The other day on the social medias, I was rambling about our cutting garden when someone asked me what it was.
I was all, “OMG you don’t have a cutting garden? ALL THE COOL CATS AND KITTENS have a cutting garden!” And then I promptly googled to see if I was even calling it the right thing, because I really know absolutely jack crap nothing about gardens. And now I’m writing a post about it because that’s what I do. Cool story.
Side note: Our children are fluent in sarcasm, and I’m kind of proud that our humor is rarely lost on them.
For years, I’ve planted flowers in my yard every spring. I guess you could say it started with an accidental garden, years ago. I legit just threw seeds into a space in the ground to “see what would happen”.
In retrospect, I think this was a default mode for I-failed-at-real-gardening/don’t-have-the-energy-to-do-this. So, flowers instead, just seem like an easy win. Especially since I’m always taking random photos of our house and design work for others – it’s pretty useful for instant affordable bouquets. They also make great gifts to brighten someone’s day.
We’ve really been enjoying our back yard lately, and love that I’ve actually kept things alive this spring. I guess because I’ve had more time to tend to it. I sound like a 90 year old woman, so there’s that. And I’ve also decided when I retire, I shall paint and garden and yoga. Cool story part 2.
So this isn’t so much a post about straight up tips since I don’t think I’m qualified to do so, so much as just some fun things we’ve learned along the way: Some simple things I’d recommend when it comes to a cutting garden.
Every year, we plant zinnias.
At least that’s how it started. They like full sun, and rich soil. So in our old house and this one, I just designated a back part of the yard in a small section to plant the flowers. If you trim them as they grow, from flower to the next set of leaves, they just continue to sprout up. Then you have full colorful bouquets all summer long.
This year, we added wild flowers for a little more variety.
We used these seed packets from our earth day post, and love these delicate little sprigs. So much so, that I actually plan to expand the amount of seeds and gardening I do next year.
We also love rose bushes to collect from, as well.
Simple rose bushes in pretty varieties make for great diverse bouquets. They bloom all summer and are great for cutting. Side note: I hope to add peonies next year, even if they only last through spring.
Use a garden box or a space with rich soil, and plant after the last frost.
That will be different for every area. We found a corner in our old home’s yard, and built a raised garden bed. Our new old house came with its own little gardening box, and it’s been perfect for zinnias. You don’t need a box. Just a place that works. This year, I got a little excited and prematurely planted the seeds, then a last minute frost arrived. So, I planted some more just in case, because that’s how much I love them.
They re-seed themselves
Fun fact, apparently I was fussing over nothing, because I kind of forgot to replant the zinnias last year, and by the end of summer, had a garden anyway. They were a little more delayed, but kind of wonderfully effortless for someone challenged like me. Wildflowers re-seed themselves, too.
Plant them near a window
These colorful flowers attract all kinds of butterflies, hummingbirds and bees… we love that this little garden is right by the window for some fun wildlife watching.
They offer privacy
A generous row of a cutting garden just may give you that pretty edge in your yard for spring once it’s tall enough. Our neighbors actually have a beautiful row of wildflowers in their back yard for privacy every spring, which is so smart. They’re a great thing to consider!
Sunflowers
This year in our wildflower grouping, we had some sunflowers pop up. I have no idea how, since this is not what was included in our wildflower seeds. But we’ll take it. These guys also need to be trimmed as they bloom, or they get too heavy to support themselves. In retrospect, I’ll definitely be separating the two next year, but they’re so much fun!
If you have no idea what’s growing…
AKA you’re challenged like me… Be sure to check out our favorite app we mentioned here {and more that we love, educational for the kiddos!} to help with all things gardening. We’ve used it plenty of times identify and transplant trees.
We’ve absolutely loved watching our little garden grow this spring. And the instant gratification that takes place once they all take root. It’s so much fun to constantly have fresh flowers in your home!
Do you have a cutting garden? What are some of your favorite tips?
We’d love to hear.
Have an inspired day!
Karen Mary says
Happy to have found your blog today (via Thistlewood)! I get a little carried away with zinnia seeds sometimes! This year: /Users/karenmiles/Desktop/IMG_3455.JPG
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much for stopping by and letting us know, Karen! We do love a good cutting garden! Awesome!