Garden Bouquets and Fresh Cut Flowers

Pink Tulips

One luxury that brings me great joy is having fresh cut flowers in the house. I’ve no idea where this love of garden bouquets comes from, perhaps it is a subconscious influence that goes back to my father managing Country Clubs and the clubs always having these amazing and elaborate floral arrangements that greeted you in the entryway? Who knows but, having fresh cut flowers in the house are a guilty pleasure that I highly encourage! 

The plan for the farm in Palisade is to have specific beds for growing cut flowers. But until then, my urban garden includes flowers that lend themselves to long stems which are perfect for flower arrangements. My garden space(s) are small and sunny spots are at a premium – the Back 40 is the only ideal place! My garden philosophy is that any flower and or greenery is fair game for a floral bouquet! A few specimens I use and grow include Daffodils, Tulips, Irises, Bleeding Hearts, Allium and Peonies in the springtime. As Spring transitions to summer, Zinnias are one of my all-time favorite flowers. Dahlias too but I’ve yet to be successful in growing them. I’m hoping Erin from Floret Farms (www.floretflowers.com) via her books, blog, newsletter and someday workshops will help me overcome this growing challenge! 

When creating my summertime bouquets, I combine Daisies, Lavender, Sage, Parsley or Oregano when it goes to flower, Honeysuckle, Rockets, Columbine, Roses, Lambs Ear, Salvia, Aster, and of course any other flower in bloom at the time or greenery with viable stems.  With this journal entry I’ve include different images of my spring and summer bouquets for your viewing pleasure, I hope you enjoy and find inspiration from them. Everyone should have a home filled with fresh flowers. The growing, cutting and arranging flowers truly is a joyful pleasure!