Reading Recommendations
I mentioned in my last blog post that I researched growing flowers for almost a year and a half before we actually started. During that time I bought a lot of books and read a lot of online articles. Today I wanted to share the top three books that I have found to be incredibly helpful along with my 2018 reading list.
THE FLOWER FARMER by Lynn Byczynski
Lynn is a pioneer in the industry and in this book she lays everything out. She has 11 chapters covering everything from basics for beginners to arranging and marketing.
I found her chapters on buying and starting plants and growing in the field to be the most helpful. If you are considering growing flowers on any scale you will have immediate benefits from this book.
COOL FLOWERS by Lisa Mason Ziegler
Lets pause for a minute so that I can say...
Favorite...Book...Ever!
This book is small but mighty. Lisa talks about how to grow hardy annual flowers using the cool weather techniques that they love. I tried some of her recommendations last fall and was blown away with the results. It was really neat to look out my window in the middle of winter and see the ground covered in snow with little baby plants directly underneath that snow blanket, thinking to myself, "are they seriously going to survive?" They didn't just survive, most of them thrived. Some flowers like to grow in cool/cold conditions and others are heat lovers. I'm learning all of their preferences as I go along.
If you love to grow your own flowers grab this book. You will be amazed at what you can plant in the fall to have blooms earlier in the spring.
FLORET FARMS CUT FLOWER GARDEN by Erin Benzakein
Erin has become the queen of the flower world. Located in the Pacific Northwest, she makes flower farming look so beautiful and amazing but she is quick to share all of her mistakes and shortcomings that she has experienced along the way.
I love her new book because she has a ridiculous amount of pictures and step by step instruction in it as she takes you through each growing season. She lists different tasks that need to be completed during the different seasons as well as what flowers grow best in her zone and soil.
My reading list for 2018 is a combination of books on business management and growing.
POSTHARVEST HANDLING OF CUT FLOWERS AND GREENS
This book was put into circulation just this year by the Association of Specialty Cut Flowers. I am really excited to sit down and take time to go through this beast! It lists almost 250 different botanicals and gives detailed information of when to harvest, expected vase life, storage temperature and more.
BUSINESS BOUTIQUE by Christy Wright
Christy's goal in this book is to help women step into their God-given talents and make money from it. She covers business strategies, marketing and managing.
LITTLE BETS by Peter Sims
I mentioned this book in my last blog post. It was recommended by my husband. The author hones in on innovators who have been highly successful but have one thing in common. They have learned critical information from lots of little failures and small significant wins.
GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS by Sarah Raven & THE FLOWER FARMER'S YEAR by Georgie Newberry
These two I recently just ordered. They have come highly recommended and I can't wait to delve into what insights and tips these ladies have.
I typically really do not like winter but I can say that I am looking forward to the coming months as I plan and map out the beds for next year and learn as much as I can to make this business thrive.
As always...have a wonderful weekend. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Katie
