The Fresh Bunch
The Fresh Bunch (formerly '2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers') is your all-access pass into the wild and wonderful world of flowers. Hosted by Michael Black, Mimi Pacheco, Ryan Black, and producer, Joel, keeping us sounding fresh—we bring you unfiltered conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the floral industry’s trends, challenges, and characters. From flower fails to petal-powered success stories, each episode blends laughs, insights, and special guests from all corners of the flower world. It’s part podcast, part therapy, and all fresh—welcome to The Fresh Bunch - a Jet Fresh Flowers podcast.
The Fresh Bunch
Ep. 184 - Roses, Tweedia & Strawberries: Janet & John Louie of Green Valley Floral
This week on The Fresh Bunch, we sit down with the inspiring mother-and-son grower duo, Janet and John Louie of Green Valley Floral—a proud third-generation Japanese American flower farm in Salinas, CA, cultivating beauty since 1973.
From an 8-year hiatus in the Outstanding Varieties Competition to coming back strong with multiple ribbons—and the coveted People’s Choice Award for their stunning Tweedia—the Louies share their family’s remarkable journey. Janet and John talk about sourcing varietals in Japan, John’s leap from finance back to farming, and the artistry of growing everything from roses to gerberas.
We also dig into their sister strawberry farm (including the right way to eat a strawberry), solar-powered greenhouse innovation, and the challenges of water and labor. Above all, they reveal how they train for efficiency, work with purpose, and honor every member of their team.
It’s a podcast of passion, and family legacy—and a glimpse into domestic floral farming.