Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcast | Spotify
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.
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.
This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. It is being made available in an effort to provide educational information about all things related to floral design and production. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is available for viewing without profit to those who have an interest in reading or viewing the website information for educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. If your copyrighted material appears on this web site and you disagree with our assessment that it constitutes "fair use," please contact us and we will remove it from our site.
Comments: