Thinking of growing flowering plants specifically for collecting the blooms?

A cutting garden is a garden specifically designed for growing flowers that can be harvested and used in floral arrangements. The goal is to produce a continuous supply of fresh, beautiful flowers throughout the growing season.

Building a Cutting Garden

To build a cutting garden, follow these essential steps:

A sunny location is vital for flowering plants! Most flowering plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the site has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can damage plants.

Once you’ve decided on a spot to grow your flowering plants, prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility, structure, and drainage.

Choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times to ensure a continuous supply of flowers. The plants you choose should suit your hardiness zone, ensuring they can thrive in your local climate.

Researching different flower characteristics and reviewing bloom times are crucial steps for creating a successful cut flower garden. These steps ensure a constant supply of flowers throughout the growing season and help in selecting the right plants.

Flower Characteristics

• Choose flowers with sturdy stems that can support the weight of the blooms and stand upright in vases. Examples include sunflowers, snapdragons, zinnias, and dahlias.
• Select flowers that last long when cut. Flowers such as carnations, chrysanthemums, and lilies have an excellent vase life.
• Consider the size and shape of the flowers to create balanced and visually appealing arrangements.
• Mix large, focal flowers with smaller filler flowers and greenery.
• Plan for a diverse color palette to create vibrant and varied bouquets. Include a mix of bold and subtle colors to enhance the visual appeal.

Review Bloom Times

Early Bloomers: Plant flowers that bloom early in the season, such as tulips, daffodils, and anemones. These provide the first blooms of the year and kickstart your cutting garden.

Mid-Season Bloomers: These include flowers that bloom in the middle of the growing season. Examples are roses, peonies, and irises. They fill the gap between early and late bloomers.

Late Bloomers: Ensure your garden has flowers that bloom late in the season, like asters, chrysanthemums, and dahlias. These extend the blooming period into the fall.

Practice succession planting by sowing seeds or planting new seedlings every few weeks. This ensures a continuous supply of fresh flowers throughout the season.

General Gardening Tips for a Cut Garden

• Select flowers with the same soil and sunlight needs to make garden maintenance easier.

• Design the garden layout to optimize space and ensure easy access. Plant in rows or clusters, providing adequate room for each plant to grow. Group plants with similar requirements together to make care more straightforward.

• Plant seeds or transplant seedlings based on each species’ specific needs. Stick to spacing recommendations to maintain good air circulation and promote healthy growth.

• Water plants consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Use a balanced fertilizer to supply essential nutrients, and follow the suggested feeding schedule for each plant variety.

• Maintain the garden by regularly weeding, mulching, and pruning. Remove spent flowers to promote new blooms. Check for pests and diseases regularly and address issues promptly to protect your plants.

• Harvest flowers early in the morning when they are fully hydrated. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to cut stems at an angle. Immediately place the cut flowers in water to keep them fresh.

How to Make a Bouquet of Garden Flowers

Creating a beautiful bouquet from your garden flowers is a rewarding process that brings the beauty of your garden indoors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you arrange your flowers:

Choose Fresh Flowers

Select flowers in the morning when they are most hydrated. For variety and balance, choose a mix of focal flowers, fillers, and greenery. Remove any leaves from the stems that will be below the water line to prevent decay. Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle to increase water absorption.

Choose a vase that complements the size and style of your bouquet. Clean the vase thoroughly to ensure there are no bacteria that could shorten the flowers’ lifespan.

Then, start creating a framework for the floral arrangement. Choose your greenery or filler flowers to create a base. This provides structure and support for the larger blooms.

Place the larger, focal flowers in the center and around the arrangement. Distribute them evenly to create balance. Use smaller flowers and additional greenery to fill in any gaps. Ensure all stems are at varying heights to create depth and interest.

Step back and look at your arrangement from different angles. Adjust the flowers as needed to achieve a pleasing composition. Add any final touches, such as delicate blooms or unique foliage. Ensure the stems are securely in place and all flowers have access to water.

How Long Will a Bouquet Using Flowers Cut From the Garden Last?

The lifespan of a bouquet made from garden flowers varies depending on the types of flowers used and the care they receive. Generally, a well-cared-for bouquet can last anywhere from 5 to 10 days. Here are some tips to extend the life of your bouquet:

• Replace the water in the vase every 2-3 days and clean it each time to remove bacteria.
• Trim the stems slightly each time you change the water. This helps the flowers absorb water more efficiently.
• Take out any flowers that start to wilt or decay. This prevents them from affecting the other flowers in the arrangement.
• Place the bouquet in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts.
• Add a packet of flower food to the water to provide essential nutrients and help inhibit bacterial growth.

What tools do I need to make a flower arrangement?

Use sharp scissors or pruners to cleanly cut stems at an angle, which helps flowers absorb water more efficiently. You’ll also need a floral foam – called Oasis – to hydrate and hold the cut flowers. Flower frogs, which are reusable, can also provide structure for your arrangement.

Floral wire also helps support weak stems, attach accessories, or bind stems together for a stronger structure. Use floral tape to create a grid on top of your vase or to secure stems together for added stability.

Unlike traditional gardens, where flowers are admired in their natural setting, a cutting garden focuses on the practical purpose of cutting flowers for indoor display. By following the tips above, you can create a productive and beautiful cut garden, providing a steady supply of fresh flowers for your home and for sharing with others.