Sages, poets, philosophers and mystics have waxed poetic about the virtuous flower throughout the ages.
Fresh cut flowers from our gardens have a wonderful way of furthering our connection to nature.
Whether it's a single snippet for a jam jar placed on a window ledge or an extravagant bouquet in an heirloom cachepot, flowers will liven up any room for any occasion any time of the year. All it takes is a morning stroll thru the garden armed with pruners and an open mind.
A well planned garden will provide the even the most curious imagination with options throughout all of our seasons. The idea being that the gardens will not be completely depleted, always generously offering new possibilities. And don't forget about using interesting foliage, fruits, dried flowers and seed pods. While the possibilities are seemingly endless here are a few suggestions:
Spring/Early Summer: Forced Forsythia, Pussy Willow and Cherry branches; flowering bulbs, early flowering Viburnums, Columbine, Dianthus, Foxglove, Dicentra, Hellebores, Iris, Peony, Lilac, Pansy and Lily of the Valley. Summer: Lady's Mantel, Astilbe, Buddleia, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Snapdragon, Delphinium, Lilies, Echinacea, Roses, Clematis, Yarrow, Hollyhock, Baby's Breath, Lavender, Artemisia, Hosta, Sunflowers, Nepeta, Black eyed Susan, Dahlia, Perovskia, most annuals and herbs. Late Summer/Autumn: Fall Anemone, Aster, Clematis, Roses, Rose hips, Hydrangea, Sedum, Decorative Grass Plants, Viburnums, late flowering annuals and herbs. Fall/Winter: Hellebores, structural branches, berries, Magnolia stellata branches with their silvery bud set, Grapevine, evergreen boughs, white Birch branches, dried flowers, seed pods. Take stock of your vases & containers and always be on the lookout for something clever to use for a flower arrangement while cruising yard sales and antique shops. Have fun!