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Growing Flowers and Fighting for Change with Grateful Gardeners

 

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From Law and Neuroscience to Growing Flowers

In this BB Podcast episode (No. 125 & No. 126), we’re visiting with Sarah Daken and Tom Precht, founders of Grateful Gardeners, an organic cut flower farm, and Floraponics where they’re revolutionizing the US floral industry through the power of aquaponics in Montgomery County, Maryland.

After 21 years as an attorney, Sarah found herself burned out and unfulfilled. She found solace in the garden. Along with Tom, she began growing zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers. What started as a small hobby quickly blossomed into a full-fledged business.

Tom transitioned from his neuroscience background to a career in sales, and eventually to flower farming, driven by a passion for the environment. His scientific background led to the development of a unique aquaponics system for growing flowers, combining sustainability with innovation. Despite initial skepticism, Tom’s determination paid off, securing significant grants to expand their aquaponics system and move to a larger property.

In Part One of our interview Sarah and Tom share the numerous challenges they’ve faced in securing funding and navigating the agricultural landscape, highlighting systemic issues that many farmers encounter. They are committed to advocating for better support systems for farmers, sharing their experiences to help others navigate similar challenges.

In Part Two of our interview, Tom takes us on a deep dive into the use of aquaponics in cut flower growing.

Join us as we chat with Sarah & Tom about:

  • implementing sustainable farming practices and an aquaponics system
  • the challenges of securing funding and grants for agricultural ventures
  • advocating for systemic change in agricultural funding and support
  • the importance of community and environmental impact in farming
  • navigating bureaucratic hurdles in the agricultural sector
  • their vision for a more equitable and supportive agricultural landscape
  • the importance of seeking fulfillment in life and career choices

Coral zinnia flowers grown by Grateful Gardeners organic flower farm in Maryland

Links mentioned in this episode:

Pink and peach bicolor cosmos flowers grown at Grateful Gardeners flower farm

Aquaponic greenhouse in a field of flowers at Grateful Gardeners organic flower farm in Maryland

Connect with Grateful Gardeners:

Colorful arrangement of organically grown flowers from Grateful Gardeners flower farm in Maryland

TODAY’S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

MADRID FLOWER SCHOOL

Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. And watch for the Annual Madrid Blooms Floral Design Congress!

Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (BB + Bloom Trust Co.) & Natalie Gill (Native Poppy)

BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Joel McGee

Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee


If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy our visit with Laura & Dawson, owners of Roam Flora.  Click here to listen.

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