Spring has officially arrived and we are frantically dashing about preparing for the impending season. In order to have a steady stream of material for mixed bouquets and bulk orders, I have taken extra care to stock the garden with a huge supply of foliage and filler plants. These simple but beautiful plants, often overlooked, are the backbone of a good flower patch. Providing fragrance and texture, unexpected elements are important to good design. This month, I’ll tell you about the herbs and other edibles I use for filler; next month, I’ll write about grasses, berries, woodies, and other unusual florals.
Artemesia annua, Sweet Annie: For years we grew only the scented variety, which is wildly productive and great in fall bouquets and wreaths. But after developing a strong allergy I had to switch over to the scentless type. While not as vigorous, it is still beautiful and very useful in late arrangements. Our plants are grown 24 x 24 inches apart, pinched hard at 2 feet and staked low to prevent toppling.
Basil: One of the most fragrant and abundant summer foliages in the garden! In my opinion ‘Oriental Breeze’ is the most stunning variety sporting deep purple flowers, glossy foliage and a fantastic scent. Cinnamon and Lemon are both wonderful workhorses. Last year we grew ‘Cardinal’ for the first time. The flower heads were pretty but a bit bulky. If pinched early on, it produced really nice useable stems.
Cardoon leaves: The thick silver leaves of Cardoons are a wonderful addition to the cutting patch. They are one of the first greens in the spring and are actually a cut and come again plant so the more you harvest the more the plant produces. They last a surprisingly long time in the vase and are a real attention-getter.Cress/ Lepidium sativum: I worked with this fantastic filler for the first time last summer after spotting it in a friend’s cooler. Oh, just a few stems of these seedy treasures and every bouquet was transformed. While I don’t have any personal growing experience, my friend direct sows it in the spring, staggering three plantings two weeks apart for an extended harvest. Fresh it persists well over 10 days and any excess can be dried for fall bouquets and holiday work. Dill: We grow Bouquet Dill. Direct sown every two weeks, it provides a nice fragrant addition to bouquets.Mint: I was advised to NEVER plant this vigorous spreader but am so glad I didn’t listen. It’s one of the first foliages in the garden and makes early bouquets possible. It sells great with designers, DIY brides and wholesalers. Awesome vase life, wonderful smell and planting stock increases rapidly! My favorite varieties are Apple, Peppermint, Pineapple (white variegated) and Spearmint.Monarda ‘Lambada’: New to me last year, this pretty little pastel Monarda saved my bacon in mixed bouquets. It is very productive, easy to grow from seed, smells nice and holds well in arrangements. I spaced it 18 x 18 inches, three rows per bed with one layer of netting.Oregano ‘Hopley’s Purple’: A simple, beautiful and fragrant summer filler that makes everything next to it sparkle. The airy stems are a favorite here and add a lot to mixed bouquets. A vigorous spreader, this variety needs space and super-sturdy netting to stay contained!Parsley Curled: While not an obvious choice, the crinkled rich leaves are hardy and invaluable in the fall garden. My patch was still going strong late in the season after everything else has faded out or been killed by frost. Last fall, I was able to harvest armloads for Thanksgiving centerpieces. Surprisingly, parsley also has a great vase life of more than a week.
Peppers: In early fall, these vibrantly colored fruits come on like wildfire. We’ve grown the ‘On-Top’ and ‘Candle’ series. Both are wonderfully productive, often producing six to eight 2.5-foot stems per plant. In the hoophouse, plants are grown in landscape fabric, five rows per bed with 9 x 9 inch spacing.
