Fresh from the Garden

FOLLOW THIS ADVICE FOR A THRIVING AND SUCCESSFUL PLOT FULL OF BLOOMS PERFECT FOR CUTTING

- KATY SPRATTE JOYCE

IT'S A PRETTY PASTIME that saw boost in a significant popularity in the early days of the pandemic and growing cut-flower gardens is poised to stay. To become a cutting-garden pro, follow the advice from a Midwest based master. Jamie Rohda is the owner of Harvest Home Flowers in Waverly, Nebraska, a farm growing specialty cut-flowers for nearly 25 years.

According to Jamie, "A cut-flower garden is a garden not meant for looks but for harvesting. Whereas a flower garden meant for the landscape is laid out for the benefit of being viewed, a cut-flower garden's purpose is to provide the owner with a continuing array of flowers to be harvested and used for floral display." That's not to say a cut-flower garden can't be aesthetically appealing; it's just not the primary intent of this type of space. To keep this goal in mind, Jamie finds that it's best, if possible, to situate a cut-flower garden where it is the least visible, so that the temptation to leave it for viewing is not as great.

Picking the Plants

Before choosing flowers, Jamie suggests that you ask yourself a series of questions to set yourself up for success:

■ What amount of sun does the garden get? Will it be best to plant sun-loving flowers, or will this be a partially shaded garden?

■ What are your personal likes and dislikes?

■ What skills do Is this your first time planting a garden, or do you already have some you have? growing experience?

■ How much growing space do you have?

■ What climate zone are you in?