Being able to share the bounty of our gardens is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. That’s why we have a corner of the garden devoted exclusively to cut flowers. Rather than cutting flowers from our regular gardens and risking making a hole in the landscape, we do it this way. More flowers are available for cutting too.
The bulk of our cutting garden is comprised of easy to grow snapdragons (Rocket Mixed) and zinnas ( Benary Giant ). These varieties are reliable bloomers and blossom again after cutting. We also have asters ( Matsumoto ) , dahlias ( assorted varieties ) , and gladiolus . Each year we like to try to add something to the cut flower garden. Last year was the first year for Lisianthus ( tall varieties ) , they were a big hit with their rose-like blossoms.
One thing you might want to consider if you start a cutting garden is growing “filler” and “accent” material for bouquets.
For example, we like to grow Eucalyptus for its silvery stems. That’s right, Eucalyptus trees. They can be grown as an annual in our latitude.
We also make sure there is plenty of Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth) in the garden too. The small flowers can be added to an arrangement as an accent or gathered together into a larger bunch with Baby’s Breath for a striking home grown arrangement.
Baby’s Breath is often used by florists as a filler material. You can give a professional look to your arrangements by adding it to your bouquets. Keep in mind however, that Baby’s Breath only blossoms for a short period of time and has to be replanted periodicaly. We sow a few seeds every couple of weeks through the season to ensure a steady supply of this useful flower.
One of the fun parts of the cutting garden is the carnations we grow. They can be used to make your own boutonniere to wear in your lapel. Some varieties are hardy in our area and return every year as a perennial. If I remember right, ‘Sonata’ is one such variety.
Finally, don’t forget about tulips and other spring bulbs that can be planted in the fall into the cutting garden for your early bouquets. As they die back, you can plant your annuals right over the top of the bulbs and get a double crop out of your space.
So if you have the room, have some fun and add your own favorite flower to your cutting garden. You won’t have to worry about which color of flower goes with which in the garden until you put them into the vase !
Bob