Episode Details

https://youtu.be/NkUs5zQIaCQ?si=r8yE4x6setQ4Zpud In anticipation of my visit to FAM Flower Farm during last month’s Slow Flowers Tulip Tour in Holland and Belgium, I invited floral entrepreneurs Linda van der Slot and Marlies Weijers to join me on the Podcast. Friends since age 12, who married into Dutch tulip bulb and dahlia tuber-producing families, respectively, Linda and Marlies left careers of their own to form FAM Flower Farm nearly a decade ago. Their goal was to bring a feminine touch to a global floral industry – producing and selling bulbs, not for brokers and distributors or via the famous Dutch flower auctions, but for home gardeners, flower enthusiasts and tulip and dahlia lovers across Europe. By sharing their floral lifestyles and encouraging people to “Grow Your Own Happiness,” the partners quickly became Instagram darlings, with nearly 200k followers. Our tour group, which I co-led with Lorene Edwards Forkner, was fortunate to schedule a private tour of FAM Flower Farm, located in Holland’s flower bulb region, next to Keukenhof Gardens. Join our visit, followed by my pre-recorded conversation with Linda and Marlies – and catch a glimpse into their beautiful, bloom-filled lives, that they share with the world. Marlies Weijers and Linda van der Slot of FAM Flower Farm For years, Marlies Weijers and Linda van der Slot watched their husbands grow bulbs and tubers, which were then shipped in bulk to wholesalers and exporters all over the world. But they had no idea who would actually end up enjoying those flowers in their garden. That felt like a missed opportunity. So, the women decided to team up and start FAM Flower Farm. They chose “FAM” because it stands for both family and feminine --  with the goal of bringing a fresh, female perspective and connecting directly with fellow flower lovers. Endless rows of tulips at FAM Flower Farm With a mutual love for flowers, shared on Instagram, through FAM Flower Farm’s inspiration-packed website and an online shop for tubers, bulbs, and seeds, the small enterprise has exploded. Their goal was to showcase the stunning variety of the flowers they grow, the vibrant colors, the blooming fields, and the heart of family businesses. All with our own feminine touch, in the photography, the stories, and the packaging. And guess what? It took off! Thousands of flower lovers found their way to us. Our colorful updates were welcomed with open arms, and people began ordering bulbs and tubers to bring that same joy to their own gardens. They visited our fields, shared their photos, and helped spread the word. Suddenly, we were connecting with flower fans all over the world. People we had never met became real faces and voices to us. We could ask them questions, learn what they love, and share tips and ideas. That direct contact with our customers is what we love most. Many are amazed by how easy it is to plant bulbs and tubers—and how long the flowers bring joy, both in the garden and in the home. The Slow Flowers Tulip Tour gathers at FAM Flower Farm on April 22, 2026 Today’s episode is in two parts – first, I filmed an in-person tour and Linda’s presentation when I visited FAM Flower Farm on 22nd, with 37 others as part of our Slow Flowers Tulip Tour to Holland and Belgium. That is followed by a virtual interview I conducted with Marlies and Linda in early April, prior to my visit. Thanks so much for joining me today. You’ll want to watch the replay video of Episode 767 at slowflowerspodcast.com or on our YouTube channel. Thanks to Lois Moss of Tour 2 Explore More, our fantastic tour producer, who initially discovered FAM Flower Farm and arranged for our visit to spend a beautiful afternoon with Linda and Marlies. If you’re planning to visit the region, be sure to check out FAM Flower Farm’s tour calendar – tickets go quickly for April’s tulip tour and September’s dahlia tour! Thank you to our Sponsors This show is brought to you by slowflowers.com, the free, online directory to mor