The Joys of Growing Your Own Flowers

As I stroll through my backyard garden, scissors in hand, I can’t help but feel a sense of pure delight. The colors, the textures, the ever-changing blooms – it’s a veritable feast for the senses. And the best part? I get to pluck these beauties and bring them indoors to enjoy up close. That’s the magic of having a cutting garden.

You see, I used to be one of those people who would longingly gaze at the stunning floral arrangements in magazines or at the local florist, wishing I could recreate that level of beauty in my own home. But then I discovered the joy of growing my own cutting flowers, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Not only do I save a ton of money on weekly flower purchases, but I also get to revel in the pride of saying, “I grew these!”

Today’s Gardens has always been my go-to resource for garden inspiration and design, so when I decided to take the plunge and start my own cutting garden, I knew exactly where to turn. Their wealth of knowledge and practical guidance has been invaluable in helping me create a bountiful and beautiful cutting garden that keeps my home filled with fresh, fragrant bouquets all season long.

Choosing the Right Flowers for Cutting

One of the most important things I learned when starting my cutting garden is that not all flowers are created equal when it comes to their suitability for cutting. Those delicate blooms you see in the landscaping beds? They might look stunning in the garden, but they often have a disappointingly short vase life.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose plants that are specifically bred for cutting. According to the experts at Three Acre Farm, good cut flowers should have long, sturdy stems (at least 12-18 inches, preferably closer to 24), a vase life of at least 5 days, and a bloom period that lasts for at least 2 weeks during the season.

Some of my personal favorites that tick all those boxes are zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, and dahlias. They’re not only incredibly eye-catching, but they also provide a steady supply of cut flowers throughout the growing season. And let’s not forget about the foliage – Gardenary recommends incorporating plants like bupleurum, statice, and eucalyptus to add texture and interest to your arrangements.

Planning Your Cutting Garden

Once you’ve got your list of must-have cut flowers, it’s time to start planning your garden. One of the great things about cutting gardens is that they don’t have to be large or elaborate to be effective. In fact, Gardenary suggests that even a small 4×3 foot bed can give you a diverse range of blooms to work with.

When it comes to layout, I’ve found that organizing my cutting flowers into seasonal sections works best. That way, I can ensure a steady supply of fresh flowers from spring through fall. For example, in my early spring bed, I’ve got bulbs like tulips and daffodils, as well as hardy annuals like larkspur and poppies. As the weather warms up, I transition to summer favorites like zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos. And in the fall, I rely on the rich, jewel-toned hues of dahlias, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.

Of course, the specific flowers you choose will depend on your local growing conditions, but Gardenary has a great guide to help you figure out what will thrive in your climate.

Arranging Your Bouquets with Flair

Now, let’s talk about the fun part: arranging your stunning cut flowers into beautiful bouquets. The Grit and Polish has some fantastic tips on creating that perfect balance of focal flowers, fillers, and foliage.

For example, I like to start with a few large, statement blooms like dahlias or sunflowers as the focal point. Then, I layer in medium-sized flowers like zinnias and cosmos to add depth and dimension. And to really make the bouquet pop, I’ll sprinkle in some wispy, airy elements like bupleurum or Chinese forget-me-nots.

But the best part? I get to experiment and play around with different combinations. Sometimes I’ll go for a soft, romantic palette, and other times I’ll embrace bold, vibrant hues. It’s all about finding what speaks to you and your personal style.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

As I mentioned earlier, one of the biggest perks of having a cutting garden is the money you can save on weekly flower purchases. But the benefits go far beyond just the financial aspect.

There’s something truly special about being able to step outside, snip a few stems, and bring that natural beauty indoors to enjoy. It’s a small act that can have a profound impact on your mood and well-being. Plus, with a steady supply of fresh flowers, you can easily create gorgeous arrangements to gift to friends, family, or even your local community.

And let’s not forget the sheer joy of watching your garden grow and flourish. As The Grit and Polish so eloquently put it, “There really is nothing like growing your own flowers and enjoying their beauty in your home.” It’s a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.

So, if you’re ready to take your gardening to the next level and start growing your own cutting garden, I can’t recommend it enough. With a little bit of planning and the right plant selection, you’ll be on your way to a season’s worth of fresh, fragrant bouquets that will brighten up your home and your heart.