"Hi... my name is Inland Empire Girl and I have a passion for creating bouquets. "At the beginning stages of gardening at my present home I decided I would plant a cutting garden. I wanted to have my own bouquets instead of ones from the grocery store. Starting the flowers from seed instead of buying them as bedding plants in the spring was less cost and I could plant a wide variety. Thus.... a new passion began.
Two raised beds in the garden have been designated just for cut flowers. I read a very informative book called The Flower Farmer by Lynn Bycznski which outlines types of flowers that work well in a cutting garden and how to create unique bouquets based on texture, color, and time of bloom. I have enjoying trying new varieties of marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias. The second book that was an invaluable resource when it came to deciding on these choices was Reader's Digest's The Cutting Garden: Growing and Arranging Garden Flowers by Sarah Raven.
After creating a cutting garden I then began to study flower arranging. I realized with summer annuals it is easy to just grab a bunch and throw them in a canning jar with a little raffia around the rim, but I wanted to learn more about the design of flower arranging. After collecting used containers, jars, and vases I paid more attention to how arrangements were structured. Raven's book was again an excellent resource.
I have donated bouquets to gatherings for table decorations. They have also made great gifts as a thank you or a birthday. A bed and breakfast close by asks for arrangements in the summer. This hobby has been rewarding and educational, plus has given me another way to explore creating beauty. I am glad now I have a digital camera so I could make a collage of my favorite bouquets for this season.
Raymond Pert and The Deke gave me a third favorite book entitled The Complete Flower Arranger by Pamela Westland . Not only does this book illustrate how to create fresh flower arrangements, but shows dried designs, garlands, swags, wreaths, and pressed flowers. In the winter when seed catalogues arrive and we are all yearning for spring again I will post some flower suggestions for a cutting garden.
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I don't know, I hate to cut flowers from my flowerbeds and I whine when my mother wants me to cut lilacs for a vase. I don't have a problem with florist's flowers-I just think flowers belong outside where we can admire them. But in the winter it's nice to bring home a bouquet to brighten the place up.
ReplyDeleteNow if I can just actually get some flowers to grow outside... I have high hopes for next year!
That is exactly why I planted a cutting garden... so I would have flowers to cut and still have others to stay outside for enjoyment. The cutting garden is off the beaten path of the garden so it doesn't hurt to cut the flowers. I can give you some ideas of hardy flowers before spring next year.
ReplyDeleteEvery year I think I'm going to do more bouquets but then I think the flowers look so pretty I don't want to cut them and the vase water seems to get stinky so fast. I don't have nearly as many flowers as you but especially like my zinnia and Jerusalem artichoke flowers because they last so long.
ReplyDeleteVery nice!
As a rule I don't go for cut flowers, but how nice to be able to cut them from your own garden for special occasions or gifts. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are very lovely.
ReplyDeleteBack when I grew flowers, I'd just wait for the meth addicted prostitutes to come by and mow down the flowers and some lovely bouquets came out of that... ;)
ReplyDeleteThey are beautifl and I think you and I are kindred spirits we share so many things in common.
ReplyDeleteYour bouquets are lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love your bouquets and am so envious of your cutting garden! I've always wanted one...but since I live in a condo have to depend on my mother and sister's gardens for cuttings. Some day...I'll have my own =)
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful. I love when I have enough flowers to spare in the garden to pick some for the house or to bring to a friend. It makes me feel wealthy, makes the garden seem so abundant. But I don't consciously think about planting for cutting. Not until now...
ReplyDeleteI'll remind you to suggest some before the last frost here!
ReplyDeleteExquisite! Surely a worthwhile and creative hobby/passion.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all of you for the kind words. As I say good-bye to my flowers for another year I look forward to new varieties next growing season!
ReplyDelete