FRESH CUT FLOWERS - LATE SUMMER ADDITION

Every year I try to plant some fresh cut flowers. August is challenging season in the garden as everything starts to look tired and worn down by the heat of the summer. I learned that there are only a few ways to solve this challenge, and that is by planting flower seeds in late June and early July.

In late 2012, I learned through Martha Stewart blog about the launch of her Made in America Award. I was totally excited about this concept of local, small business makers succeeding in their niche fields. One of those early recipients was Erin Benzakein from Floret Flowers Farm up in Washington state. Over the years, I have learned so much from reading Erin's blog. Today she is very well known, but that was not the story in the early days. Check out her incredible, growing family business.

As for myself, this year I planted a few items from Botanical Interests. They were having some supply issues due to Covid-19, but I purchased my seeds as the pandemic was setting in knowing this situation was going to be a long haul. It sure was because we are spending so much more time outside.

This is a mix of Norther Lights, Meteor and Exquisite Zinnias

I also ordered some varieties of Zinnias from Rare Seeds, a site that I had never used before. It was a clear winner. I originally found Rare Seeds while I was searching for some heirloom varieties. I purchased Meteor Zinnia that truly stands tall and beautiful in my garden. The other variety that appealed to me was Exquisite Zinnia, which proved to be just stunning.

Northern Light

Exquisite Zinnia

Over the past few weeks, my garden is bursting with color. There is so much beauty to go around. Some end up cut and in vases, gracing our indoor space, and there is plenty left to keep both my front and back garden beautiful. I hope this inspires you to plant some seeds next year and watch them grown. And till then you can pick up a bouquet of Zinnias at any local supermarket. It sure will add joy, beauty and a bit hygge into your life.

As you can see the Meteor variety stands really tall.

I love beautifying my curb, which gets filled with pollinators.