Perilla frutescens/Shiso: A stunning dark foliage plant that is coveted by designers. Perilla is easy to grow and if given ample room (18 x 18), you’ll be rewarded with 15-20 stems per plant. Be sure to let it get nice and ripe before picking or it will wilt; it’s similar to basil in that regard. If picked too young, dip stem ends in boiling water for 15-20 seconds and it will perk back up. I’ve had stems last two weeks in the vase! ‘Britton’ is a beautiful variety with rich green leaves that have a deep red underside. Raspberries: I started using Raspberries in bouquets years ago and they are still on my top favorite list of things we grow. The greens last over two weeks in the vase, are wildly productive, providing foliage all season long, and are adored by high-end designers and retail customers. The everbearing varieties ‘Summit’ and ‘Golden’ are best for an extended harvest of fruiting stems, can be cut to the ground in the winter for easy cleanup, spread rapidly for increased stock, grow in poorer soil than traditional summer fruiting types and fruit in yellow and red. We planted our original stock a foot apart down the row and mulched heavily with wood chips.Salvia Pineapple: An unexpected success here in our garden, this fantastic smelling Salvia is a real winner. Plants arenot hardy so it must stay safe until all danger of frost has past. It gets quite large, requiring ample space. 24 x 24 inches would be ideal with a low layer of support netting for good measure. I grew mine in landscape fabric for added heat and didn’t start harvesting until mid September when the stems were thick and ripe enough to not wilt. It is ideal for mixed bouquets!
Scented Geraniums: Designers will stampede you for fresh bunches of these treasures so be warned! I adore Attar of Rose, Lemon Fizz, Chocolate, Ginger and Bitter Lemon. It’s essential to wait until stems have hardened or they will wilt and not recover. If picked at the proper time, vase life is very good. I plant 3 rows per bed with 18 x 18 inch spacing into landscape fabric for added heat. Next month: rose hips and much more! Erin Benzakein runs Floret, a small organic flower farm in Washington State, www.floretflowers.com
For the the life of our flower business, we’ve been hunkered down, pushing through, making do with little and solely working with what’s at hand. Limitation has always been the theme. The property we farm is not our own and is a small plot at that. We started with no money, little training and had to find a way for the flowers to turn a profit the first year and beyond. Don’t get me wrong, limitations can be a marvelous thing and we have learned an enormous amount by working around them! Limited resources = creative problem solving and through this process we’ve blown the doors off of what seemed possible both financially and production-wise per acre. But making do and going without is hard over time both on the physical body and morale. So 2013 is going to be different in the very best possible way!
While thyme and rosemary don’t show signs of stress after harvesting, mints and oregano can seem to wilt before your eyes if you’ve waited for the morning’s dew to evaporate before harvesting. Protecting the harvested crop, cooling it properly, and maintaining proper temperatures and humidity all have a very real impact on the quality of the product when it gets to the final customer.
Producing herbs for sale to retail and restaurant accounts differs from producing commercial vegetables—especially when it comes to managing the harvest. Harvests need to happen fast, and need to be managed in a way that makes the next harvest easy.
In the April issue, I wrote about growing herbs to use as fillers in bouquets and floral designs. This month, I’ll expand the list of plants I consider fillers. These annuals, perennials, and woody shrubs add fragrance, texture, size and an element of the unexpected to our flowers.
I absolutely adore dahlias! In my opinion, they are a nearly perfect crop to have on the farm. With an extremely long harvest window of up to 3 months, these brilliant gems have become the workhorse of our summer garden. There are thousands of varieties to choose from in nearly every shape, size and color and for a trialing fanatic like me the process of choosing is a blast! With just a few mother tubers one can easily and rapidly increase their stock, so a small investment will produce great rewards in no time. In addition to not shipping well, which gives local growers a major advantage, consumers also love and buy dahlias with great enthusiasm.
My first few years as a flower farmer were a thrilling mix of hard work and overwhelming beauty. Through trial and error, and a staggering amount of work, I slowly learned how to grow top quality flowers. But once I figured out what my key crops were and how to grow them in my climate, the real work began. I had finally cracked the code on how to grow an unbelievable amount of flowers in a really small space, but what I didn’t realize is that growing is only half of the battle.
In the February issue I wrote about the massive celosia trial we conducted last summer. I shared information on all of the crested varieties that we grew, including my top-rated favorites. This month, I’ll expand on our findings in both the spicata (wheat-type) and plumosa (plumed) groups.
