Episode Details

https://youtu.be/-5Orqho8D14?si=IS52JfiTWRg8Fybi Expert tree growers Chris Robinson of My Patio Tree and designer Anne Bradfield of Analog Floral recently joined me to share their insights on how florists and wedding and event designers can integrate flowering trees into their menu of services. Analog Plant Rental is the sister company to Anne's Seattle-based design business, Analog Floral, which she’s operated for more than two decades. As a spinoff company, her plant-and-tree service primarily supports corporate conferences and events -- and the venture has really taken off. After My Patio Tree joined Slow Flowers as a major sponsor for 2026, It only seemed natural to bring Anne and Chris together for a conversation about the economic potential of bringing trees into the floral world! Our conversation will give you lots of great ideas for your floral enterprise – whether you’re a grower or a designer! Flowering lilac tree from My Patio Tree As I said in my opener, this episode brings trees, specifically flowering trees, into the world of floral design. I’ve long been curious about Anne Bradfield’s foray into tree and plant rentals, a service she added to her established floral design studio, Analog Floral. When My Patio Tree joined Slow Flowers as a major sponsor of our programs, the timing was perfect to invite tree-growing expert (and co-founder of My Patio Trees) Chris Robinson to join Anne and me for some inspiring tree talk! Tree rentals from Analog Plant Rentals Anne Bradfield will introduce us to her business and discuss why and how she decided to add plant and tree rentals to Analog Floral. As Analog Plant Rentals, she’s essentially formed a sister business to serve a new channel of customers. Anne also discusses how trees and plants meet the needs of mostly corporate clients for special events, parties, openings, and conferences. We also touch on who her customers are and key considerations for selecting and caring for trees that will be rented; then stored; and then rented again? Quick Fire (R) Tree Hydrangea from My Patio Tree Chris introduces us to the story of My Patio Tree, a second-generation tree nursery based in McMinnville, Oregon, as he shares how flowering trees became a specialty. We’ll also discuss what types of flowering trees are available and what they bring to the garden and patio space – as well as their potential for decorating weddings and event installations. There are, of course, care and feeding recommendations to be aware of anytime you bring nature indoors, so take note and be prepared to do your homework if this new business channel sounds appealing. This episode was originally recorded and shared as a bonus educational session for the Slow Flowers WORLDWIDE Summit held at the end of January. I was so inspired by our conversation that I wanted to share it with the wider Slow Flowers community as a podcast episode. I know this topic resonated with those who sat in during the Summit. One Slow Flowers member who hosts boutique weddings on her property commented: “Wow, this is so exciting! I will talk to the local tree growers in my area and see if they will rent.” Another reminisced about using plants and trees for her own wedding ceremony – plants that later helped create the basis for her garden. And a third guest asked what we were all thinking – when can we get a tour to visit My Patio Tree? The answer is YES – we will schedule something; most likely in late August in conjunction with other tours taking place around the green industry Farwest Show in Portland, so stay tuned! Find and follow:Analog Floral on Instagram My Patio Tree on Instagram and Facebook SLOW FLOWERS PODCAST LIVE I’m getting super excited about Slow Flowers Podcast LIVE at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival -- February 18-21, 2026. For the first time ever, you are invited to join the studio audience to watch and listen during a recording of the Slow Flowers Podcast. Meet four Slow Flowers Members who will be in Sea