Seed sowing season: a good time to reflect on how small businesses focus on more than just turnover
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- Опубліковано 15 лют 2024
- I'm a flower farmer and florist and in mid February I have ten hours of daylight and so seed sowing for the coming season begins in earnest. While I sow seed I reflect on how this lifestyle business chooses which activities associated with flower farming and floristry to engage with. We can't be all things to all people. We can't grow ALL the different flowers there are to grow, so how do we choose? And once we've started choosing, which other activities will we choose NOT to engage with? This is why we don't do Valentine's flowers.
I hope this session inspires you to sow some seed but also to think about what YOUR business, whatever its focus, is for, and how you choose between activities you LOVE and those which bring in good money.
Thank you to Hazel and someone else whose name sadly I didn't write down for encouraging me to think about what constitutes a business which I label a flower farm and floristry business, subjects upon which I riff as I sow the first of the seeds for this season.
And also many thanks to @snapdragonlife whose way of describing the concept of ENOUGH has given me exactly the word for the way I hope to encourage a lot of people to think about their businesses.
Also mentioned here the luxurious wedding florist, friend and near neighbour Caroline Redpath of Fleur Provocateur - do look her up for amazing floristry and if you're looking for the full Fragonard for your wedding or event she is your designer.
Seeds supplied by @higgledygarden2507 , Chiltern Seeds, Seeds of Distinction and Kings Seeds
Have a good weekend all - whatever your business xxx
if you enjoyed this clip and want more detail about sowing seeds, Georgie offers a sowing hardy annuals online demo once or twice a year. For a full list of workshops and demos held by flower farmer and florist Georgie Newbery see here to book your place www.commonfarmflowers.com/pag....
For a discount on website orders, an ad-free version of this clip, all the info re the redesign of the flower farm and the new studio being created in the field, and all Georgie's new clips with extra tips, news and regular live at 5s, do join her UA-cam club. You can join up here: / @theflowerfarmer
If you enjoy the tips and tricks Georgie gives you here, or would simply like to support the channel, the link to her Buy Me a Coffee page is here: www.buymeacoffee.com/COMMONFARM
#lifestylebusiness #flowerfarm #farmerflorist #seedsowing #growflowers #mygardentoday #flowerfarmersyear #businessmanagement #business #businessnews #smallbusiness #sme #microbusiness #floral #floralinspiration - Навчання та стиль
Sadly, some people like to minimize what others do to make themselves feel better. Thank you for being true to yourself and creating lovely videos for us all to watch. I'm myself a small flower grower and agree with you that just growing one thing would be boring. For me, the fun is in the never-ending things to learn about different cultivars and gardening. Don't let the trolls get in your head 🌸
I think it's such an interesting discussion: my business doesn't really fit trad business models but I have to call it something... x
Sounds like Hazel may be a bit bored with her retirement in Spain and she is one of those people who feel the need to try and make herself feel more important than other people by putting other people down. Georgie just keep being your thoroughly interesting and honest self, you are an inspiration to me and thousands of other people. I am semi retired and 61 yrs of age and I am still wishing and hoping to find my small piece of land to start my flower farm something which I have been dreaming of for several years now. At the moment I just love growing flowers to put on my Mum's grave and also give to family and friends. But I love watching your videos because your generosity of sharing your knowledge not only helps me but lots of other people who follow you. You have found the right balance of work and spending time with your family which is the most precious gift there is. I also love watching your videos with you spending time with your Mum, you are both strong women who are a joy to watch. ❤
thankyou so much Glenda x
One of my favourite sayings that I purloined from Mary Poppins is "Enough is as good as a feast". x
Yes! x
I love that your Authentic to yourself and not having to be like everyone eles . I absolutely love all you teach n share with all of us I think your Awesome so sending you many blessings for your Flower Farm from PNW Washington 😊🇺🇸 🇬🇧 👍 🌼 🌻 🌸 🌹
thankyou and hello Washington State xxx
"What is your enough "🎉 scream it from the roof tops !!! Brillant !!!
yes! x
Absolutely! @@theflowerfarmer
I love how you talk to us and laugh and share your spirit. Thank you.
