Episodes
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Taming the Beast: How Hemp and Mycelium Could Replace Floral Foam
What if the answer to floristry's floral foam problem could be grown instead of manufactured? In this episode, Bec sits down with Kristina Bircsak of Miconet Solutions, creator of Natriform — a plant-based floral mechanic grown from hemp and mycelium, developed right here in Australia in...
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From Bob's Garden to Chelsea — Dawn Allen, Peninsula Wildflower
Dawn Allen began as a Saturday girl in her local florist shop, met her husband at Covent Garden Flower Market, and now farms Australian natives from Bob's Garden — fifty acres at Boneo on the Mornington Peninsula, looking out to Bass Strait. In May, she took banksias to the Chelsea Flower Show…
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The one and only Petrina Blooms
Five years ago, Bec sat down with Petrina from Petrina Blooms as Melbourne crawled out of its first COVID lockdown. This episode, she finally makes it back for that promised gin — and finds out everything that's bloomed, died back and come up again since. What started as an accidental side hustle...
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🌸 From the Archives: Petrina Blooms — 8,000 Bulbs in a Suburban Garden
Some episodes are time capsules. This is one of them. We're rewinding to late 2020, as Victoria emerged from its first long lockdown — gin raised, friends finally allowed over, the whole state breathing out. In the middle of it sits Petrina from Petrina Blooms: a lifelong flower obsessive who...
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The Cotton Bunch with Jamie Rother & Caroline Azria
Dish the Dirt — Show Notes The Cotton Bunch with Jamie Rother & Caroline Azria What happens when a third-generation cotton farmer and a Paris-born UX designer meet at Disney World, fall in love, and end up growing flowers on the Darling Downs? You get The Cotton Bunch — and one of the most...
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Building the Flower Summit: Jess on Courage, Community & Backing Each Other
Some people don't just start businesses — they start movements. This week I sit down with Jess, the powerhouse founder of the Flower Summit, the Newcastle Food & Flower Markets and the Newcastle Flower School. We go right back to the beginning: the entrepreneurial kid who landed her first job at...
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Meadowbrook Flower Farm - Brookes story.
We’re closing out 2025 with a soulful, grounded, and beautifully honest conversation with Brooke Stewart of Meadowbrook Flower Farm. Set between Port Fairy and Warrnambool, Brooke’s six-acre farm is shaped by wind, weather, family, and the deep desire to build something meaningful from home.…
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The story of Mountain Nursery with Paul Dalley
Key topics: Diversifying crops and sustaining staff year-round Protected cultivation and the benefits of greenhouses Exporting Australian flowers to Japan and beyond Collaboration, community, and why sharing knowledge matters Adapting to climate change and investing in renewable energy Mentioned:...
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Hunter Flower Collective – Building Community in the Hunter Valley
Guests: Elsa from Hunter Forage & Madeline from Mount Vincent Flower Farm In this episode, Rebecca chats with Elsa and Madeline about how a small group of passionate local growers turned into a thriving community of 30+ members known as the Hunter Flower Collective. We talk about: 🌼 How the...
