This week, Scott explores the intersection of science and artistry in the world of flower breeding. Dr. Keith Hammett, New Zealand's leading ornamental plant breeder, shares his passion for developing Dahlias, Sweet Peas, and Clivias that blend genetics, color, and creativity. Together, they discuss the delicate balance between science and art, the importance of scent in breeding, the joy of discovery, and how breeders quietly shape the world of floristry through their vision and dedication.

This episode is made possible by our sponsors:

Rooted Farmers: Connecting flower farmers and florists through one simple, trusted platform. Visit RootedFarmers.com and use code TFP25 for $25 off your new membership.

ASCFG: Supporting flower farmers with education, research, and community. Learn more at ascfg.org.

Learn more about today's episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com

Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more!

You can also watch our conversations on YouTube, in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a minute.

Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas

Building a new flower farm from the ground up!

In this episode, returning guest Galena Berkompas of Micro Flower Farm shares what it’s like to start over on a new piece of land in Vancouver, Washington. She talks about prioritizing perennials, choosing cover crops, and balancing short-term crops with long-term investments. Galena also dives into her watering schedule, dahlia care, and the lessons she’s learning as she rebuilds her micro farm from the ground up.

Highlights:

1 Starting fresh on new land

2 Planting perennials for long-term success

3 TEFF as a cover crop

4 Midnight watering schedule & overhead irrigation

5 Dahlia care and nitrogen timing

6 Managing pollinated blooms

7 Building structure with shrubs & greens

8 Balancing quick-income crops with long-term growth


Sponsors:

Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers — Learn more and join at ascfg.org 


The Gardener’s Workshop — Helping flower farmers grow smarter at thegardenersworkshop.com

Learn more about today’s episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com

Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more!

If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast.

You can also watch our conversations on YouTube, in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss a minute.

What Is Your Most Important Tool?

Madeline Hooper has such a great story. After years in public relations, competing as a ballroom dancer, and teacher she turned her focus to gardening and helping others. Together with her husband, she's spent over three decades creating and caring for their Rockland Farm in New York. She's also the co-creator of the TV series GardenFit, and she shares down-to-earth ways we can take care of our most important tool—our own body.

Whether you're planting, weeding, hauling buckets, or marathon wedding installations, her tips will help you move smarter, avoid aches, and enjoy the work we love for years to come. It's all about self-care and taking care of our bodies to let them continue to take care of us.

Learn more about today's episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com

Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast.

You can also watch our conversations on YouTube, in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a minute.