You are so welcome x
You are my hero:) I retire in a couple of months and at 65 will follow my dreams and become a Georgie:) I love your view on life. Thank you so much for sharing
go for it x
Thank you for all you do to keep this "net world" a brighter better place. I hang on every word and I do learn. You are the inspiration for all of "us".
hurrah xxx
What a brilliant post Georgie, I enjoyed every minute of it - thank you so much ❤️
thank you so much Kate x
I agree Georgie. Work life balance is the most important factor in a healthy life. One has to look after one’s self keeping stress to a minimum without Valentine’s Day. A business is better enjoyed, making one’s own choices is key to a happy life style.
true! x
The ‘artisan or boutique’ style business model may not be something a more traditional mindset fully appreciates or understands. Your approach and flexible way of thinking is really the type of thinking that has started during/after the pandemic. It is enlightened and reflective of a new way of thinking about business, our personal impact on the planet and what makes us happy and staying connected to those we love. I love and will always support your type of locally focused and environmentally sensitive business. Georgie, you’re an awesome business owner and a true talent as a florist, farmer, educator and author.
thank you so much xxx
You will motivate me to make just enough money to go on fun vacations wherever I want to look at gardens. I need more of that!!!!! :). That will be my enough.
ah yes! x
I thoroughly enjoy your style and teaching. Your experience is valuable and I've learned so much from you, even though I've been a hobby gardener for 40 years. I so appreciate your concern for the little creatures and the environment. Cheers and Brava!
thank you x
Just found you, another no nonsense rambler after my own heart😊 thankyou for the message of enough and not to be distracted by all the things you could do, focusing on what I CAN do, not what I feel I SHOULD do❤
lol - I'm a keen rambler xxx
I love that you keep your head nice and empty. Made me giggle😂, because Im the same way.
we need space for other stuff xxx
Just fabulous. Thank you George. Loved that! Watched while I packed orders on a Sunday evening after a stunning day in the fields. And it didn’t rain!!! 🙌
brilliant - we have had sooooo much rain! x
I know every clip cannot be “a rambling” clip, but I sure loved this one. It was informative, intuitive, interesting and thought provoking! We should all do “enough”❣️
glad you agree x
I absolutely loved this one. I've run a small business since 2007, and I'm in the process of allowing it to go through a compost and see what is there growing naturally, with little effort, but enough output to be self-sustaining. I've plotted out an 8-week model I'd be happy to run 1-3 times a year, and prior to hearing you, I had concluded that running any course, to me, would be like a weed!
A closed loop that allows those people to continue supporting each other with the grassroots relationships necessary for my area of work, is something I know I can initiate and let loose. So, a big thank you for sharing because it definitely fertilised some seeds I thought were germinating despite my own best efforts to weed my mental garden. They were flowers all along.
(all puns intended)
Great - I like the idea of the creative supportive closed loop - no waste, no packaging, just the important stuff - good luck xxx
I love you feisty spirit, and love that you can make a go at your business by yourself and hubby, my husband found that out after awhile that he didn't want employees, so we chose to live on what he made without hired help and that was a blessing, you go girl, I will always admire your spink❤😊
totally agree - we much prefer to work as a smaller small team of very few x
Thankfully you grow more than one flower! Keep being you Have a fabulous weekend
lol - yes I think so too x
Some wonderful life lessons ❤ thank you 😊
thank you xxx
love your content! Thanks so much for all your advice and ideas.
you're welcome x
Perfect Sunday afternoon viewing and you spoke so much sense (as usual!) Thank you.
thankyou xxx
Love listening to you ramble whilst I am sewing 🧵🤗
ah thank you x
Lololol Hazel, bless you 😂she obviously hasn’t heard the 80:20 thing. Turns out there’s such a thing as working too hard and it will put you in an early grave!
