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Dish the Dirt
The stories behind the flowers, flower farmers sharing their stories, knowledge and insightas in to the industry. With special flower friend guests.
Latest episode
Meadowbrook Flower Farm - Brookes story.
41:15|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.Brooke shares how flower farming became the anchor she needed during motherhood, a FIFO lifestyle, raising a child with Williams Syndrome, and the isolation of early COVID. What started with a handful of Aldi dahlias, a cottage garden, and a suggestion to “go for a walk and listen to a podcast” has grown into a thriving, seasonal farm that reflects her resilience, curiosity, and huge heart.This episode is rich with learning, laughter, and the kind of honesty that reminds us why Dish the Dirt exists: to celebrate the growers, the stories, and the small everyday triumphs happening on farms across Australia.As the final episode of the year, it feels fitting, grounding, and full of hope. Thank you to every listener who has tuned in, shared an episode, spread the word, and supported local flower farmers in 2025. This community is a gift.🌿 What We Talk AboutHow Brooke discovered flower farming through motherhood and a well-timed podcast recommendationBuilding a flower farm around FIFO schedules & family lifeMoving from a 120-year-old cottage to six acres of possibilityFloods, droughts, crickets, windbreaks & the unpredictable reality of farmingHer love for bulbs (especially gladioli!) and planning crops around life, not perfectionSoil regeneration, composting & reducing inputsThe power of showing up at conferences and finding your flower farming “village”Overcoming imposter syndrome and claiming the title “farmer”Community dinners, local networks & the importance of women supporting women💐 Brooke’s Quick-Fire Answers3 things she’d take if she had to leave quickly:Her zero-turn mowerA sunflower head for seedsA handful of trusty snipsOne flower to repopulate an empty island:Bells of Ireland (or Gladioli!)Flower hero:Lisa Mason Ziegler ✨ End-of-Year NotesThis is the final Dish the Dirt episode of 2025. Thank you for:every listenevery shareevery messageevery time you’ve supported a grower featured on the showYour support builds this community, lifts up our growers, and keeps these stories alive. I can’t wait to bring you more voices, more farms, and more beauty in 2026.📣 Connect with BrookeAdd any links here if you’d like @meadowbrookeflowerfarm
More episodes
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The story of Mountain Nursery with Paul Dalley
49:13|Key topics:Diversifying crops and sustaining staff year-roundProtected cultivation and the benefits of greenhousesExporting Australian flowers to Japan and beyondCollaboration, community, and why sharing knowledge mattersAdapting to climate change and investing in renewable energyMentioned:Wildflowers AustraliaAgriFutures research libraryEast Coast Wildflowers and the growers who inspire him🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.Hunter Flower Collective – Building Community in the Hunter Valley
47:49|Guests: Elsa from Hunter Forage & Madeline from Mount Vincent Flower FarmIn 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 collective began — and the joy of growing from five friends to 31 members🌸 The challenges and creativity of micro-scale flower farming on residential blocks🌿 How connection, collaboration, and shared learning have become their biggest strengths💧 Dealing with floods, pests, and limited space — and finding resilience through community💐 The importance of supporting local florists and fostering strong grower–florist relationshipsThe Hunter Flower Collective is proof that big things grow from small beginnings — and that when flower farmers come together, they can change the landscape of their region.Connect with the Hunter Flower Collective:Instagram → @hunterflowercollectiveElsa → @hunter_forageMentioned in this episode:The Harvest (Hunter Valley’s local flower hub)Grow Not FlownEarthenry Flower Farm (TAS)Springview Irises – The Beauty of Bearded Blooms
49:35|Guest: Caitie O’Grady – Springview Irises, Ebden VICHost: Rebecca NobleNestled 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 planting flowers in her childhood sandpit to running a thriving iris farm known for its colour, character, and care. We talk about:🌸 The story behind Springview Irises and its stunning lakeside setting🌸 Growing bearded irises for Australia’s climate — from soil to frost🌸 Why irises are far more than just purple, yellow, and white🌸 The joy of open days and connecting with people through flowers🌸 The importance of supporting small, family-run flower farmsFollow Caitie’s journey:🔗 springviewirises.com.au📸 Instagram & Facebook: @spring_view_irisesFrom Garden Dreams to Flower Farming Reality – Belinda’s Story
54:49|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 farmThe challenges and opportunities of farming in a cool, frosty climateWhy dried flowers became a key part of her business modelThe importance of community, mentorship, and investing in the business of farmingHer biggest successes, learning curves, and advice for new growersBelinda’s story is one of bravery, resilience, and building a business with heart. Whether you’re a grower, florist, or flower enthusiast, you’ll take away plenty of inspiration.✨ Connect with The Flowering Field: @the_flowering_field ✨ Follow Dish the Dirt: @_dishthedirt_From Shopping Queen to Flower Farmer – Kathy’s Journey with Plumtree Floral Farm
41:47|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 traded city life for gumboots and flower fields. Since moving to the subtropics, Kathy and her husband have faced drought, floods, cyclones, and endless curveballs from the weather. But through resilience, adaptability, and passion, they’ve built a flourishing flower farm that continues to grow and evolve.In our conversation, Kathy shares:🌸 The bold decision to leave Sydney and start a new life on the land🌸 How she fell in love with growing flowers (and why chrysanthemums have stolen her heart)🌸 The challenges of farming in the subtropics and learning to adapt to climate extremes🌸 Shifting from retail to wholesale and her vision for expanding the farm🌸 Why she believes it’s so important to educate consumers about imported vs. local flowersKathy’s energy and honesty make this such a special episode—you’ll walk away feeling uplifted and inspired to follow what makes your heart sing.Connect with Plumtree Floral Farm:Instagram: @plumtreefloralfarmFind out more about the Flower Summit @theflowersummitBuilding The Harvest – A Grower–Florist Click and Collect in Newcastle
01:01:03|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.