at their home in the suburbs of Chicago.  Now he shares his love of connecting with nature in the garden with his father-in-law who is 83.When I asked him what he would say to someone who says that they "can't garden" his advice would be: "Anyone can grow something!  It may not be what you wanted to grow or where you wanted to grow it but humans have been growing plants for thousands of years. Somewhere in your ancestry someone was doing something agrarian and growing something and that's what they lived on." 

Send us a Text Message.On this podcast I spoke with Amanda Green of Yonderyear Farm in the Shenandoah Valley. She is a flower farmer and full service wedding/event florist and she walks us through her tasks the week before a wedding.  She also shares her method for perennializing her dahlia plants.  Whether you are a flower farmer, florist or someone newly interested in gardening you will learn a lot from Amanda Green!  If you are a bride in search of an experienced & talented florist, check her out as well! Website: https://www.yonderyearfarm.com/IG: @yonderyearfarm Full BioBorn in Lexington, Virginia, Amanda graduated from Rockbridge County High School and Washington and Lee University, with a focus in Business Administration and Environmental Studies. She then went on to serve in the Peace Corps in the Kingdom of Tonga where she volunteered at a non-profit focused on technical skills training in organic agriculture.After earning an MSc in International Rural Development from the Royal Agricultural University in the UK, Amanda shifted to pursue her passion in understanding agriculture through the lens of an industry that depends on it. This began a successful career at several James Beard Award-winning restaurants focused on local ingredient sourcing, working as a serving captain, line cook and eventually pastry chef.Coming home to Virginia in 2015, Amanda and husband Kevin found 30 acres of woods and hayfield in Rockbridge Baths, and Yonderyear Farm was born. Their vision for sustainable small farming became reality as livestock, flowers and creative floral design matured into one system in step with nature. At Yonderyear Farm, the mission is to grow the most beautiful flowers and raise the most delicious grassfed meat using practices that support people, animals and the environment. Yonderyear Farm's meat sheep and flowers are Certified Naturally Grown, free of harmful agricultural inputs, and the operation is 100% solar-powered.

Send us a Text Message.My guest, Karen Hugg, is a certified ornamental horticulturalist with 20+ years of experience designing gardens and teaching others about plants. She is also a writer and has written several novels and has had articles featured in many publications such as the Washington Post. In our conversation she describes the benefits of having plants, ways to experience plants, and how to destress through plants. She also talks about her new idea and possible book topic, which is how to create a SIMPLE garden that will be enjoyable but not overwhelming (and help to minimalize the stress in your life.)This episode will encourage you to grow, garden and surround yourself with greenery! Karen shares lots her research-based knowledge for why and how having a green life can reduce stress and increase happiness.  After listening and sharing this podcast with friends, be sure to read her book Leaf Your Troubles Behind: How to Destress and Grow Happiness Through Plants.  For more tips and to read her articles  visit her website www.karenhugg.com.  Her social media links are linked below. Be sure to follow Karen on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.More About Karen Karen Hugg is a garden designer and writer. She's the author of the nonfiction book, Leaf Your Troubles Behind: How to Destress and Grow Happiness Through Plants. She's also written four novels that feature magical plants: The Forgetting Flower, Harvesting the Sky, Song of the Tree Hollow and The Dark Petals of Provence. Born and raised in Chicago, she moved to Seattle and worked as an editor in tech before becoming an ornamental horticulturalist and master pruner. She regularly contributes to The Washington Post, Wired, Shondaland, Thrive Global, and other outlets. She lives among big trees with her husband, kids, and two dogs. For more information, visit http://www.karenhugg.com.LinksInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/karenhuggPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karenhuggFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/karenkhuggThreads: http://www.threads.net/@karenhugg

This is one of those podcast episodes where my whole perspective about gardening changed. Nicky describes gardening as a relationship, providing many benefits for both you and the creatures within it. At the same time, she speaks honestly about the barriers we face to spending time in the garden. You will come away with so much knowledge and inspiration to co-create your garden space in balance with you and to create a place you will feel joy and peace.More about Nicki JennerNicky Jenner lives in the southwest of England UK with her family, dogs and an abundance of wildlife. Nicky is a conservationist, gardener, writer and photographer. She has spent much of her career working in international biodiversity conservation, and is passionate about the ways in which nurturing our relationship with nature, particularly through gardening, can support our health and wellbeing and the planet.At her home in Devon, she is creating a garden in which her family and local wildlife thrive, gardening in ways that nurture nature, inspire creativity and nourish wellbeing, whilst providing food and cut flowers to enjoy and share. Nicky co-founded Lights On Gardens - an online community supporting members to nurture a relationship with your garden so that you can grow both your inner and outer worlds in ways that enhance your wellbeing and support the planet.Her podcast Unearthing Wild Wonders - connecting you with the wisdom and wonder of the natural world - is available on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms.Connect with Nicky: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickyjenner_hawksdawn/Website: https://www.hawksdawn.co.ukYou can sign up to her newsletter to receive micro moments of wonder in your inbox every other week (it's free) via her website.

