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  • How to Grow Delphinium for a Cottage Style Garden – Garden Therapy

    How to Grow Delphinium for a Cottage Style Garden – Garden Therapy

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    Add some cottage vibes to your garden this summer by planting delphinium. A tall and elegant flower, they have the perfect combination of wildflower charm and ornamental vibrancy. Learn all about how to plant and take care of delphiniums with this guide.

    Looking to add some more colour to your summer garden? Well, delphinium will happily rise above the rest to provide some rare blue flower colour. Pollinators absolutely adore these flowers, with hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies stopping by to take a look.

    An ornamental plant, delphiniums make for a good backdrop in the garden. They cut wonderfully, bringing some life indoors. They’ve been a staple for many years in perennial gardens, mine included!

    If you’re not convinced already, read on for more beautiful delphinium photos to convince you otherwise!

    Purple Delphinium flowerPurple Delphinium flower
    Delphiniums come in many beautiful jewel tones and whites.

    Delphinium Flower Profile

    Delphinium is the scientific name for over 300 species from the family Ranunculaceae. The flower comes in blue, white, pink, and purple spikes of single or double flowers. Blue delphiniums are by far the most popular of the bunch, renowned for their rare true blue colour.

    Delphinium flowers bloom in mid-summer and once again in late summer or early fall. They can be perennials, biennials, or annuals, but perennials are the most popular delphiniums in gardens. Most people refer to delphinium as a perennial flower, while others refer to larkspur as the annual flower (they’re in the same family, and larkspur is really a type of delphinium).

    Native to the northern hemisphere, you can also find the flower in the high mountains of tropical Africa. They are named after the Greek word delphis, meaning dolphin, as the closed flower buds resemble the nose of the dolphin.

    The delphinium flower represents love, joy, and cheerfulness, likely due to its bright blooms. It’s also the birth flower for July! You can find out more about blue flower symbolism here.

    Delphinium Toxicity

    Delphiniums are poisonous to both humans and animals. Avoid ingesting them at all costs, as it can cause digestion issues and serious discomfort. Some note that it causes skin irritation, so wear gloves when working with your delphinium. The plant is most toxic when young.

    Those who raise livestock should take particular care as wild delphiniums are one of the main causes of cattle poisoning for ranchers in the western USA.

    blue delphinium flowersblue delphinium flowers
    The seeds are also toxic.

    How to Plant Delphinium

    As with many perennials, delphinium can be difficult to grow from seed. It’s best to use fresh seed that is less than a year old for best results.

    When to Plant

    A, early summer blooming flower, you want to plant delphinium in early spring or late fall. You can sow delphinium seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before planting or directly sow them in the ground in early spring (they tend to do better when directly sowed).

    Alternatively, you can also sow the seeds in early autumn. They’re very cold-tolerant and can withstand even the coldest winters.

    pink delphiniumpink delphinium
    Delphiniums can regularly grow to 5 or 6 feet tall when mature.

    Where to Plant

    Delphiniums enjoy cool and moist summers and don’t do well in hot, dry climates. They grow best as perennials in zones 3 to 7.

    Sun lovers, delphiniums need a sunny spot in the garden. Provide them with good air circulation and don’t put them in an overcrowded place in the garden. Try to plant them in a sheltered area as strong winds and heavy rain can knock the tall stocks down.

    How to Plant

    Planting from seed is very easy. Simply sprinkle the tiny seeds and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Space any potted delphiniums 1-3 feet apart. You also want to thin out delphinium seeds after they have sprouted and are about 3 inches high.

    For delphiniums returning for the year, thin them out so there 2-3 shoots on young plants and 5-7 on older ones.

    Most delphiniums are grown as perennials, so you’ll want to space them accordingly.

    All delphiniums, with the exception of dwarf varieties, will need added support such as stakes or cages. Do this in the spring when the plant is about 12 inches high. Otherwise, wind and rain will damage them in one swoop.

    delphinium flowersdelphinium flowers
    Delphiniums are great for perennial beds or back borders.

    Delphinium Care

    Once established, delphiniums are extremely easy to care for. They’re even easier to grow if you buy them as transplants from the nursery! Here’s how to keep them happy.

    Light

    In order to get the best blooms, plant your delphiniums in a location with full sun. This means they will get half a day of sun, at a minimum of 6 hours a day.

