In spring, Tulips and Daffodils make up the majority
of the landscape and cut-flower arrangements. Both are extremely easy to
grow and come in a wide range of colour and form variations. If you prefer
not to take all of your bouquets from your display beds, where the blooms
complement other flowers and foliage plants, you can create a separate
garden strictly for cutting. For the most interesting bouquets, also
include other flowers that are good for cutting (such as Irises , Peonies , Dahlias, Glads and Crocosmia as
well as interesting foliage plants. Tuck your cutting garden behind the
house or along the back of a border.
If space does not allow a separate cutting garden, group similar plants together into larger clusters. For instance, plant two dozen or more bulbs of one variety together in a mass. That way, cutting a few stems here and there for bouquets will be a treat and not a distress.
Here are just a few of the many outstanding possibilities of bulbs to grow for cutting flowers.
If space does not allow a separate cutting garden, group similar plants together into larger clusters. For instance, plant two dozen or more bulbs of one variety together in a mass. That way, cutting a few stems here and there for bouquets will be a treat and not a distress.
Here are just a few of the many outstanding possibilities of bulbs to grow for cutting flowers.

Tulips -
For Long-Lasting Tulip Arrangements... Cut the stems diagonally. Wrap the
entire flower (head and stem) tightly in newspaper. Place stem in water
overnight. Remove the paper and recut the stems. Transfer the Tulips to a vase with fresh water
and plant food. Add water as needed and keep out of direct sun and drafts.
Enjoy blooms for 7-10 days.


Daffodils -
As for Daffodils, the unique
yellow and red eye and sweet scent of Original Poet's Daffodil are best
appreciated when up close and personal in a table-top setting.
Long-lasting Decoy Daffodil has white petals that encircle an almost red
trumpet. Try combining it with Breck's Colossal for a stunning bicolour
show. A daintily crimped cup of apricot-pink frothed with white makes
Apricot Whirl perfect for displaying singly or en masse. Create enduring,
exotic arrangements with any of the pink Daffodils.


Hyacinths -
Hyacinths can fill an entire
room with its heady perfume with just the addition of a single stem in a
fresh bouquet. Dutch
Irises and Alliums make
intriguing vertical accents in arrangements, while Grape Hyacinths
are perfect for small-scale displays. Ring a vase of Red Tulips with their dainty purple-blue spikes for instant
wow-power.


Lilies -
The queen of the summer cutting garden is the Lily. All types have big, impressive
blooms, and some have spicy or sweet scents. They come in a wide variety
of designer colours arrayed in solid, speckled and bicolour patterns. And
with proper care, cut lilies can last up to two weeks or even more in the
vase. Another favourite is the Stargazer Oriental Lily,
it produces abundant, scented, upward-facing flowers in an exotic pink,
that looks great with anything. Also Calla Lilies have
a long lasting life in a vase.


Dahlias -
Some people would argue Lily
being named "queen of summer cutting garden" because the dahlia stands
right up there in royalty. Dahlias provide many different of sizes and colors that bloom from midsummer until
the first frost. Their blooms have a long life in a vase and are perfect
for county fair entries! Bring home the blue ribbon with one of our dinner
plate Dahlia collections. You will have 10" blooms that your neighbors
will envy.


Allium -
Allium are wonderful for cut
flowers. They provide visual interest in a vase with adding height and
texture and their round shape. Also try allium as a dried flower for a
long lasting bouquet through winter.
