The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

Hosted by Liza Goetz

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Episodes

118

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Flower Files is a flower farming podcast for growers, florists, and flower lovers who want to grow beautiful cut flowers and turn them into a sustainable business. Hosted by Liza Goetz of Wildly Native Flower Farm, this show blends real-life flower farming experience with practical advice on cut flower farming, selling flowers, and building a local flower business . Each episode dives into the honest, behind-the-scenes realities of running a small flower farm — from growing cut flowers and seasonal planning to pricing, farmers market sales, and creative ways to connect with customers. You’ll hear conversations about simple gardening, sustainable growing practices, and what it really takes to make flowers profitable without losing the joy of growing them. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling an established operation, The Flower Files offers florist education, flower business tips , and encouragement rooted in experience. This podcast is for anyone interested in Growing flowers, is a flower lover, if you want to start selling flowers , growing locally, and building a thoughtful, sustainable flower farming business that fits real life. Subscribe to The Flower Files for weekly conversations that help you grow smarter, sell confidently, and stay inspired by flowers.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 11925 min

Ep 119 - Weed Management

We’re standing in the middle of a working flower farm in early spring talking about the one crop that never fails: weeds. In this episode, we break down what common weeds are actually telling you about your soil, moisture, light, and growing systems—and why weed pressure isn’t a personal failure, it’s information. From bindweed and thistle to surprise woody seedlings, we walk through how to read your fields with a more strategic eye.We also share the weed suppression methods we truly rely on, including landscape fabric, mulch systems, crop-specific strategies, and the hard lessons behind what works long term versus what only looks good at first. From peonies and dahlias to annual production beds, we explain how different crops require different approaches to heat, airflow, and maintenance. If you’re tired of fighting weeds blindly, this episode will help you build a cleaner, smarter system from the ground up.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

June 9, 2026Episode 11844 min

Ep 118 - I Love To Be Outside, Do I Really HAVE To Wear Sunscreen?

A sunburn you forgot about might be the one your skin never does. In this episode, I’m joined by Christina DeLeon of Well Ave Dermatology to talk about skin cancer prevention, sunscreen myths, and what it really takes to protect your skin when you spend your life outdoors. From melanoma awareness and skin checks to the truth about sunscreen ingredients, we break through the noise with practical, evidence-based guidance that actually makes sense.We also dive into everyday skincare—sensitive skin, barrier repair, UV-protective clothing, and the overwhelm of viral skincare trends. Christina keeps it refreshingly simple: build a strong foundation first, then add treatments intentionally instead of chasing every new product online. Whether you’re a gardener, farmer, beach lover, or just someone trying to take better care of your skin, this conversation will help you protect it for the long haul.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

June 2, 2026Episode 11743 min

Ep 117 - How do I pay myself if I am self employed? Real talk with an accountant to answer this

Your receipts are either protecting your profit or quietly costing you money. In this episode, we’re back with accountant Shannon Everhart to break down what small business owners actually need to know about tax write-offs, documentation, and staying prepared if the IRS ever comes knocking. From faded thermal receipts to mileage logs and digital recordkeeping, we share simple systems that make bookkeeping feel manageable instead of overwhelming.We also zoom out into the bigger financial picture—cash flow, pricing, scaling, and why growth without margins can create more stress instead of more freedom. Shannon walks through how different business structures handle owner pay, taxes, and payroll, while helping you understand what healthy financial planning really looks like behind the scenes. If you want cleaner books, smarter pricing, and more confidence in your numbers, this episode is packed with practical guidance you can actually use.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

May 26, 2026Episode 11646 min

Ep 116 - Real Talk With An Accountant About How To Navigate Start-Up Of A Business

You can be incredible at your craft and still get tripped up by the money behind your business. In this episode, I’m joined by tax pro Shannon Everhart to break down the financial foundations every new entrepreneur needs—from the “first dollar” rule to choosing between a sole proprietorship, LLC, or S corp. We simplify what each structure really means so you can make decisions with clarity, not confusion.We also cover the practical details that protect your time, money, and peace of mind—separating finances, keeping records that hold up, and setting your business up to grow cleanly from the start. With real-world insight into common mistakes and smarter systems, this conversation gives you a grounded, confident path forward as you build.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

May 19, 2026Episode 11531 min

Ep 115 - Your First Sale - Now What?