    If you live in a hot and dry climate, make sure your delphinium has some afternoon shade. Since they like mild temperatures, they will need some protection.

    Water

    Delphiniums like a fair amount of water, needing hydration when there is no rain. Water throughout the season, and don’t let them completely dry out. However, don’t let the soil become soggy. Nice and moist is ideal.

    purple delphinium stalk bloomingpurple delphinium stalk blooming
    Delphinium prefers moist, well-draining soil.

    Soil

    Most delphinium varieties aren’t too picky about their garden soil. That being said, there’s always an ideal! The goal is to have rich, well-draining soil, that leans towards slightly acidic.

    Delphinium can be heavy feeders, so adding lots of organic material upon planting will help you get some beautiful blooms.

    Pruning

    To encourage a second round of flowers, you will want to deadhead the first round of flowers. Cut the flower spikes back to the small, flowering side shoots.

    In the fall, cut back the entire plant to the lowest leaves after it has finished blooming a second time. Leave the remaining foliage to die naturally during the winter.

    delphinium bloomsdelphinium blooms
    Delphinium will rebloom at the end of summer or early fall.

    Pests and Diseases

    Slugs and snails like delphinium and you may find them lurking on the stalks, especially the young growth.

    Another common issue with the plant is powdery mildew. To avoid both powdery mildew and pests, keep the area as clean as possible and free of debris. Avoid having soggy soil and keep good circulation among your plants with proper thinning and pruning.

    Dividing

    You can multiply your perennial delphinium stash by dividing them. Every 3-4 years during the springtime, remove your delphinium from the ground. You will find the young pieces on the outside. Separate those from the main clump and replant them. Discard the old hard heart.

    growing delphiniumgrowing delphinium
    Divide delphinium in early spring every 3 years or so.

    Cutting Delphinium Flowers

    Delphiniums look absolutely gorgeous when you bring them inside. They make for good cutting flowers, adding vibrancy to the home for 6-8 days.

    As soon as the delphinium has opened, head out with a bucket of water to place your harvested stalks right after cutting. You want to harvest when one third of the stems have opened, typically on the bottom.

    Try to harvest in the morning while it is still cool so the plant isn’t under any stress. Use a sharp, disinfected knife to make clean cuts. Before bringing your stalks inside, check for bugs!

    When placing your flowers in a vase, don’t let any of the foliage sit below the water. Add some sugar and vinegar to the water as some homemade floral preservative. Keep them away from ripening fruit, as they are sensitive to ethylene.

    Place your flowers out of direct sunlight and change the water every couple of days. Make sure to follow the tips in this post about how to make cut flowers last longer!

    And that’s all there is to it! Now you can enjoy their splendour inside or out.

    planting delphiniumplanting delphinium

    FAQ About Delphinium

    Do delphinium spread?

    Yes! Delphiniums tend to double in size in just their first year. It’s a good idea to divide your delphiniums every three years, typically at the beginning of spring as soon as foliage appears. Remove the entire plant, and then divide it into pieces so each section has roots and foliage. Usually, one large clump can be turned into four.

    Do delphiniums rebloom?

    Yes they can, if they have enough time in the growing season. As soon as the first set of blooms begin to wither, cut down the entire flower stalk. Leave the surrounding foliage. New shoots should emerge within a couple of weeks. This works best for mature delphinium.

    What’s the difference between larkspur vs delphinium?

    Colloquially, many people refer to larkspur as the annual version of delphinium. Meanwhile, delphinium refers to the perennial version.

    In reality, the word Delphinium is a genus classification that covers around 300 species of plants. Larkspur can sometimes be used interchangeably at the garden centre, which can make things confusing.

    Some people who use the term larkspur are actually referring to the genus Consolida. They do have similar appearances and growth like habit to delphinium, and are part of the same family Ranunculaceae.

    More Flowers to Plant:

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to Grow Zinnias for a Colourful Garden – Garden Therapy

    How to Grow Zinnias for a Colourful Garden – Garden Therapy

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    If you’re looking for a vibrant, beginner-friendly addition to your garden, zinnias are an excellent choice. With large blooms and a variety of colour and size options, these beautiful flowers are easy to grow and harvest. They’ll look beautiful in your garden and in a vase! If you’re ready to get planting, here is everything you need to know about how to grow zinnias.