Georgie is the epitome of working smarter not harder 😎 she’s an inspiration especially to people like me who can be very busy doing sod all 🤣
To all those people chasing their tails they should probably take some minutes out of their busy schedule and listen to what she’s got to say, she’s the one taking it easy sowing seeds the day before valentine’s ❤
yes the 80:20 thing is interesting isn't it - though of course one has to keep an eye on the 80 in case we feel like swapping a bit of it in to the 20 while swapping something else out x
What a lovely and extremely interesting and informative post. I am a 'micro grower' and florist who also doesn't do valentine's or mothers day. I enjoyed this very much. Thank you 💞
you're very welcome x
Love the belief in "enough". 😊 I'm an American & support capitalism, BUT... I have said for a number of years that part of what made American businesses, as well as British businesses, flourish were the small family run businesses. They were happy with enough! The business provided a home, food, etc., to live to the standard they desired. Most probably didn't aspire to "greatness" but desired happiness and a comfortable life. (Greediness wasn't allowed!)😊
yes! I am not a fan of the more-for-the-sake-of-more model x
YES HAZEL....😂😂😂 Absolutely loved you today Georgie!! I'm going to start my seeds today, I have a wheelbarrow full of mole compost, I have the goal of not buying in any compost this year. Thankfully the mole population has exploded this winter in my neighbours field.
go for it x
You are such a joy! Thank you 🌸Georgie.
You are so welcome! x
Great video! I myself need to find my own path and narrow it down to what I really enjoy!
go for it x
Lovely video Georgie and as you know have always loved you and your business. Lucky to have been in since very early doors and seen all the changed Still slightly sad that we dont have our fun big floristry days anymore but am very pleased how everything is working out for you
ah those were the days Lorraine - you and me and Sharon and Emily and Andrew - Barra brith slathered with butter, cheese and bacon sausage rolls, Andrew sweeping, you in charge of the packing and the list, the board with the orders slowly being ticked off, not enough room, amazed, again, to find ourselves finishing by 3 pm, at once exhausted and triumphant.... x #dreamteam
Snapdragon Life with Jane is wonderful just found her! Lovely video thank you 💚
Glad you enjoyed! x
I have just joined your club. I totally agree. 🎉 Enough , we need to enjoy ourselves too. Autumn Leaves Just Eve Designs.
great - you're very welcome x
Loved your video...Keep doing what you do ! 🎉
Thank you so much!! x
Thank you!
You're welcome! x
Fabulous.
thank you x
This has been such a good video Georgie. I'm onboard with all your beliefs and can't believe how like-minded we both are....so surprised to hear you voicing all the thoughts and beliefs and I thought they were mine and mine alone ha ha.... Probably the one difference is that I use soil blocks for Ammi and daucus etc to avoid root disturbance.
Thankyou again...I find you most knowledgeable but most of all ......ENTERTAINING !!! 🌺 🌹
I never have a problem transplanting either Ammi or Daucus. I fill 10x20 trays with each.
I never have probs transplanting ammi or caucus either - though I tend to dig up teeny tiny style with a clump of compost round the roots so a bit like a soil plug x
@@theflowerfarmer I let mine get a decent size then take plant and handful of soil and plant in the bed. Mine r bigger than a plug. I did find the 10”x 15” trays from Veseys Seeds Charlottetown PEI just up the road from where I live (in eastern Canada). Am excited to start some of my seed like you do. It will save me some transplanting! Happy Gardening 👨🌾
Yes
glad you agree x
❤
Hello again from Australia!! I love all your videos - very inspiring, especially this video. Well, I was just wondering do you grow your own vegetables and fruit trees? Do you have chickens? I am living vicariously through you at the moment!! If I could find a partner in crime I'd be running to the country and doing what you do and if I could grow my own food, that would be even better. 😁
hello Australia - yes we have fruit and a little veg - not much of either but a bit - I used to have chickens but the fox kept getting them - perhaps one day when the flower farm is less demanding the chooks will return x
Thank you Georgie, lots of great tips, both psychological and practical! In terms of the seed sowing, you said your seed trays go into your greenhouse for germination, is your greenhouse heated or does being covered give them enough heat for germination? Thanks 😊
my greenhouse is barely heated - a tiny bit of warmth in home made propagating beds - I might make a clip... seeds will germinate without warmth but just more slowly xxxx
@theflowerfarmer thank you. I might germinate on the windowsill and then put them straight into a coldframe afterwards then, no greenhouse here!
