Fresh Flowers From The Garden
One of the very best things about having a garden is the ability to be able to walk outside and pick a handful of fresh flowers at whim. Filling various vases full of beautiful flowers from spring through fall has become something of a habit for me; an indulgence. It even seems, most times, rather luxurious - just to wander outside, secateurs in hand, and cut to my hearts content. An antique trug is at my side for the more exuberant trips - when I am trying to make an actual ‘arrangement’ - but for most days I find myself simply nipping off a bloom or two, here and there, and tucking them into some old glass bottles that I keep in my kitchen. Even the simplest of arrangements - one or two flowers - can become a thing of beauty.
A trio of glass bottles beautifully showcases a pretty selection of flowers from the garden
Traditionally, a simple arrangement of flowers has been called a posy. Any small bunch of flowers, whether arranged in a vase, or tied with pretty ribbon, will suit this definition. And sometimes simpler really is better. Of course one can go ‘all out’ and cut everything in sight and create a truly amazing arrangement, but that is not necessary. Really, my favorite groupings of flowers - short of when extravagance is needed, say at a wedding or special party - is always something very casual, and of course, very pretty. A few simple stems - that is what I always say. Nothing more is really needed.
And might I also add that in order to have beautiful cut flowers in your own home, one does not need to have a large garden with an abundance of plants. Really just a few favorites will do. Of course, the more the merrier, but it is not really necessary. A larger sized garden or designated cutting garden will surely provide lots of blooms, but even a small garden with some carefully chosen perennials - or just a few pots of annuals on the patio, terrace or balcony - can provide all that is necessary to regularly enjoy the pleasure of cutting your own fresh flowers to enjoy indoors. And of course, once you do become accustomed to regularly gathering bunches of flowers from your own garden, you will forever be hooked and wonder how you ever did without?
GARDEN TIP #1: A few simple rules to remember will help to keep your cut flowers looking good for a long time. Always cut your flowers at an angle and remember to remove any foliage that will sit below the water line in your vase. When cutting right from the garden, early morning is best, but no matter the time, try to get them into water as soon as possible. Change the water in your vases regularly and re-cut the stems of your flowers when you do so, again at an angle, to prolong their longevity.
GARDEN TIP #2: Add some hydrangeas to your garden. There are many different varieties and sizes to suit almost any need. The flowers are beautiful and make fantastic cut flowers for arrangements. They are also very easy flowers to dry and can therefore be preserved and enjoyed year round.
GARDEN TIP #3: Be sure to have plants in your garden that provide good foliage. It doesn’t have to be all about flowers - greenery can be pretty too! And certain staple plants provide not only bulk for your arrangement, but also added interest and diversity. Try plants like hosta, brunnera, baptisia, or splash-plant (polka dot plant). All make very good additions to any flower arrangement.
A trug full of freshly picked flowers!
Perennials That Make Good Cut Flowers:
Allium
Echinacea
Salvia
Delphinium
Liatris
Aster
Dahlia
Phlox
Agastache
Sedum
Annuals That Make Good Cut Flowers:
Zinnia
Cosmos
Bachelor’s Button
Sweet Pea
Sunflower
Larkspur
Ageratum
Celosia
Gomphrena
Cornflower
Until next time…