    If you’ve ever taken a stroll through a flower garden or even the floral department at your local grocery store, you’re likely familiar with zinnias. Known for their vibrant colours, these flowers are a popular choice for gardeners and florists alike.

    Not only do zinnias come in a variety of colours and sizes, but they are also known for producing multiple blooms. West Coast Seeds recently sent me some zinnia seeds, so you can bet I’m going to be on a zinnia kick here soon.

    So, if you’re like me and want to adorn your dining room table with freshly cut flowers, these plants can provide a magnificent addition to your arrangement all summer long. If you prefer to leave your petals outside, you can even grow zinnias in pots. 

    These hearty, low-maintenance plants are perfect for newcomers looking to grow something beautiful and an old standby for more experienced gardeners. 

    red zinnia flowersred zinnia flowers
    Zinnia flowers come in all kinds of colours and combinations.

    Meet the Zinnia 

    Zinnias are recognizable by their full, round blooms that come in just about every colour under the sun. It was these bright hues that earned them their original Aztec name, which translates to “plants that are hard on the eyes.” Native to Mexico and Central America, the flowers got the name zinnia from German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, who brought the plant to Europe in the 1700s. 

    Now, the zinnia is popular for many reasons. Their colour and size varieties make them a versatile medium for florists and the perfect aesthetic choice for gardeners looking to curate their flowerbeds. They can also help improve the overall health of your garden as they attract pollinators, such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. 

    If you’re looking to take advantage of this easy-to-grow flower, there are many zinnia varieties to choose from. One of my personal favourites is the Oklahoma salmon variety. As the name suggests, these zinnias boast muted pink and peach hues, which make a lovely, warm addition to any garden or bouquet.

    If you’re looking for a more vibrant flower, the yellow flame zinnia might be for you. Its gradient of yellow, orange, and magenta evokes a fiery sunset. The queen series is another popular family of zinnias, available in striking green, red, and purple varieties. 

    how to grow zinniashow to grow zinnias
    Zinnias are annuals, but grow into large plants quick.

    How to Grow Zinnias

    Zinnias are known for being the intro to cut flowers, as they’re quite simple to grow and hardy to cutting. If you’re foraying into growing a cut flower garden, then this is the perfect place to start.

    When and Where to Plant Zinnias

    If you live in a warm climate, you can plant zinnia seeds directly in the ground as long as you wait at least two weeks after the last frost. Here in Canada, I prefer to start my zinnias inside.  When the sprouts are 3-5 inches, they can be planted outside. 

    I found that my zinnia seeds sprouted QUICK. They should be moved outside within three weeks maximum after germinating, as otherwise, they can get leggy. Zinnias tend to be one of my last flowers to sow indoors.

    They are heat and sun lovers, so you don’t want to get them in the ground until things are starting to warm up.

    Whether you start them indoors or plant them straight in the ground, your soil should be well-drained and have a neutral pH. Place your zinnia seeds a few inches apart and press them about ¼ inches into the soil. 

    If you want true-to-seed zinnias, you’ll have to buy them rather than save them.

    Light

    Zinnias require full sunlight, so be sure to place them in a bright location in your garden or yard. They require at least 8 hours of daylight, but more is even better for these light-loving plants.

    I’ve planted them in an area with partial shade before, and the slugs were quick to start munching.

    Water

    While established zinnias can survive mild drought, hydrated plants produce the most impressive blooms. Once zinnias are planted in the ground, they can be watered deeply once a week.

    If you choose to leave them potted, give them a drink when you notice the top inch of soil has dried out. 

    pink zinnia flowerspink zinnia flowers
    Zinnias are pretty low maintenance in terms of cut flowers.

    Pruning

    Pruning is key when learning how to grow zinnias as they are considered a cut and come back flower. This means the more you prune, the more opportunity they have to grow and produce more flowers.

    When the stems reach about 10 inches you can start to pinch the tops of them. Harvesting your zinnias is also a great way to encourage growth. If you prefer to leave the flowers, remove the blooms once they start to droop or dry out.

    zinnia assortment of colourszinnia assortment of colours
    Deadheading will encourage more blooms to grow.

    Common Pests and Diseases

    Zinnias are fairly resistant to pests, but common insects such as aphids and spider mites can occasionally cause damage. Lighter-coloured varieties are more susceptible to pests, so you may want to harvest these flowers earlier in the season to help avoid damage.

