Fill Your Yard, Home With Color This Season
Last year, I didn’t think too much about floral in my garden. But between gorgeously-colored strains of basil, an existing hibiscus, and the few flower seeds I did toss in the ground, I had fresh-cut decor all over my home throughout nearly the entire year.
This growing season, I didn’t fool around. Spring bulbs went into the ground last December and alluring floral seeds were ordered; my planting strategy factored in plenty of cuttable color, frill, and scent.
Here’s what’s great about cultivating your own floral decor:
① Your own fresh-cut flowers last much longer than store-bought. Without travel or preservation methods, lifespan is greatly increased.
② Budget! Depending on variety, a pack of 10-800 seeds is just a few dollars.
③ Ease of availability. Arrangement looking a little droopy? No problem, immediate replacement is available from your yard!
As I’ve found with growing food, there are lots of options that grow easily in North Texas. As long as you plant and care for the seeds or bulbs correctly, we’ve got nearly a year-round growing season. We’re talking about decent soil, flower varieties appropriate for the area, and keeping the seeds, and then plants, hydrated.
A good portion of the vegetable and flower seeds I use comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. If you’ve never had your hands on their catalogue, grab one.
Some of the florals that are doing terrifically well for me include sunflowers, pom pom poppies, nasturtium, dahlia, daisies, and wildflowers. As a bonus, many of them are edible!
Pots are fine, but planting directly in the earth is preferable. In-ground plants stay better hydrated and can stretch their roots as they like, making them strong and less high-maintenance.
Plant life is amazing — there is a comingling, collaborative community happening underground at all times. If you grow vegetables or herbs, planting floral (especially edible floral!) in the same beds will attract bees and make the veggies taste better.
Start thinking about next year now. Notice what floral thrives around you this spring and summer and find out their names. Make a list. At the end of the summer, order up some seeds and get them into the ground during the fall and end-of-winter.
Next year your yard will be glorious and your home bursting with fresh-cut bouquets. How lovely!