Your first sale is a rush—then the real questions begin. In this episode, we step into the greenhouse to talk through what “next” actually looks like on a working flower farm, from seed starting and temperature control to season extension and crop timing. We also get honest about reinvesting early profits and why scaling too fast—without the right infrastructure—can quietly stall your growth.From hoop houses and irrigation to hard lessons in crop timing, we share what expansion really costs and how flexibility protects your bottom line. We then zoom out to bigger strategy—annuals vs. perennials, choosing sales channels, and balancing high-value crops without putting everything at risk. If you’re navigating that early momentum, this episode gives you a clearer, more grounded path forward.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

May 12, 2026Episode 11434 min

Ep 114 - Toxic vs Tail-Safe: A Veterinarian Explains Garden & Bouquet Risks

A single flower can turn into an ER-level problem when you live with a curious cat or a dog that treats the yard like a buffet. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maddie Schofield of Chestertown Animal Hospital to walk through the real risks hiding in spring gardens and everyday arrangements—from toxic plants and fertilizers to the subtle symptoms that signal when something isn’t right. We break down what to watch for and how to respond with clarity instead of panic.Inside the home, we focus on one of the biggest dangers for cat owners: lilies, and why even small exposure can have serious consequences. You’ll learn how to assess situations quickly, when to act, and the simplest prevention strategy that works across the board—know what you have and stay one step ahead. If you share your space with pets and plants, this episode gives you the awareness you didn’t know you needed.https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plantsThe Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

May 5, 2026Episode 11332 min

Ep 113 - Edible Florals - What to Buy and Plant Now For a Great Harvest!

Edible flowers can be a high-margin win or a frustrating source of waste—it all depends on whether you grow them with a plan. In this episode, we show you how to design an edible flower garden around function and end use, so every plant has a purpose beyond “pretty.” From flavor and shelf life to harvest windows and yield, we break down how to choose varieties that actually perform in the kitchen and in the market.We also map out the system behind the stems—fresh versus dried products, succession planting, packaging for chef sales, and the fast-paced reality of post-harvest handling. With clear guidance on pricing and crop selection, you’ll learn how to keep quality high and waste low. If you’re ready to make edible flowers both beautiful and profitable, this episode gives you a grounded, practical path forward.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

April 28, 2026Episode 11244 min

Ep 112 - Ellen Frost - Local and Sustainable Flowers

Most people never see the system behind a bouquet, which is exactly why local flowers can feel “impossible” to source. In this episode, I sit down with Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers to unpack how she built a regional wholesale hub that connects growers and florists, proving American-grown flowers can compete when logistics and education align. We explore how an industry shaped by imports lost its sense of seasonality and what it takes to rebuild it.From weekly buying rhythms and post-harvest standards to what “local” really looks like in practice, this conversation brings clarity to the flower shop supply chain. Ellen also shares her foundational design framework and a bigger vision for regional collaboration that supports both farmers and florists. If you’re ready to source, design, or grow with more intention, this episode offers a grounded, insider perspective on what’s possible in the cut flower industry.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

April 21, 2026Episode 11124 min

Ep 111 - Spring Clean-Up Of Your Garden - What To Trim And What To Keep

Spring hits and suddenly we want to cut everything down and make the garden look “done”—but that’s often how plants get damaged, pollinator habitat disappears, and weeds take over. In this episode, we take a smarter approach to spring cleanup, grounded in one simple truth: not everything that looks dead is dead, and timing matters more than tidiness. You’ll learn what to cut now, what to compost, and when disease means removal—not recycling.We also focus on what to leave, from hollow stems that shelter native bees to leaf litter that feeds your soil and holds moisture. With practical timing tips like the 50-degree rule and a simple, step-by-step cleanup strategy, you’ll build a healthier, more resilient garden without the overwhelm. If you want stronger blooms and a system that works with nature, this episode will shift how you see spring.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

April 14, 2026Episode 11021 min

Ep 110 - “Market Booth Magic: How We Stop Shoppers in Their Tracks”

Most shoppers don’t walk into a farmers market planning to buy flowers—and that’s exactly why your booth matters more than you think. In this episode, we break down what actually makes people stop, look, and buy, with practical strategies that cut through the noise of a busy market. From layout and product grouping to signage and pricing, we show how to create a booth that feels clear, magnetic, and easy to shop.We also get into the human side of selling—your presence, your energy, and how small interactions shape buying decisions. You’ll learn simple, low-pressure ways to guide customers, reduce overwhelm, and turn browsers into buyers without feeling pushy. If you want a booth people remember (and return to), this episode gives you a plan that works in the real world.The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcastWildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarmFind more of everything on our website!!https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1