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Springview Irises – The Beauty of Bearded Blooms
Guest: Caitie O’Grady – Springview Irises, Ebden VIC Host: Rebecca Noble Nestled in the hills of northeast Victoria overlooking Lake Hume, Springview Irises is home to hundreds of bearded iris varieties grown by Caitie O’Grady and her family. In this episode, Caitie shares her journey from…
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From Garden Dreams to Flower Farming Reality – Belinda’s Story
In this episode of Dish the Dirt, I chat with Belinda from The Flowering Field, based in Burra, New South Wales. Belinda shares: How her passion for gardening during maternity leave blossomed into a flower farm The challenges and opportunities of farming in a cool, frosty climate Why dried…
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From Shopping Queen to Flower Farmer – Kathy’s Journey with Plumtree Floral Farm
n this episode of Dish the Dirt, I chat with the inspiring Kathy from Plumtree Floral Farm in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. Kathy’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. After a long career in media and even a stint as Australia’s “shopping queen,” she…
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Building The Harvest – A Grower–Florist Click and Collect in Newcastle
n this episode of Dish the Dirt, I sit down with Sarah from Quail Cottage and Ash, wedding florist Film and Foliage and founder of Wildflower Academy, to talk about The Harvest—a collection point that’s transforming the way florists and growers connect in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle region.…
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From Bush Roses to Wildflower Advocacy – with Hannah Urquhart
In this episode of Dish the Dirt, I chat with the vibrant and driven Hannah Urquhart, whose journey into the world of flowers began with a love for agriculture and a deep curiosity about how things grow. After completing her agricultural science studies, Hannah joined Bush Roses in New South…
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Small Farm, Big Heart – Pretty Little Flower Farm with Sharon | Season Finale
In this final episode of the season, host Rebecca Noble chats with Sharon from Pretty Little Flower Farm in Seville, Victoria. Sharon shares how her love of gardening, a lockdown during COVID, and a fascination with dahlias sparked a journey into flower farming — one that’s bloomed into a…
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Rooted in Seasonality with Elissa from Larkspur Flowers
In this episode of Dish the Dirt, we sit down with Elissa from @larkspur.flowers, a passionate florist and designer based in Daylessford, Victoria. With a background in permaculture and landscape design, Elissa brings a unique, deeply intentional perspective to her work with flowers — one that’s...
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From Dream to Dahlia Dynasty — Lorelie of Florelie Seasonal Flowers
🌸 Episode Summary: This episode is a special one — recorded back in 2020, it captures the early days of Florelie Seasonal Flowers, a specialty cut flower farm in Bungaree, just outside of Ballarat, Victoria. Lorelie shares how a bunch of homegrown peonies gifted on her birthday planted the seed...
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Growing Flowers for Seed: Emily from Petal & Bow Flowers
n this episode of Dish the Dirt, we head to Coonamble, NSW, to meet Emily from Petal & Bow Flowers — a passionate grower carving out her own path in Australia’s warm, dry inland. What began as a maternity leave project has bloomed into four hectares of native paper daisies and a farm-based…
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Love Sophie Floral — From Florist to Farmer with Sweet Peas, Sustainability & Soul
Guest: Sophie, founder of With Love Sophie and Honey Bunch Farm Location: Yark, VIC — a picturesque valley near Mansfield with a short and unpredictable growing season, but loads of heart. What We Cover: Sophie's journey from floristry to flower farming How growing for florists shaped her crop...
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🎙️ Saying Yes to the Farm Life – Janae & Chris of Fleurs de Lyonville
🌸 Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and honest episode of Dish the Dirt, we catch up with Janae and Chris from Fleurs de Lyonville—a flower farming couple based just outside of Melbourne. Recorded live at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show as part of our Growers Avenue series…
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Growing Your Own Way — with Mardi from Quite Contrary Flower Farm
🌸 Episode Summary: In this episode of Dish the Dirt, we're thrilled to welcome back Mardi from Quite Contrary Flower Farm in Gippsland, Victoria. From lawyer to full-time flower farmer, Mardi’s journey is anything but conventional—and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring. We dive into…
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🎙 The Solo Gardener: Growing Biodiversity & Bold Dreams with Jodie from 5 Acre Farm
🌱 Guest: Jodie (aka The Solo Gardener), 5 Acre Farm, Taradale VIC 📍 Recorded at: Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show – Growers Avenue In this episode, we meet Jodie, a self-described Solo Gardener and the driving force behind 5 Acre Farm in Taradale, Victoria. Jodie shares her…
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🎙 Seeds, Stories & Soil: A Native Garden Journey with Joanne from the Garden Enthuasist
🌿 Guest: Joanne, Flower & Seed Farmer | Albury-Wodonga, VIC https://backyardgardenenthusiast.com.au/ 📅 Recorded: Live at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show – Growers Avenue 🎧 Podcast: Dish the Dirt 📍 Location: Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show In this special episode...
