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.We dive into how a simple idea—bringing growers together under one roof—has grown into a supportive community that’s making local flowers more accessible, profitable, and sustainable. From collaborative crop planning to navigating pricing, mentoring new growers, and strengthening relationships between florists and farmers, Sarah and Ash share the challenges, wins, and unexpected joys of starting The Harvest.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Sarah’s journey from a packet of zinnia seeds to a thriving micro flower farm.Ash’s path from weddings to coaching florists and championing local flowers.The origin story of The Harvest—how convenience sparked community.Why visual ordering platforms like Floralist are game-changing for florists.The importance of collaboration over competition in small-scale flower growing.How The Harvest is helping growers become more strategic, profitable, and connected.Environmental and creative impacts of choosing locally grown blooms.Practical advice for anyone wanting to set up a similar model in their own community.Links & Resources Mentioned:Quail Cottage (Sarah’s flower farm) @quayle.cottageFilm and Foliage (Ash’s Floristry Business) @filmandfoliageFloralist platform✨ If you’ve ever dreamed of creating stronger connections between florists and growers—or are curious about how local flower collectives work—this episode is full of insight and inspiration.
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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 Wales, where she now works full-time, surrounded by the beauty and challenges of flower farming.Hannah’s enthusiasm for Australian natives, her involvement with Wildflowers Australia, and her commitment to sharing knowledge are shaping her into a strong voice for the future of the industry. We talk about:How her upbringing and education inspired her career in flowersLife and work at Bush Roses — from early mornings to busy harvestsThe unique beauty and value of Australian native flowersHer role in Walk on the Wild Side, an event connecting growers and floristsWhy collaboration and education are essential for the industry’s futureIf you’re passionate about Australian-grown flowers, curious about how to start in the industry, or simply love hearing from people who are making a difference, you’ll find this conversation both inspiring and energising.Links & Resources:Connect with Hannah on Instagram: @agriculturalifeLearn more about Bush Roses: @bushrosesDiscover Wildflowers Australia: https://www.wildflowersaustralia.com.au/Event: Walk on the Wild Side – https://www.wildflowersaustralia.com.au/Subscribe & Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Dish the Dirt and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the incredible stories behind Australian flowers.
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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 grounded in sustainability, seasonality, and storytelling.We explore Elissa’s journey into floristry, from the spark that was lit at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, to her formative time working on the flower farm at Fleurs de Lyonville, and the creation of her own floral studio, Larkspur Flowers.What we chat about:🌿 How permaculture and landscape design inform her floristry🌷 The emotional and sensory experience of flowers — and how scent guides her creative choices💐 Working with local, seasonal, and native Australian flowers🌱 Her relationship with flower farmers and the local growing community📚 The importance of education, gentle guidance, and learning from nature🌸 Trusting in the process — and what tulips taught her about patienceElissa’s story is one of slowing down, paying attention, and building a floral business with purpose.Links + Mentions:– @larkspur.flowers– @fleurs_de_lyonville– Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show🎙️ Follow @dishthedirt for more episodes celebrating Australian flower farmers and florists.💚 If you loved this conversation, please rate and review the podcast — it helps us grow and share more local stories!
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Northern NSW Flood episode
Janelle from Bryon bay Organic Flower Farm shared her story of the flooding and offers advice on how we can help farmers to rebuild. “We have owned this farm for 96 yrs and so 4 generations of our family have farmed here. .
Our farm is 120 acres of undulating land , 6 km from Byron Bay. Our ancestors came to Australia in 1890 and had other farms before this one . They were all farmers on all sides of my family . I tried to escape and be a Science teacher but the farm spell drew me back to grow flowers “
We go in search of flower farmers, to share their knowledge, passion and insights into the flower industry. Having fun along the way! It's going to be blooming fabulous. Season 2025 coming soon.
Australia