I hate when people think that we shpuld all fit into a certain box. Its not neccessary! Everyone has their own goals. Everyone lives in a different region, with different customers, etc. & you certainly do t have to sell flowers on EVERY holiday to be successful! I know a lot of flower farmers that spend thousands of $ evety year on tulips but they LOSE money on them hecause they cant sell them at a price in which they actually make a profit. I dont geow tulips for that reason, ajd because I dont have a sales putlet that early on tue year. I sell at tye farmers market, which doesnt start til May. The year I tried to sell them on Facebook was a total bust so i dont do it... 🤷♀️ Doesnt mean Im not able to be successful just beca8se I dont sell them, & because I dont have a florist shop. Smh.
glad you agree with me Elder and Oak xxx
Random questions, where do you get the "under trays" or what kind of shop would one look to find them? I love the colors in your scarf in the first outfit, which one is that one?, what are your top 3 magazines for up and coming floral inspiration and colors? You are so inspiring and I've put the 11th of May on my calendar and will do a plant sale!
the under trays just came from the garden centre - I've had them for years. The scarf is over 50 years old Hermes from a jumble sale - Mum found a heap of them and bought them all and I wear them all the time. I'm not a big magazine reader though I do like Gardens Illustrated, House and Garden, and Country Life which my friend Katie passes on to me when she has them. Good luck with the plant sale - between us all we'll make a valuable difference x
Fab Georgie. I do agree. I ask myself every day.: Why am I doing what I do and what do I want to get from it…. On another note, I believe you said you planted 30 ammi in 1 m². Is this right? I use a 30 cm plant spacing. Can I get them in tighter?
I always plant at about a 20cm spacing - works for me xxx
And imagine if your mono crop failled one year. 😵
It is a learning curve being successful with soil blocks but the amount of compost needed is miniscule in comparison. I'm a teeny tiny flower farm but use blocks for a large proportion of my seedlings, trays for the rest. No need for lights unless used for season extension. Planting out is rediculously easy, but why try to fix something that clearly isn't broken. 😊
totally agree x
HI really enjoyed your clip. Just checking , do I need to give my hardy annuals seeds any bottom heat at this time of year or are they fine to germinate at normal temperatures in my poly tunnel?
you don't need bottom heat - heat will speed up the process that's all x
Hi Georgie,
is this a good time to start Ladys Mantle and fo you have any tips on how to grow it successfully? I have struggled with it!!
much easier to grow split from a parent plant. if you have a friend with some ask if you can cut a little off the edge and plant in your garden. just make sure you have a small amount of root to work with x
thank you 👍
Georgie didn't quite make it to the 15th 😂😂
so nearly! x
Where did you get those green trays?
they are made by a company called Stewart xxx I got them at my local garden centre x
Oops, I meant spunk
I like pink - sounds like a kind of tinkly bell x
I keep waiting for you to pick that bag up and just dump all that dirt in the pans, because its so distracting watching you fill them one handful at a time while I'm hanging on every word you have to say, 😂 trying not to miss a word of it because this video is not about seeds! It's so much more! ❤ Rich in😊 Wisdom
lol - when the camera off I have a great big scoop but hard to chat and scoop at the same time - xxx
@@theflowerfarmerI'm so glad you caught my humor! didn't want to open anybody in a special you❤😂😂😂
All work and no play makes for a very miserable life. We all have limits.
true! x
People are on about shops and business but why fix what not broken do they realise the experience of the down town shop they are closing at the rate of a mile a minute rates rent staffing vat employment liability which has gone up so much in the last 20 years and now heating and lighting which have hiked all over the world it's easy talk about valitine day no matter how you go it Roses 🌹 all the way and it only one day
Setting up shop think carefully out there
I agree - running a physical shop is a brave proposition I think x
I love your vlogs. However I'm depressed when you english vloggers start seed sowing as I'm know summers almost over for us down here!
lol - I felt like that watching you guys in our autumn x
Youtooxxx
thank you x