Growing Heirloom Mums with Steve and Mandy O'Shea of 3 Porch Farm

Growing Heirloom Mums with Steve and Mandy O'Shea of 3 Porch Farm

Author: Scott Shepherd, Host and Flower Educator October 30, 2023 Duration: 1:13:56

For those who might have missed their previous visit to our podcast, let me quickly reintroduce this great duo. They're not just flower farmers; they're visionaries in flower farming, dedicated to being the most sustainable flower shipping option in the U.S. Their mission of "Principles before Profit" has guided their journey from the beginning. Steve and Mandy O 'Shea' s story of 3 Porch Farm is one of shared passions – for sustainable living, renewable energy, and of course, beautiful, farm-fresh flowers.

Today, we're catching up with them to chat about their newest offerings —heirloom Chrysanthemums. Mums have taken a new spotlight in the last couple of years and it's exciting to see an older flower can come to life again. We're chatting about it all including their new partnership with Farmer Bailey.

I'm grateful to have Steve and Mandy share their journey through the pandemic, completely reorganizing their business model, and through it all finding new ways to encourage and inspire other flower farmers and florists with their ideals and flowers.

Learn more about Steve and Mandy and 3 Porch Farm, their past episodes and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com

Listen to the original and bonus episode with Steve and Mandy O'Shea.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live's, and video extras.

Sponsors of The Flower Podcast

ASCFG

Farmer Bailey

Chrysal

Rooted Farmers

Real Flower Business

Accent Decor

The Gardeners Workshop


Scott Shepherd has spent years immersed in the world of blooms, not just as a host but as an educator, and he brings that entire perspective to The Flower Podcast. This isn't just about pretty arrangements; it's a deep, root-level exploration of the entire floral industry. Conversations here weave between the practical realities of running a business and the sheer creative joy found in a garden. You'll hear from the people whose hands are in the soil-flower farmers and growers-as well as the designers, photographers, and entrepreneurs who translate that natural beauty into art and commerce. Each episode features a different voice from this vibrant community, sharing specific knowledge on trends, techniques, and the personal journeys that fuel a life with flowers. Whether you're a professional florist looking for savvy advice, a hobbyist seeking inspiration, or simply someone who appreciates the intersection of nature and enterprise, this podcast offers a unique bouquet of insights. Tune in for genuine, meandering chats that always circle back to a shared passion, revealing the surprising depth and connectivity within the floral world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Flower Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Rethinking Growth with Lindsey Mizock of Pompelmo Floral [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:14
Scott Shepherd sits down with floral designer and grower Lindsey Mizock of Pompelmo Floral to talk about creativity, freelancing, and what it means to intentionally keep your business small. Lindsey shares insights from…
The Science and Art of Plant Breeding with Dr. Keith Hammett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:38
This week, Scott explores the intersection of science and artistry in the world of flower breeding. Dr. Keith Hammett, New Zealand's leading ornamental plant breeder, shares his passion for developing Dahlias, Sweet Peas…
Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas, Micro Flower Farm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:23
Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas Building a new flower farm from the ground up! In this episode, returning guest Galena Berkompas of Micro Flower Farm shares what it's like to start over on a new piece of land in Van…
What Is Your Most Important Tool: Madeline Hooper of Gardenfit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:35
What Is Your Most Important Tool? Madeline Hooper has such a great story. After years in public relations, competing as a ballroom dancer, and teacher she turned her focus to gardening and helping others. Together with h…
Planning for Profit with Jenny Marks, Trademarks Flower Farm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:58
My guest today is Jenny Marks from Clifton Springs New York, a grower and educator who has built her business from the ground up. Jenny runs Trademarks Flower Farm, a productive one-acre farm celebrated for its gorgeous…