Episode 3: The Art of Flower Farming
APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
Lessons in Letting Go and Embracing Nature:
With Paul Matalucci of Apple Core Farm and Cut Flowers
In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia welcomes her friend Paul Matalucci of Apple Core Farm and Cut Flowers to share his inspiring journey into flower farming. Paul, a self-proclaimed “flower floozy,” has always had a deep love for flowers and a desire to grow them. After a successful career in corporate communications, Paul and his husband made the decision to pursue their dream of owning a flower farm in Hood River, Oregon.
“My favorite flower is the last one I looked at.”
-Paul Matalucci, Apple Core Farm and Cut Flowers
Paul shares how he transitioned from gardening in a small backyard in San Francisco to managing a four-acre flower farm in Hood River. He discusses the challenges he faced in adapting to the larger space and the learning curve of flower farming. Despite the initial overwhelm, Paul found his passion in creating magical moments for people at the farm, particularly through bouquet-making workshops.
The conversation delves into the importance of choosing flower varieties that thrive in your local climate and the benefits of buying locally grown flowers. Paul emphasizes the joy and satisfaction of providing customers with freshly picked, high-quality blooms that can last for weeks compared to flowers that have been shipped long distances.
“The biggest thing is try to find out how much work there is to do before you dive in.”
-Paul Matalucci, Apple Core Farm and Cut Flowers
Listeners are encouraged to explore their own passion for flowers, whether through backyard gardening or considering flower farming as a potential career. Paul advises aspiring flower farmers to be aware of the physical labor involved and to start small, gradually expanding as they gain experience and knowledge.
“Flower farmers create joy and you can’t have too much of that.”
-Paul Matalucci, Apple Core Farm and Cut Flowers
Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about the joys and challenges of flower farming. We hope this episode inspires you to let your own backyard garden bloom and support your local flower farmers.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- 00:04:00 – Paul’s journey into flower farming and his background in gardening
- 00:06:13 – Growing zone and greenhouse capabilities in Hood River
- 00:08:35 – Paul’s favorite flower to grow and work with
- 00:21:45 – Lessons learned from flower farming and the importance of experience
- 00:25:09 – Starting small and the importance of realistic expectations
- 00:27:04 – Finding a niche and focusing on what brings joy
- 00:29:59 – Overcoming challenges and the importance of adaptability
- 00:32:09 – The benefits of buying locally grown flowers for customers and the community
- 00:38:09 – The importance of letting go and accepting the unpredictability of nature
- 00:49:19 – Advice for those interested in starting a cut flower garden or flower farm
- 00:52:58 – The joy and community impact of supporting local flower farmers
Paul’s Favorite Siberian Iris To Grow:
- Blueberry Fair
- Cape Code Boys
- Paprikash
- Sugar Rush
- Swans in Flight
Paul’s Favorite Tall Bearded Iris To Grow:
- Gitano
- Gypsy Lord
- Montmartre
- Slovak Prince
- Stairway to Heaven
Learn more about Paul Matalucci and Apple Core Farm and Cut Flowers
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Discover More Episodes Of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast:
Growing Cut Flowers In A Vineyard
How a female flower farmer in the Columbia Gorge is growing cut flowers in a vineyard and quadrupled the value of every linear foot.
Soil Health for Flower Farmers
A soil agronomist on what’s beneath your feet, why compost isn’t the fix-all for soil health for flower farmers, and the mantra she taught me when my own land needed healing.
Graeme Corbett: Life In Bloom
Graeme Corbett left a TV career in London for a cutting garden in Kent. His story is a roadmap for anyone wondering if a career pivot to flowers is possible.