I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that it’s August already! You’d think the oppressive heat, the time spent each day dragging hoses, and the truck-loads of dahlias coming out of the field would convince me. But my heart is still back in May. With spring on the brain and still a little time left this season to get some goodies in the ground for the next go-round, I thought I’d do a quick run through of late summer reminders so that we will all be swimming in flowers as early as possible.
With our last frost date fast approaching, we’ve kicked it into high gear in order to have our soil ready for spring planting. While most vegetable farmers understand the importance of healthy soil, I’m often surprised by how little most flower growers know and invest in their soils’ health. I believe the old adage “it starts with the soil” always applies, regardless of the crop.
Each season a handful of new varieties make the cut and gain permanent residence here on the farm. Making “the list” requires meeting a pretty strict set of criteria. First, the item must grow somewhat easily and vigorously in my climate. This means no heroic measures, toxic chemicals or complicated procedures are required to produce a healthy plant.
Before being introduced to the beautiful world of fragrant and uniquely flowered Narcissus I thought all daffodils looked like the standard King Alfred type, plain, big, bright and kind of ugly — not to mention cheap and widely available in the spring. Here our local wholesalers sell big bunches of them for less than a dollar each. The grocery stores practically give them away, too. But after a visit to a grower friend’s cooler in March I was permanently hooked on the beauty and charm of specialty daffodils. One can find delicate, fragrant, spicy, unique, ruffled, double, romantic and beautifully colored varieties all in the same family!
In a world that is rapidly changing, it’s no longer enough to just be a good grower. In the past a farmer could simply load up her goods, drive into town and sell directly out of the back of her pickup with great success. While quality and freshness are still the foundation of a thriving farm, growers are now faced with new and complex challenges. Half of building a successful farming operation lies in marketing and sales. For so many growers this has been a difficult adjustment. But with the introduction of new technologies, small growers are in a better position to face these challenges than ever before. For very little money and a small investment of time, it is possible to connect in an entirely new way with customers.
In the beginning, bouquets seemed effortless, as if they just happened. A short stroll through the garden and I could magically collect an armful of beautiful ingredients to make up an arrangement most months of the year. But over time, as my business has grown from a tiny backyard design studio into a busy farm, having enough bouquet material is constantly an issue. Roughly half of my weekly wholesale orders are for bouquets. Now I must carefully plan out a season’s worth of material to ensure a continuous, abundant supply.
Of all the flowers we grow on our little farm, sweet peas are my all-time favorite. I have never seen a flower have such a strong impact on the recipient as these exquisite blooms. Tears, joy, nostalgia; no matter how tense, cold, or brittle a person, sweet peas always cut through and touch the heart.
In frugal times such as these, customers are looking for good value in their floral purchases. Bright, bold flowers and exuberant bouquets are the antidote to economic gloom. Luckily, there’s a crop of new varieties this year that are easy and inexpensive to grow. There’s nothing too fancy here, but that seems just about right for 2010.
Do you ever feel like your home or office space is starting to feel stale and lacking life? As humans, we crave visual stimulation and connecting with nature. An excellent way to breathe new life into any indoor area is by incorporating beautiful and vibrant hanging flowers. One of my favorite options is the delicate and graceful hanging alpine stork’s bill flower. In this article, we’ll explore why this cascading flower is an excellent choice and provide tips for caring for it and creatively displaying it in your space.
The alpine stork’s bill flower, also known by its botanical name Epilobium angustifolium, is a gorgeous wildflower native to mountainous regions. One of its most distinguishing features is its cascading habit, with slender arched stems adorned with clusters of small pink blossoms. When hung, it resembles a fountain of delicate flowers spilling downwards.
Beyond its charm and elegance, this plant is also known for being relatively easy to care for and able to thrive in varying conditions It can bring life and joy when hung in a sunny living room window or draped over an outdoor pergola. Its versatility and visual appeal make it a top choice for using as a hanging plant indoors.
