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This year has been more of a challenge and every time I feel like I’ve caught up there is suddenly something else that needs doing. There have been extra jobs due to our driveway being replaced and plants needed moving. Or it might be extra staking due to heavy downpours or wind. Also I removed four patches of invasive Miscanthus grass that the previous owners had put in. Then, of course, I had to temporarily fill in the gaps that left. And then there is the new bed that was added where my neighbours removed their hedge! Just yesterday we were hit with another wild storm with winds, hail and heavy downpours that caused one of my favourite small trees to snap off completely. It just seems to have been a strange year.

Sometimes the jobs seem never ending! But it is always a good idea to stop and reflect on why I actually garden and then refocus on doing more of that.

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Mindful Flower Arranging

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Picking flowers from the garden is an enjoyable process for me. Wandering and looking at all the flowers in bloom, then deciding what to pick, is a slow, relaxing and mindful time. I often get distracted by something new blooming or an insect friend.

The flowers are picked and placed straight into a bucket of water, then left to rest and condition in a cool dark place. When I am ready to arrange them I assess what I have, what kind of arrangement I want to make and choose a vessel to suit.

I never use floral foam, so the next step is choosing a way to secure the flowers. Here all that was needed was some small pebbles in the bottom of the vase. When arranging I start with the greenery first and build a framework that I’ll fill in with flowers. For me it’s the greenery and little supporting flowers that are the best part. It is a great time to get a close look at all the little details.

Do you pick and arrange your own flowers? If not, then give it a go. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just a few stems in a recycled jam jar can brighten your whole day and give you a whole new perspective on your garden.

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Next Market

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I will be back at Hintonburg Blooms Market in Somerset Square Park on Saturday August 12th from 10 – 2pm. It was such fun last time and I hope to see you there again!

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Why Buy Local Flowers?

Just like with the local slow food movement there is a growing awareness of the impact on the environment from importing flowers from around the world or across the country. As we all try to reduce our carbon footprint we can gradually make small changes that have a far reaching effect.

Here are just a few reasons to support your local flower farmers or florists that use locally grown flowers.

✅ Flowers grown by your local flower farmer will be freshly picked and locally delivered saving thousands of travel miles

✅ Seasonal flowers – each season brings a new selection of flowers that are naturally in bloom at that time

✅ Local seasonal flowers are a great way to reconnect with nature

✅ Smaller carbon footprint due to reduced travel to market, lower inputs of artificial heat, watering, chemicals and pesticides, reduced packaging, on site composting and encouraging local wildlife and pollinators

✅ Small scale local production keeps jobs and farms in your community

✅ Local growers are moved by the seasons and get excited to bring you the best of what is currently growing in the fields from early spring bulbs, late spring blossom, early summer peonies, roses, late summer dahlias and onto sunflowers

And if you have another reason you buy local flowers then let us know in the comments

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New Projects

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Thank you for following along on this floral journey. Let me know if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.