Episode 609: Falling in love with a country farm and building a life around flowers with Abby Matson of Diddle & Zen
Summary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CielTmxu9gA<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Last month you met Jessie Witscher of Understory Farm as we discussed how she and her partner Gregory Witscher grow masses of cut flowers to sell through wholesale channels.<br> <br> <br> <br> Debra Prinzing (left) and Abby Matson (right) at Green Mountain Floral Supply (c) Jenna Brisson <br> <br> <br> <br> I met Jessie when we both participated in the Spring Educational and Workshop Series presented by Green Mountain Floral Supply in Burlington, Vermont. I called that March event a Slow Flowers love fest because it brought me together with Tom and Kim Jennings, owners of Green Mountain; Jayson Munn, seminar coordinator; Holly Chapple, who taught floral design and business workshops for three days -- and two local Slow Flowers members, Jessie and today's guest, Abby Matson of Diddle & Zen.<br> <br> <br> <br> Diddle & Zen flowers<br> <br> <br> <br> So today, I'm going to share the conversation I recorded while I was in Burlington, with Abby Matson of Diddle & Zen. I'm so happy to introduce you to her and share her story. Abby and her husband/partner Derek Matson own a beautiful flower farm in Panton, Vermont, not too far from Burlington.<br> <br> <br> <br> Diddle & Zen flower farm, Panton, Vermont<br> <br> <br> <br> Writing on their website, Abby says: "We have a passion for the beauty of Vermont and its community. We are committed to sustainable practices and supporting small, and local businesses. We create naturally inspired floral designs that are influenced by traditional elegance. Our floral design services are available for events other than weddings too."<br> <br> <br> <br> Inside the Diddle & Zen farm store<br> <br> <br> <br> Derek and one of the couple's beloved Weimaraners<br> <br> <br> <br> To be honest, Abby's story is one of serendipity and spontaneity. She and Derek made a radical change in their lives, buying a picturesque farm in Vermont and moving there from Colorado just prior to the arrival of the COVID 19 pandemic. You'll love hearing how they have shaped a flower-filled life for themselves and their beloved Weimaraners, Gunnie and Ghost.<br> <br> <br> <br> Popular farm tours at Diddle & Zen (c) Elisabeth Waller Photography<br> <br> <br> <br> When Abby and I recorded this conversation, she knew she had a lot of things planned around Mother's Day flowers and promised to circle back with the details. Here's how Diddle & Zen is sharing flowers with their community: <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> They are partnering with Matryoshka's Bakery to offer a flower/cookie bundle at both the Diddle & Zen farm store and at Matryoshka's, which known for beautiful macarons with incredible flavor combos. <br> <br> <br> <br> Diddle & Zen will also collaborate with Stephanie Grace Ceramics to offer flower arrangements in her beautiful porcelain vases; and, <br> <br> <br> <br> They have invited Stephanie Brigan Photography to the farm to offer mini photo sessions next Saturday May 13th, which is already sold out. <br> <br> <br> <br> Abby notes: Of course, we'll have the farm store stocked with lots of grab and go bouquets!<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Find and follow Diddle & Zen on Instagram<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Thank you to our Sponsors<br> <br> <br> <br> This show is brought to you by Slowflowers.com, the free, online directory to more than 850 florists, shops, and studios who design with local, seasonal and sustainable flowers and to the farms that grow those blooms. It’s the conscious choice for buying and sending flowers.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Thank you to our lead sponsor, Farmgirl Flowers. Farmgirl Flowers delivers iconic burlap-wrapped bouquets and lush, abundant arrangements to customers across the U.S., supporting U.S.
