Episode 762: Sarah Nayani of Grow Girl Seattle on teaching gardeners how to plan and plant their backyard cutting gardens

In this episode of the Slow Flowers Podcast, host Debra Prinzing interviews Sarah Nayani, founder of Grow Girl Seattle, an urban farmer-florist who empowers home gardeners to create thriving cutting gardens in small, city spaces. Sarah shares her journey from growing flowers on her driveway and sidewalk during the pandemic to building a hybrid business focused on plant sales and educational workshops. She emphasizes sustainable, small-space gardening techniques, such as using raised beds in driveways and sheet mulching, and teaches gardeners how to plan for seasonal blooms, incorporate pollinator-friendly plants, and experiment with unique varieties like sweet peas and scabiosa. Her work bridges the gap between professional floristry and home gardening, making cut flower cultivation accessible and joyful. Sarah also highlights the importance of community collaboration, such as partnering with local potters and growers, and the growing consumer interest in growing their own flowers as part of a deeper connection to nature and local food systems. The episode underscores a broader trend in the floral industry: the rising demand for home-based cut flower gardening, fueled by post-pandemic interest in self-sufficiency and sustainability. Sarah’s business model—centered on teaching, plant sales, and community events—demonstrates how a passion-driven lifestyle can evolve into a meaningful, low-pressure side hustle. Her emphasis on experimentation, seasonal rhythms, and the joy of growing for oneself resonates with gardeners seeking both beauty and purpose in their backyards. The conversation also touches on the value of local sourcing, the art of floral design, and the importance of supporting small-scale growers and designers. Ultimately, Sarah’s story is a testament to how urban gardening can foster ecological resilience, personal fulfillment, and community connection.