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🎙️ Dish the Dirt – Episode: Macedon Ranges Growers x MIFGS 2025
In this episode of Dish the Dirt, we speak with Olivia from Pemberley of Malmsbury about her third year participating in the Main Central floral installation at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. After winning a Gold Medal and People’s Choice Award in 2023, and a Bronze Award last...
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🎙 Dish the Dirt: 302 Flower Farm — Growing with Heart, Heritage & Dahlias
Host: Bec Noble | Episode Recorded Live at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show 2025 In this special episode, we meet Anna and Ray from 302 Flower Farm, a passionate husband-and-wife team growing seasonal blooms on their breathtaking property in Victoria’s Western District. From…
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🎙️ Mini Episode: A Moment with Sue McLeary
Recorded live at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, this quick chat features world-renowned floral artist Sue McLeary (aka Passionflower Sue). I was lucky enough to grab a few moments with Sue to talk about her artistry, the beauty of floral wearables, and her love of locally grown...
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Botany Sustainable Florist
VOTE! Dish the dirt Listeners Choice Awards https://www.australianpodcastawards.com/voting Botany is a sustainable online florist based in Melbourne. We take the traditional florist business model and give it a green overhaul, by offering products that have been created from farm to door without...
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Craig Scott - East Coast Wildflowers
Craig Scott East Coast Wildflowers My father and I started farming together in 1984, our family has been involved in the cut flower and foliage industry either as growers or florist for a number of generations. I live on the NSW Central Coast Australia. Our main farm is at Mangrove Mountain and…
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Maya Linnell - Bonus episode Kookaburra Cottage
From country show baking to raising orphaned lambs, bestselling author Maya Linnell writes about the life she lives and loves. A keen bookworm, former rural journalist and radio show host, Maya is also an ambassador for the digital library app Libby OverDrive. She lives in rural Victoria with a...
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Soho Rose Farm
Soho Rose farm is a cut flower farm growing field grown garden roses and seasonal flowers in the heart of our family run working cattle, potato and cropping farm within the Hepburn Springs farming district.
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Studio 24 - Central Otago NZ
I have been a florist for over 25 years but have had a love for flowers all my life, my earliest memories would be picking from our large garden on the farm I grew up on. I went straight into floristry from school and was traditionally trained. I moved to Wanaka and my sole focus had been…
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Field of Roses - Zoe Field
Field of Roses is a small flower farm and floral design studio led by farmer/florist mother and daughter duo Zoe and Sue Field. Nestled in the beautiful Waingake Valley just outside of Gisborne, New Zealand. Field of Roses was established in 2012 after Zoe had an idea to plant a field of roses on...
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Clifton Blooms Flower Farm
Clifton Blooms is a flower farm located by the beach and among the gum trees in southern Tasmania. The farm was established in 2021 by Kate Dixon.Kate grows a mix of Australian natives, South African natives as well as interesting perennials and annual flowers.Clifton Blooms supplies flowers...
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Caldera Flower Farm - story and their experience with the new bio sanitation laws.
‘ Carlie and Matt grow seasonal, open field cut flowers on their 5 acre property located in Upper Crystal Creek on Bundjalung country. They grow their flowers based on regenerative agriculture and no till principles. They don’t use nasty chemicals and enjoy building beautiful, healthy soil with...
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Three Valleys Flower Farms
A COLLABORATION OF FOUR FLOWER FARMERSWe are Three Valleys Flower Farms, a collaboration of flower farmers located across Cardrona, Maungawera and the Lindis valleys in the Upper Clutha Basin.With a love for all things floral we are passionate about growing stunning seasonal blooms. We are...
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Ball Australia - Importation of seeds and the changes within bio security.
Ball Horticultural Company Australia is part of a global family of breeders and researchers providing the Australian horticultural industry with the most commercially viable and innovative plants from around the world.Ball Australia offers a daily national distribution of quality seed and...
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Little Forest Garden
I’m Lizzy and I’m based 10km south of Cressy in theNorthern Midlands of Tasmania. I’m an avid gardener and have begun supplying seasonal homegrown blooms to local florists in recent years. My area of speciality is dahlias. I grow my flowers in our large cottage garden on my parents 770 hectare…
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Atkins Farm
Atkins Farm is located in Meadows, 50 minutes from Adelaide nestled in the Adelaide Hills. Atkins Farm has been owned by the same family for three generations who have worked the property as a sheep and potato farm. The current owners Tim and Monika McArthur have reinvigorated the farm, bringing...
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Nourish Gardens
hristy owns and operates Nourish Gardens, a small scale intensive cut flower farm and education centre on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Nourish Gardens provides sustainably grown cut flowers to florists, wholesalers and direct to the public, and has been established for seven years. We specialise…
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Big Sky Flower Farm
Big Sky Flower Farm is located in an up and coming area in the Adelaide Hills amongst vineyards, strawberry farms, orchards and farming land.Owner Jane lives on the 10 acre property with her husband, 2.5 year old and 5 month old sons as well a couple of horses, goats, dogs, cats, chickens and...
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September Peony Farm
Charlotte and her mother Kim established a cut flower farm in 2021 following a small trial period with peonies. Their farm is located in the granite belt roughly 40 minutes north of Tenterfield and 20 minutes outside of Stanthorpe on the border of Queensland and New South Wales. Charlotte’s love…
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Serenade Farm
Serenade Farm is the realisation of a lifelong dream for Rebecca & Jon who moved to their piece of paradise 6 years ago to seed their organic farm on an old avocado orchard. They are situated on the top of the rainforested Tamborine Mountain, in the Good Coast hinterland.Working in harmony with...
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Arcobaleno Farm
Arcobaleno Farms is a flower farm located about half an hour from Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, Situated on what was once a soldier settlement property and a dairy farm, The farm grows a wide range of seasonal field grown cut flowers which are sold via the flower market in Epping....
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Maya Linnell - Bonus Episode.
From country show baking to raising orphaned lambs, bestselling author Maya Linnell writes about the life she lives and loves. A keen bookworm, wannabe flower farmer and former rural journalist, Maya also hosts a monthly online show called Library Lovers, for the digital app Libby OverDrive. She...
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Northern NSW Flood Episode
Tara from Olive Gap Farm shared her experience and the stories of those around her who have lost everything. https://www.floodhelpnr.com.au/ is the organisation that Tara has shared with me.
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Collector Cottage
Rachel began teaching Languages in 1994. She was a school teacher for 20 years before changing career paths. Rachel started two business between 2013-2018 and met husband Dean. In 2018, Rachel and Dean purchased their 2000 sqm block and relocated a 1920’s federation home to commence a new…
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Mount Vincent Flower Farm
Mount vincent flower farm is a Micro Flower Farm located in mulbring in the Hunter Valley, nsw. Following organic practices to grow chemical free, bee friendly, frog friendly flowers to sell to the local community.
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Redlands Fresh Flowers
Redlands Fresh Flowers is Family run and owned. Dave Nijjar and his son have been in the Redlands for the past 3 decades growing quality fresh flowers and foliage. Dave and Jas share the business operations with their sons Jatinder, Lakh, Jas and Jatinder’s wife Mandeep.Dave and Jatinder know how...
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Quite Contrary Flower Farm
Mardi is the dreamer behind Quite Contrary Flower Farm, located an hour east of Melbourne on the fringe of Gippsland where the city meets the country. Local, Abundant and Whimsical are the words Mardi uses to describe the flowers that she grows on the family farm alongside her husband, parents,...
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Pretty Produce
Pretty Produce is a multi-nationally award-winning edible flower farm driven by Simone Jelley. It has been in existence since 2014 and it was birthed from a new found obsession with gardening, the FIRST ever foray into gardening. During this time, Simone started researching edibility of plants,...