    A more common problem with zinnias is powdery mildew, especially in hot and humid areas. Leaving extra space between your seeds can help avoid this problem by providing more airflow. If your zinnias are affected by powdery mildew, baking soda and vinegar solutions can provide a simple and natural remedy. 

    butterfly on zinniabutterfly on zinnia
    Zinnias attract pollinators.

    How to Grow Zinnias in Containers

    If you have limited outdoor space or just prefer to do your gardening in planters, growing zinnias in pots is a great option. Start by selecting a suitable pot. I recommend one that’s at least 12 inches to accommodate the growth of your zinnias. Make sure it has drainage holes.

    Fill your chosen container with potting soil, making sure to dampen it before adding the seeds. Zinnia seeds should be placed a few inches apart and gently pressed into the soil. In two days to a week, your seeds will begin to sprout.

    After 4-6 weeks, you can place your pot in a sunny spot on your porch, garden, or yard, adding water when the first inch of soil is dry.

    how to grow zinnias in containershow to grow zinnias in containers
    Make sure to thin out your seedlings if growing in a pot.

    How to Cut Zinnias

    You can check if your zinnias are ready to be cut by paying attention to the stem. Carefully shake the stem, holding it about 8 inches below the flower. If it bends, your flowers aren’t quite ready to be cut. If the stem is firm and stays upright, cut from the base of the stem.

    When cutting, carry a bucket of water with you so you can place them right in water when harvesting the flowers. Cut in the morning, as this is when the plant is the most hydrated.

    Zinnias are considered a “dirty” flower, so adding a drop or two of bleach to the water can help to keep it clean.

    Once you place them in a vase, your zinnias will provide a beautiful floral arrangement for 7-10 days.

    fresh cut flowers from the gardenfresh cut flowers from the garden
    Refresh your cut flower water every other day to keep them fresh.

    FAQs About Growing Zinnia Flowers

    Do zinnias come back every year?

    Zinnias are annuals, so you’ll need to plant new seeds each spring. Luckily, they’re easy to take care of once you learn how to grow zinnias, and the vibrant blossoms are worth replanting.

    You can also save the seeds from your previous zinnias, and it’s quite easy to do so. After the flower head has almost dried on the stem, cut it and allow it to dry completely on a counter. Separate the papery seeds from the flower head and petals and store them in a cool, dry place for next spring.

    How do I keep zinnias blooming all summer?

    If you want zinnia blooms all summer, I recommend succession planting. During the early summer, plant a new crop every 2 or 3 weeks. This will give you zinnias steadily throughout the season. Also, make sure to stay on top of deadheading to encourage the plant to produce new flowers.  

    How do you keep zinnias short and bushy?

    Pruning is key to caring for zinnias, and it can help achieve the look you’re going for. Once your zinnias grow to about 10 inches, you can pinch the tips of the stems. This will help achieve the bushy look you’re going for.

    Though it might seem counterintuitive, cutting back your zinnia will help encourage growth, so make sure to thin out the plant once it starts blooming. If you’re not planning to cut the flowers for an arrangement, remove dried-up flowers regularly.

    Will rabbits eat zinnias?

    Rabbits do not typically eat these flowers, especially the Zinnia elegans and Z. augustofolio varieties. In fact, zinnias are known to deter rabbits, so if you have a problem with bunnies snacking on your garden, planting Zinnias could be a helpful solution. 

    how to grow zinniashow to grow zinnias

    Zinnias truly are one of the best cutting flowers to grow, being so easy yet so prolific. If you have any more questions about how to grow zinnias, leave them in the comments below.

    More Cutting Flowers to Add to Your Garden!

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to Design a Cut Flower Garden – Garden Therapy

    How to Design a Cut Flower Garden – Garden Therapy

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    A cut flower garden is one of the most rewarding spaces you can grow. I mean, who doesn’t love flowers?! Whether you plan to grow them to enjoy yourself, to give to friends and family, or even to sell and make a profit from, here’s how to start a cut flower garden from scratch.

    Sometimes, I can’t believe that I exist in a world where flowers grow. The fact that these beautiful-looking and even more gorgeous-smelling things exist naturally in nature is nothing short of a miracle.

    While I don’t grow many cut flowers in my garden, I admire everyone who does. Flowers are one of the most in-demand crops and one of the more maintenance-intensive ones. But we can’t deny just how rewarding it is to harvest their blooms!

