Welcome to the enchanting world of cutting flower gardens, where nature's bloom takes center stage. Bursting with vibrant colors and captivating fragrances, these gardens are a haven for flower enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. In this article, we'll explore the beauty and charm cutting flower gardens, and delve into the secrets of their success.
From sprawling farms to small neighborhood plots, flower gardens offer an array of delightful blooms throughout the seasons. Whether you're seeking the classic allure of roses, the whimsical elegance of tulips or the wild vibrancy of sunflowers, these gardens have just what your floral fantasies desire.
With a commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, cutting gardens create an environment that nurtures both the plants and the ecosystem around them. Surrounded by swaying stalks and dancing petals, you'll find bees and butterflies busily pollinating, birds gleefully chirping, and nature coming alive in all its glory.
So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of colors that await. Join us as we embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the magical world of cutting flower gardens.
Popular types of cutting flowers
The Midwest is home to a diverse range of cutting flowers that thrive in its unique climate. One of the most beloved flowers in this region is the peony. Known for its lush, fragrant blooms, the peony comes in various colors, including shades of pink, white, and red. Its large, showy flowers make it a stunning centerpiece in any bouquet or arrangement. Another popular cutting flower is the zinnia. The zinnia adds a cheerful touch to any garden or floral display with its vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. From fiery oranges and yellows to soft pinks and purples, zinnias offer various color options. These hardy flowers are also relatively easy to grow, making them a favorite among both experienced gardeners and beginners.
The rose is a go-to choice for those seeking a classic and elegant flower. With their intoxicating fragrance and timeless beauty, roses have captured the hearts of flower enthusiasts for centuries. From traditional red roses to delicate pastel hues, a rose variety suits every taste and occasion. Roses require extra care and attention, but their stunning blooms are worth the effort. With their delicate, daisy-like look, the Cosmos are easy to grow from seed. The ball-shaped globe aramanth is delightful and long-lasting in bouquets. Coneflowers come in many bright colors and are easy to grow. Coneflowers will bloom all summer long.
Importance of cutting flower gardens
Furthermore, cutting flower gardens contribute to the local economy. They provide opportunities for small-scale farmers and gardeners to sell their blooms, supporting their livelihoods. One local farming adventure near New Town at Saint Charles is Grown by Love & Co., A mother/daughter operation; the farms are located in Troy and Saint Charles, Missouri. Their goal is to provide cut flowers back to American soil. More than 80% of the flowers used in arrangements, weddings, and grocery stores are flown into the U.S. You can find them at the Lake St. Louis Farmer’s Market each Saturday by the Chico’s store.
Best practices for growing cutting flowers
To ensure the success of your cutting flower garden, it's important to follow some best practices. First and foremost, proper soil preparation is key. Most cutting flowers prefer well-drained soil with a pH level between 6 and 7. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve soil fertility and structure.
Proper spacing is also crucial for the healthy growth of cutting flowers. Overcrowding can lead to competition for nutrients and increased risk of diseases. Be sure to follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each flower variety, allowing enough room for plants to grow and flourish.
Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. While cutting flowers generally prefer moist soil, it's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Water deeply and thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist without becoming waterlogged.
Another important aspect of growing cutting flowers is providing adequate sunlight. Most flowers thrive in full sun, defined as at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If your garden has areas with partial shade, choose flower varieties that can tolerate or even prefer these conditions.
Tips for designing a cutting flower garden
Designing a cutting flower garden is an exciting opportunity to unleash your creativity and create a space that reflects your personal style. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose a focal point: Consider adding a focal point, such as a trellis, a statue, or a decorative structure, to anchor your garden and create visual interest.
2. Plan for continuous blooms: To enjoy a steady supply of cut flowers throughout the season, select a variety of plants with different blooming periods. This will ensure that your garden looks vibrant and abundant at all times.
3. Incorporate height and texture: To add depth and visual appeal to your garden, include plants of varying heights and textures. Tall flowers like delphiniums or snapdragons can provide vertical interest, while plants with feathery foliage, such as astilbes or grasses, can add a soft and airy touch.
4. Consider color combinations: Play with color combinations to create harmonious or contrasting displays. Monochromatic schemes, such as a bed of white flowers, can create a serene and elegant atmosphere, while contrasting colors like purple and yellow can make a bold statement.
5. Include foliage plants: Don't overlook the importance of foliage in your cutting flower garden. Plants with interesting foliage, such as silver artemisias or burgundy coleus, can provide a backdrop that enhances the beauty of your flowers.
