backyard BOUQUETS

BRING BEAUTIFUL FRESH-CUT FLOWERS INDOORS ALL SEASON LONG FROM YOUR VERY OWN CUTTING GARDEN.

- LUKE MILLER

Growing a garden specifically for cut flowers is a money-saver, not to mention that the bright beds look just like one of Monet’s paintings—and that’s before the flowers find their way into a charming bouquet!

“Having a cutting garden means bringing beautiful flowers and plants indoors whenever you choose,” says Cynthia Haynes, associate professor of horticulture and extension specialist at Iowa State University. “Many of these flowers are not typically sold at local florists—so you will have something unusual as well.” The variety of flowers you bring inside from your garden will change with the growing season, she adds, so there’s little chance of getting bored.

CREATIVE SELECTIONS

Cutting gardens predominantly feature annuals, which bloom longer and have a larger window of harvest than perennials. But remember, most bouquets are improved with a few sprigs of foliage —so other plants can play a role as well.

“I think annuals, perennials and woody plants all belong in the cutting garden,” Cynthia says. “Peonies, irises, tulips and lilies are great flowers that every cutting garden should have.”