    Today, I’m featuring one of the best cut flower gardening experts, Lisa Mason Ziegler. She owns The Gardener’s Workshop and has been growing flowers commercially since 1998.

    Her new book, The Cut Flower Handbook: Select, Plant, Grow, and Harvest Gorgeous Blooms, is out now, and it’s an amazing resource for new and old cut flower gardeners alike.

    Without further ado, let’s start designing a cut flower garden.

    The Cut Flower Handbook book coverThe Cut Flower Handbook book cover

    Quotes reprinted with permission from The Cut Flower Handbook: Select, Plant, Grow and Harvest Gorgeous Blooms by Lisa Mason Ziegler © 2024. Published by Cool Springs Press.

    Choosing What Flowers to Grow

    Before you get started with any physical preparations, it’s a good idea to think about what kind of plants you want to include in your cut flower garden.

    Make a list of your dream flowers based on what you want to grow and what can realistically grow in your zone.

    In her book, Lisa describes both warm-season and cool-season annuals. Both complete their lifecycle in a year, but they require different growing conditions.

    “Warm-season tender annuals thrive when planted and grown in warm to hot conditions,” says Lisa. They include flowers such as amaranth, celosia, cosmos, hibiscus, marigold, sunflowers, zinnia, and more.

    “Cool-season hardy annuals thrive when planted and grown in cool to cold conditions,” says Lisa. They include the likes of baby’s breath, bachelor buttons, carnations, feverfew, foxglove, larkspur, poppy, snapdragon, statice, sweet peas, yarrow, and much more.

    Limit how many different types of flowers you grow in your first year or so. Plant only a few types, but plant them in abundance. Really nail down the conditions, timing, and care before you expand. Otherwise, you’ll be overwhelmed.

    Check out this list of the best cutting flowers to include in your garden.

    red velvet yarrow in a cut flower gardenred velvet yarrow in a cut flower garden
    Yarrow comes in many colours and is very drought-tolerant.

    When to Plant Cut Flowers

    It’s important to know whether or not you’re dealing with warm or cool-season annuals so you can plant them at the right time.

    “Planting outside the recommended seasonal weather conditions can result in seeds and transplants that are shocked and stressed, which delays the sprouting and growing process,” says Lisa.

    When you plant seeds too early, you either waste seeds that never sprout or end up with mediocre plants susceptible to disease and pests.

    “Cool-season annuals have varying planting times, depending on the garden’s low winter temperatures,” says Lisa. “Finding the best planting times for your conditions may take a little time and practice, but it is worth it.”

    Don’t skip out on this extra time just because these flowers may not be as straightforward. Some are planted in fall, others in winter, and some in early spring. They can get you some of the year’s earliest flowers.

    As for warm-season annuals, you’ll want to pay attention to frost dates and temperatures. Lisa notes, “The weather signal I wait for to begin transplanting outdoors is the moment when nighttime air temperatures reach 60°F (15.5°C) or above with soil temperature at a minimum of 60°F (15.5°C).”

    Nigella growing in front of lavender in a cut flower gardenNigella growing in front of lavender in a cut flower garden
    Nigella are great cut as a flower but also have aesthetic dried seed pods for arrangements.

    Succession Planting

    I’ve always been a big proponent of succession planting. I use it for many of my annuals, including vegetables. But it’s also one of the best tools to use for a cut flower garden.

    Succession planting is when you stagger planting seeds. So rather than start all your zinnia seeds at once, you start some now, sow more a couple of weeks later, and another batch two weeks after that.

    If you plant everything all at once, they’ll bloom all at the same time. Succession planting allows you to stagger the harvest and make it much more manageable. It will also prevent some of your flowers from going to waste.

    “To practice growing a three-season cutting garden, whether a small bed or an acre, you must remember that, to keep this garden producing and as weed-free as possible, plantings should be pulled once they begin to decline to make way for the next planting,” says Lisa.

    cut flower garden layoutcut flower garden layout
    Dahlia and other bulb flowers can also be great for cutting gardens.

    Choosing a Bed Location

    Realtors and cut flower gardens have one thing in common…they’re always screaming location, location, location!

    If you’re building a bed for your cut flower garden layout, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing the right spot on your property.

    Almost all cutting flowers require full sunlight. You’ll need plenty of sun to get as many blooms as possible, and to keep any disease from thriving in moisty, shady locations.