Benefits of Incorporating Hanging Flowers
Introducing hanging flowers like the alpine stork’s bill into your environment provides numerous benefits beyond visual beauty. Studies have shown that having flowers around us can lift our mood reduce anxiety and stress and promote feelings of joy and tranquility. The delicate blossoms and gentle movement of a hanging plant can create a peaceful ambiance.
Flowers also naturally purify the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. This air purification quality enhances indoor air quality for better health. Incorporating lovely hanging blooms like the alpine stork’s bill creates a space that nurtures our emotional and physical well-being.
Creative Ways to Showcase the Hanging Alpine Stork’s Bill
There are endless possibilities when it comes to creatively displaying the alpine stork’s bill flower’s cascading beauty. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
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Hanging baskets – For a full and bountiful look, hang several pots at varying heights and allow the flowers to spill over the edges.
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Wall-mounted planters – Secure planters filled with cascading stork’s bill flowers to a blank wall. It creates a lovely living artwork.
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Tabletop arrangement – Place a pot on a pedestal in the center of your dining or coffee table for a gorgeous centerpiece.
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Shelving display – Let stems trail down from wall shelves or a bookshelf. The flowers can gently brush shelves below them.
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Banister accents – Weave stems between the posts of a staircase banister so the blossoms hang freely.
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Outdoor pergola – Train climbing stems over an overhead pergola for a courtyard ceiling of organic beauty.
Let your creativity run wild when brainstorming how to best showcase these graceful blooms in your unique space!
Caring for Your Hanging Alpine Stork’s Bill Flower
While relatively easy going, the alpine stork’s bill flower still requires some simple care practices to thrive as an indoor hanging plant. Here are some top tips:
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Light – Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid hot direct sun that could scorch delicate leaves and blooms.
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Water – Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, allowing excess to drain fully. Prevent soggy soil.
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Temperature – Average room temperature between 60-75°F suits it well. Avoid drafty areas.
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Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once a month during spring and summer.
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Pruning – Trim back any dead or damaged growth to encourage healthy new blooms.
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Humidity – Mist leaves or use a small humidifier to provide needed humidity.
With the right care, your hanging alpine stork’s bill flower can grace your indoor space with its charm for years to come. Refresh tired soil annually or when roots fill pots. Dividing overcrowded plants revitalizes them too.
Incorporating the lovely cascading flowers of the hanging alpine stork’s bill into your home or office provides numerous benefits beyond beauty. This easy-care plant can add life, brightness, and tranquility to any stale indoor environment. Get creative with displaying its flowing pink blossoms and slender stems. With proper care, this gorgeous flower can uplift your space for many years through its graceful elegance. I hope these tips have inspired you to add some hanging alpine stork’s bill flowers to your home decor!
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How to fold Bills for Money Bouquet by KK House
FAQ
Can you put alpine plants in hanging baskets?
How do you look after an alpine garden?
How do alpine flowers survive?
Is stork’s Bill a drought tolerant weed?
This weed originated from Europe and is drought tolerant. During dryer season, Stork’s Bill can drastically reduce crop yield if not managed correctly. Stork’s Bill can vary in height from 2 to 20 inches tall, is hairy, and usually grows out of basal rosette and flowering stalks, which grows out of the ails of the leaves.
How do I get rid of stork’s Bill?
Finally, make sure to give all equipment that has been in infested fields a good clean, to make sure no seeds are transferred. There are some good cultural control methods for Stork’s Bill, starting with spring and fall cultivation in crop fields, which will destroy the seedlings that have grown in summer and fall germination.
Where do stork’s bills come from?
Most occur only in isolated locations. The broader Geraniaceae (geranium) family contains numerous species, both native and introduced. The plant’s common name “Stork’s Bill” references the shape of its seedpods, which resemble a stork’s open bill.
Can you eat stork’s bill Geranium?
Once the Stork’s Bill is in bloom and seeding don’t confuse it with the Cranesbill Geranium ( Geranium carolinianum) which is a Florida native. The Cranesbill looks like the Stork’s Bill except it has palmate leaves. While it is edible it is very bitter. You can eat it raw or cooked.