Would you like fresh flowers in your house every day? Well, every day during growing season, that is. Which does, of course, vary from zone to zone.
What is a Cutting Garden and what are the Benefits?
A cutting garden is specifically designed to provide flowers for cutting and bringing indoors.There are several benefits to having cut flowers indoors, including:
- Beauty and Aesthetics: Cut flowers add a pop of color, texture, and fragrance to any room. They can brighten up a dull space and enhance the overall aesthetics of a room.
- Mood Enhancement: Flowers have been shown to have a positive impact on our mood and mental well-being. They can lift our spirits, reduce stress, and promote feelings of happiness and relaxation.
- Air Quality Improvement: Some flowers can help purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants, which can be especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory problems.
- Symbolism and Sentiment: Flowers can hold special meanings and sentiments. They can be given as gifts to express love, appreciation, sympathy, or congratulations.
- Cost-Effective Decor: Cut flowers can be an affordable way to decorate your home. They can be purchased at a local grocery store or florist and can be arranged in a vase or container you already have on hand.
Here are some of the best flowers to consider planting in a cutting garden:
Roses: Roses are a classic choice for cutting gardens, and with good reason. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and many varieties have a lovely fragrance.
Pair Roses with Gerberas for a great combination.
Peonies: Peonies are another popular choice for cutting gardens, known for their large, showy blooms and sweet fragrance.
Tulips:Tulips are popular for their bright colors and elegant shape and can add a touch of beauty to any room. Tulips have a long vase life when properly cared for and can last up to a week or more.
Tulips also look great paired with Ranunculus.
Dahlias: Dahlias are prized for their vibrant colors and varied shapes, from round pom-poms to spiky cactus blooms. They are also long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
Zinnias: Zinnias are a reliable, easy-to-grow annual that come in a range of colors, from pastels to brights. They are also long-lasting and produce abundant blooms, making them a great choice for cutting gardens.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a cheerful addition to any cutting garden, with their large, sunny blooms and tall stems. They come in various sizes and colors, including traditional yellow and red-orange.
Cosmos: Cosmos are a low-maintenance annual that produce delicate, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. They are also great for attracting pollinators to your garden.
Lilies: Lilies are a perennial favorite in cutting gardens, with their tall, showy blooms and sweet fragrance. They come in a range of colors, from classic white to vibrant pink and orange.
Sweet Peas: Sweet peas are a fragrant, delicate annual that produce clusters of small blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. They are also easy to grow from seed.
Snapdragons: Snapdragons are a popular choice for cutting gardens, with their tall, spiky blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. They are also long-lasting, making them a great choice for cut flower arrangements.
Gladiolus: Gladiolus have tall spikes of flowers in a range of colors. They are great for adding height to arrangements and come in various sizes.
When planning your cutting garden, consider planting a mix of annuals and perennials to provide a variety of blooms throughout the growing season. And don’t forget to include some foliage plants, such as ferns or hostas, to add texture and interest to your cut flower arrangements. Greenery, and fillers, like Baby’s Breath, can elevate a bouquet. Happy Gardening!