    It’s also important to make sure your bed is accessible. Cut flowers are not low-maintenance, so you’ll need to make sure you can access them from all sides. Avoid placing your bed next to any structures, as this will make it difficult to access and block valuable sunlight.

    Also, ensure your water source is nearby. You don’t want to have to lug around a hose every time you want to water your flowers or create a tripping hazard thanks to a drip irrigation trail.

    delphinium flowers in a cut flower gardendelphinium flowers in a cut flower garden
    Delphinium comes in all kinds of beautiful jewel-toned colours.

    A Note on Bed Size

    You don’t need much space to have a productive cut flower garden. In fact, when it’s smaller, you pay more attention to it and remember to harvest the flowers often. This results in more productive plants.

    For a beginner cut flower gardener who is growing flowers at home, Lisa recommends having two beds, with each being 3 x 10 ft. (0.9 x 3 m).

     “Narrower beds are easier to reach into the center of and are low where the harvest cut is made, helping prevent us from stepping on the bed during harvesting,” says Lisa. “A 36-inch (90 cm) wide bed works well, with my beds getting narrower as I age to reduce the reaching and bending distance.”

    calendula flowers cutting gardencalendula flowers cutting garden
    Calendula is very easy-to-grow cut flower, as well as a skincare herb.

    Preparing Your Cut Flower Garden Bed

    Most cut flower gardeners grow their flowers in raised beds. “I grow in raised beds because it is easier to improve drainage and soil quality,” says Lisa. “Beds can have either framed sides made with lumber or just mounded soil with no framed sides.”

    You can follow my instructions for a raised bed if you don’t already have one.

    The next most important aspect of a cut flower garden is soil quality. Poor soil conditions can affect output. Flowers require soil with plenty of nutrients, good drainage, and the ability to retain moisture.

    Keeping up soil quality is an ongoing process. Add natural soil amendments and compost, as well as fertilizer, if necessary, to keep up the soil conditions.

    Mulch is also great for feeding the soil, preventing weeds, and retaining moisture. When you disturb the soil, you bring weed seeds to the surface and allow them to sprout. Always apply a layer of mulch afterward to prevent these weed seeds from popping up.

    It’s also a good idea to set up irrigation. While the flowers should be able to tolerate some drought, a watering system will be necessary. Rather than hose everything daily, it’s best to set up irrigation.

    “Low pressure irrigation systems like driplines and T-tape are long lasting, easy to install, and use little water,” says Lisa.

    cut flower garden designcut flower garden design
    Small urban gardens can have a flower stand, like this one by my friend Holly.

    FAQ About Cut Flower Garden Layouts

    How much space do you need for a cut flower garden?

    The recommended bed size for home gardens is 3 x 10 ft. (0.9 x 3 m). Go smaller, but don’t go larger. Anything larger will be difficult to access and maintain. You want to be able to reach all the flowers to allow you to harvest them easily.  

    Can you do a cut flower garden in pots?

    If you plan to grow flowers to sell or for any commercial reason, it will be difficult to grow enough flowers in pots. But as a home gardener, you can grow many of these flowers in pots and cut them to bring inside. Just make sure the pot is deep enough, has quality potting soil, and has drainage holes.

    How do you prepare a bed for cut flowers?

    The more fertile your soil is, the better. Adding in organic amendments such as compost, manure, dried leaves, and green manure will help to increase the soil quality. They increase nutrient levels, retain moisture well, and provide good drainage.

    It’s also recommended to add a layer of mulch. This will prevent weeds from growing and help retain moisture. Landscaping fabric acts in the same way.

    cut flower peoniescut flower peonies

    And that’s everything about setting up a cut flower garden layout! The next steps are to actually start your seeds and care for them. For a complete guide on how to design a cut flower garden and for more resources on specific flowers, be sure to check out Lisa’s The Cut Flower Handbook.

    The Next Steps for Growing a Cut Flower Garden

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Trends in Bulb Gardening

    Trends in Bulb Gardening

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    As with fashion, floriculture also has its trends. Dutch botanist Jacqueline van der Kloet signals two color trends.

    “First we see a tone-on-tone preference; combinations of the same color tone such as bright yellow combined with dark yellow.” One of Jacqueline’s favorite yellow combinations is: yellow Dahlias, Begonias, Buttercups, Chlidanthus and Callas.

