Asking “Why Not” to Cultivate Resilience and Innovation in Organic Flower Farming S3 E6

In this episode, Bronwyn from Seeds of Change in Darfield (Canterbury) shares her inspiring journey from health coach to innovative flower farmer and florist, emphasizing the importance of microclimate management, community support, and creative business models in sustainable farming. Discover how she responds to “No” with “Why Not” as she navigates seasonal challenges, soil health, and market limitations with resilience and forward-thinking strategies.Connect with Bronwyn on Facebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/bronwyn.adamshooper/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Flower Farming in NZ on Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmingin_nz/⁠⁠This episode offers valuable insights for small-scale farmers seeking sustainable and resilient practices, as well as creative ways to serve their community through garden-based experiences and diversified crops.Connect with our Sponsors - Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers⁠. Follow them on Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/freshcutflowerwholesalers/⁠⁠⁠Support Our Work!Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:·Advertising in an episode·Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can ·Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠⁠⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠⁠⁠Key Topics:•Building resilience through diversified microclimates, tunnel houses, and community networksIntegrating organic principles with community engagement via "pick your own" and experience-based flower eventsThe impact of environmental factors like wind and frost on farm design and crop successStrategies for managing hail damage and the importance of undercover infrastructureCreating a balanced farm with both food and floral production, emphasizing the joy of creating with flowersThe cultural shift needed to foster mentorship, collaboration, and resilience among flower farmers in New ZealandTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 00:39 - Bronwyn’s background and transition from health to farming01:43 - Overview of her two-acre, microclimate-diverse property02:36 - Pushing boundaries with citrus in Canterbury03:55 - Building microclimates through planting pockets of warmth and thoughtful design04:41 - Microclimate examples: frost-free zones and house orientation05:52 - Growing citrus, yuzu, finger limes, and managing the cold06:37 - Focus on perennial versus annual flowers and incorporating old garden plants08:00 - Dealing with wind, shelter belts, and the impact of irrigation10:23 - Water management and hail event experiences12:26 - Developing resilience through support networks and biodiversity3:50 - The importance of microclimates and tunnel house design16:33 - Organic certification, soil health, and reducing chemical use18:18 - Biodiversity strategies for pest management, beneficials, and crop health19:22 - Managing tunnel house heat and shading strategies20:55 - Wind and shelter solutions22:39 - Studying floristry and health risks associated with chemicals23:51 - Moving into organic flower farming at a small scale26:16 - Business model decisions and balancing income with personal joy28:11 - Community engagement through pick-your-own flower events and space design29:47 - Creating unique customer experiences and integrating creative spaces like train carriages32:54 - Learning from challenging seasons to innovate and diversify33:47 - Using floral experiences as part of business offerings37:51 - The impact of social media on market competition and resilience38:38 - Practical tools for organic gardening and weed management39:08 - The value of woofing and knowledge exchange40:13 - Future goals: wedding ambitions and mentorship programs41:48 - The importance of record-keeping and season planning42:20 - Insights on flowering timing related to seed sowing versus transplanting44:16 - Final advice: find a real mentor, learn from failures, and stay true to your joy