New Town Cutting Gardens
One of the most well-known cutting gardens in New Town belongs to Dale Rohman of 6170 Sunset, in New Town at Saint Charles. In front of his home, Sunflower Cottage, Dale’s cutting garden was chosen for the best-growing conditions and to delight his neighbors. In August 2023, the New Town Garden Club awarded him the Garden of the Month title. He likes to change up the flowers he grows but has Stella d’Oros, sweet potato vine, marigolds, coleus, and sunflowers.
Paige Crowe on Canal Street uses a strip of ground in her backyard to plant tulips in the fall for spring blooming. Once the tulips are spent, she replaces them with dahlia tubers. In her front yard, she plants three peonies to give her flowers after the tulips and before the dahlias. She supports Rudy’s Flower Truck of St. Louis for other flowers.
Tips for designing a cutting flower garden
Designing a cutting flower garden is an exciting opportunity to unleash your creativity and create a space that reflects your personal style. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose a focal point: Consider adding a focal point, such as a trellis, a statue, or a decorative structure, to anchor your garden and create visual interest.
2. Plan for continuous blooms: To enjoy a steady supply of cut flowers throughout the season, select a variety of plants with different blooming periods. This will ensure that your garden looks vibrant and abundant at all times.
3. Incorporate height and texture: To add depth and visual appeal to your garden, include plants of varying heights and textures. Tall flowers like delphiniums or snapdragons can provide vertical interest, while plants with feathery foliage, such as astilbes or grasses, can add a soft and airy touch.
4. Consider color combinations: Play with color combinations to create harmonious or contrasting displays. Monochromatic schemes, such as a bed of white flowers, can create a serene and elegant atmosphere, while contrasting colors like purple and yellow can make a bold statement.
5. Include foliage plants: Don't overlook the importance of foliage in your cutting flower garden. Plants with interesting foliage, such as silver artemisias or burgundy coleus, can provide a backdrop that enhances the beauty of your flowers.
Maintaining and caring for cutting flowers
Ensuring the longevity of your cutting flowers is essential. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Regular deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage the production of new blooms. Deadheading keeps your garden looking tidy and prevents plants from putting energy into seed production, allowing them to focus on producing more flowers.
2. Weed control: Keep your cutting flower garden weed-free to minimize competition for nutrients and water. Regularly inspect your garden for weeds and remove them promptly to prevent them from spreading.
3. Pest management: Monitor your garden for common pests like aphids, snails, and slugs. If necessary, use organic pest control methods or insecticidal soaps to keep these pests at bay.
4. Fertilizing: Feed your cutting flowers with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for proper application rates and timings.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around your plants to suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.
Harvesting and preserving cut flowers
The joy of a cutting flower garden lies in the ability to bring the beauty of nature indoors. Here are some tips for harvesting and preserving cut flowers:
1. Choose the right time: Harvest your flowers early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. Avoid harvesting in the heat of the day, as the flowers may wilt more quickly.
2. Use sharp, clean tools: Before cutting your flowers, make sure your tools are clean and sharp. This helps prevent the introduction of diseases and ensures clean cuts that promote water uptake.
3. Cut at the right stage: Different flowers have different ideal stages of bloom for cutting. Some flowers, like roses, are best cut when the buds are just starting to open. Others, like sunflowers, are best cut when the flowers are fully open. Research the specific requirements for each flower variety in your garden.
4. Preserving vase life: Immediately after cutting, place your flowers in a bucket of lukewarm water to hydrate them. Remove any foliage that will be below the waterline in your vase, as this can promote bacterial growth. Change the water every two to three days and re-cut the stems at an angle to promote water uptake.
5. Drying and pressing: If you want to preserve your cut flowers for long-lasting enjoyment, consider drying or pressing them. Hang flowers upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area to dry, or press them between heavy books or a flower press.
The beauty and joy of cutting flower gardens
Cutting flower gardens are a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances that captivate the senses. From the classic elegance of roses to the wild exuberance of sunflowers, these gardens provide an endless array of blooms to delight flower enthusiasts.
By cultivating cutting flowers in the Midwest, we surround ourselves with nature's beauty and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. These gardens provide a wildlife sanctuary, support local economies, and offer a therapeutic escape from the demands of everyday life.
So, whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice with a green thumb, embrace the enchanting world of Midwest cutting flower gardens. Immerse yourself in the vibrant blooms, unleash your creativity in floral arrangements, and experience the beauty and joy these gardens offer.