    The second color trend goes against the tone-on-tone trend, and involves a more daring use of multicolored species. I see a variegated use of flowers that have more than one color. For instance: red and pink or lavender and blue. Species such as Ixia, Sparaxys, Tritonia and Leuco-coryne are summer bulbs that have two or more colors”, Jacqueline says.

    Professional flower arranger and author of the book: ‘Flowers are almost forever’ Libbey Oliver, also sees Lavish use of colors in the US. Rather than mixing the different colors, she sees grouping of colors and species. “You will see a combination of eucalyptus leave ‘Optimism’s in the middle surrounded by groups of yellow roses, red roses and lilies.”

    Tips from Jacqueline and Libbey

    Less is more

    Finding the right summer bulbs for your garden is a matter of trying. Lesser is better so go for twenty bulbs of two or three species rather than two or three bulbs of twenty species. This will allow you to get familiar with all the characteristics of the species.

    Cut flower corner

    Create a special corner in your garden to plant cut flowers.

    It would be a waste to cut into a wonderful created border in your garden. Choose a sheltered spot: the warmer the spot the better they will grow. For more cut flower tips please go to our Cut Flower Corner.

    Texture

    Combine bulbs with grass and leaves such as eucalyptus. Use cut flowers in different stages as well as different parts of the flower. Think of exotic leaves or nice flower buds.


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    Frederick Leeth

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  • Making family gatherings more memorable with seasonal flower arrangements – Growing Family

    Making family gatherings more memorable with seasonal flower arrangements – Growing Family

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    Collaborative post

    Gatherings have become rare and precious in today’s busy world, where family members are scattered across cities and countries. You can opt for seasonal flower arrangements if you want to set the mood and ambience for these heartfelt events.

    Flowers can affect your mood significantly, enhancing the visual experience and making people feel calmer. Let’s explore how you can use them in your home decor.

    seasonal flower arrangement in a vase

    The benefits of seasonal flower arrangements

    Consider the vibrant vitality of sunflowers and the joyful energy of daisies; each of these blooms sets the mood in its own way.

    Due to their plentiful supply, seasonless flowers are readily available and don’t cost much. Plus, you can choose from a wide range of varieties to suit your preference. With businesses like Flower Actually enabling easy delivery, you can access them any time from the comfort of your home.

    Flower arrangements for every season

    Pastel-coloured arrangements with delicate flowers like tulips and daffodils are ideal for spring family celebrations because they convey a sense of rejuvenation and freshness. In summer, bright and colourful arrangements of bold flowers like daisies and sunflowers will be available, perfect for reflecting the lively spirit of the season.

    You can go for dried flower arrangements in autumn to create a rustic, cosy cottage feel. Similarly, you can use arrangements with pinecones and holly in winter to infuse your family celebrations with warmth.

    Flowers in family traditions

    Including flowers in your family’s traditions can strengthen your connection to nature’s beauty and help you create lovely memories. Flowers are a staple in religious ceremonies and rituals because they enhance the sensory experience and foster a calm atmosphere.

    At Hindu weddings, for example, the bride and groom exchange fresh flower garlands to symbolise their union and blessings. Incorporating flowers into your family gatherings can leave a lasting impression on everyone and improve the overall experience.

    flower bouquet and gift ribbon on aged wooden tableflower bouquet and gift ribbon on aged wooden table

    DIY floral arrangements

    You can DIY your floral arrangements to enhance your family occasions. For example, you could gather greenery and wildflowers for a charming bouquet, create a rustic centrepiece in a vase or mason jar, welcome guests with a seasonal wreath on your front door, or opt for simple table decor by placing flowers in jars tied with ribbons.

    You can even add freshness to your event with a centrepiece that blends seasonal blooms with fragrant herbs. Or for a unique touch, you could craft a long-lasting dried flower arrangement from your garden.

    Tips for creating flower arrangements

    There are a few basic rules to follow when creating memorable flower arrangements.

    Consider using unusual or unique vases to add a personal touch to your arrangements. This can help your decor stand out.

    It’s also a good idea to consider the event’s seating configuration and the specific needs of the participants.

    Finally, follow a guide to prepare and arrange your flowers like a professional.

    Conclusion

    You can enhance the overall experience and create lasting memories by actively involving flowers in your festivities. We encourage you to experiment with different blooms, infusing the joy and beauty of seasonal floral arrangements into your family gatherings.

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    Catherine

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