I loved talking to Marianna Rappou, an agonomist, landscape architect and author of 100 Plants to Grow in Your Garden. Marianna lives in Greece and is also a podcaster.  She teaches her listeners how to grow a beautiful garden!  In this podcast she gives great advice to encourage people who say they can't grow plants. She tells them to think of it as an adventure and to keep trying new techniques.  Marianna is right when she says that we grow with the plants we are growing.  One day the two of us will plan a Floral Retreat in Greece.  If you're interested to learn gardening tips and floral design in Greece , we hope you will join us! It will be an incredible learning adventure.  Follow/connect with Marianna on Instagram @mariannarappou

Missy is a micro flower farmer in the great state of Missouri, outside of St. Louis (where I was born!)   She owns a turquoise flower truck named Rosalee and is the host of the Flower Truck Friends podcast. In this episode Missy talks about the easiest and hardest flowers to grow, her biggest gardening mistake and her children's book Lena's Zinnias. She shares what she loves about gardening and some money saving tips.  Be sure to listen!  I guarantee that you'll want to visit her farm when the episode is over!Missy Rolfe, OwnerHoneybee Flower Boutique & our 1967 Ford truck, RosaleeCourse creator for online Flower Truck 101 courseHost of Flower Truck Friends podcastAuthor, Lena's Zinnias, children's bookFollow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest buzz!

Today's podcast was a great conversation about gardening basics with Gina Schley. We talked about healthy soil. She explained the difference between compost and fertilizer and described the different types of fertilizers to use on your plants depending on their life stage.  We talked about pest management tips. I am now armed and ready for a prosperous Spring season in my garden.  Gina is teaching a 4-week class followed by 7 months of live Q & A sessions and the link to sign up is below.  She will inspire you and you will be ready for anything that comes your way after her course.  Enjoy this interview with her! Get out your pen to take notes!  Sign up for her Design & Grow Course here:  https://shegrows.mykajabi.com/design-build-website?fbclid=PAAaY9SL8aBb0wDbXO84sKlWa8DF7coP-eLImPalHS9c1cRRkQV3rTVxXcD1c_aem_AUahr5TtBarM9yH6jbTGa10UJtHtynIC5yrnHOJzoZq7uoAlh5lUvS6EuDtYkxDe60A

In this podcast I was lucky enough to interview my favorite jewelry designer of all time. Amy Blair of Sun Ah Blair jewelry sells her vibrant and unique pieces in many DC museums. From Baltimore, she grew up loving and studying art. She sketches what she sees in her travels, in nature and incorporates those colors and patterns into her designs.  She'll be selling her pieces at the American Craft Made Show, one of the best craft shows in the country.  It'll take place at the Baltimore Convention Center March 15-17.  I will definitely be going out to meet her in person and buy more of her earrings!  What an amazing story she has about starting a successful business.  You're going to love Amy and her work!  Be sure to listen to her inspiring story.Visit her website: https://www.sunahjewelry.com/ Follow her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sunahblairjewelry/?hl=en 

In this funny episode I interview Sarah Hickner, a local businesswoman and author. Sarah shares with us the inspiration behind her first book, Finding Gideon. This episode will leave you wanting to make your biggest dreams and life goals a reality!Be sure to visit her podcast website to contribute your story ideas or stay in touch with her. https://www.liveridelearn.com/podcast/

La Paris, owner of Brooklyn Blooms, talks about her philosophy of floral design.  She sees every flower as unique, like people, and tries to showcase each flower's personality, curves and differences in her designs.Be sure to listen. You will be inspired to create, design and transform your backyard foliage and flowers into stunning designs. See her beautiful work athttps://brooklynblooms.com/ and follow her on Instagram. She's got as much personality as her arrangements!  

Sarah Brunner tells about her start as a flower farmer in Northern CA.  Her newest project is their new Chevy flower truck they built that will be used for pop-up bouquets and flower bars.  The Brunner Farm hosts workshops, paint nights, yoga sessions, u-pick and summer camps for kids. Sarah has an amazing amount of energy and ideas so be sure to listen and get inspired!  Learn more about the Brunner Farm and check them out on social media. https://www.brunnerfamilyfarm.com/ 

Dana has lots of knowledge about flower farming and running a mobile cut flower business. Since 2022 she has been learning to grow a cut flower garden. Now a confident grower, she does mobile pop-up sales in her cool pink GMC. She also has a u-pick garden and hosts flower yoga sessions in her yard. Dana's favorite place to have flowers is in her bathroom -they are the first thing she sees when she wakes up. Enjoy hearing about Dana as she shares her business and passion for all things flowers.  Follow her on social media if you like flowers and gardening as much as she does! And look for her pink truck if you're ever up in Ontario, Canada. 

Joan Fuller gives us insight into how we can prepare for Spring planting. Owner of Hidden Pond Farm, she offers a flower club membership to anyone in the Vienna/Falls Church area to receive monthly flowering plants and expert tips so you can grow flowers of your own! Be sure to arrange to visit her farm or join her flower club. Joan raises funds for animal sanctuaries in the area. She is an amazing teacher and can teach anyone to grow flowers. https://www.971hiddenpondfarm.com/

Alley Dufour teaches us about her life as a fruit farmer in Olon, Ecuador.  She talks about the benefits of growing plants as she raises a family. Her 2 year old can name all of their crops and is often seen nude and in his farming boots feeding the chickens and playing with the baby goats.  As a gardener she suggests always sticking to one goal/project at a time. Follow Alley and her family farm on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fincaforestalamancay?igsh=aXpxdnoxazBtYzJl