The flowers in my garden make me smile, so why not bring that joy?
I always have a fresh flower arrangement on my kitchen table. Once my holiday centerpieces are out, simple grocery bouquets will fill in until the garden flowers are ready.
The flowers I use to cut and bring are in existing flower beds and I make sure they stay in bloom for a long time.
You can use your existing beds like I did or you can make a separate new garden.
If you are planting a specific cutting garden, make sure your site supports your flower choice. Also, make sure your soil is tested and improved to ensure healthy growth. Soil testing information can be found at http://go.osu.edu/soiltesting.
The sky's the limit when it comes to plant selection. For example, there are four varieties of hydrangea, which means you have flowers from June 1 to September.
Everything from corn to daisies can bloom profusely for many years. Annual options range from cosmos to celosia and ginsengs to sunflowers, with continuous blooms throughout the summer.
Here are some tips to help your cut flowers bloom
1. Weed on a regular schedule to reduce disease and insect problems;
2. Use mulch to control weeds.
3. Turn the garden year after year to reduce insect and weed problems;
4. Help your flowers grow by feeding them with a 5-10-5 fertilizer Top up with liquid fertilizer during the growing season if stems and leaves look yellow.
5. Instead of watering, water the flowers under the roots, so that the plants get moisture and avoid problems caused by mold.
6. Cut the stems diagonally to help the flowers absorb more water. A 12-inch stem cut fits most vases;
7. Collect everything when you are ready to reduce growth and accelerate growth;
8. Change the water in your preparation every two days.
Collect vase supplies such as vases, vases and vases of different shapes and sizes. Being creative is easy when you have the right supplies. You can go from table settings to creating dried flower arrangements for weddings, special events or wreath making. Consider your flower choice along with your vase.
Cut your flowers indoors after the morning dew has dried and before the sun sets. Some herbs that work well are fenugreek, shasta chamomile, echinacea, and yarrow.
I use a variety of plants to add interest and texture to my arrangements. Try adding spring willow leaves, ornamental grasses, rose hips, seeds. I used vegetable leaves and herbs. Be sure to include plants in your arrangement that provide filler that surrounds and accentuates larger flowers. A few favorites would be baby's breath, cat's blue tips, globe thistle, lady's mantle and scarlet leaf.
Not only can you bring beautiful arrangements to liven up your home, but you can also enjoy the happiness that a light colored bouquet can bring to a friend or family member. It's the little things that show your love.
Check out our Spring Garden Workshop: http://go.osu.edu/2023springworkshop2 as gardening will be a special session.
To learn more about starting a cutting garden, visit http://go.osu.edu/cuttinggarden.
Baitos is a volunteer master gardener for Ohio State University Extension in Mahoning County.
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