Plan and plant a cutting garden

Devote some space to beautiful blooms that you can snip for homegrown bouquets

From garden to vase

Pick flowers in early morning, when stems are full of water and unstressed from midday heat.
Take a tall bucket with cool water with you and immerse stems as you gather.
Cut to just above a side branch; it will grow and produce flowers in a week or so.
Recut stems just before arranging in a vase filled with water and floral food.
Strip leaves from the portion of stem that will be below water. (Or strip the bottom leaves when cutting outdoors.)
Use clean vases and change water every few days.
Place arrangements out of direct sun and on a cool surface.
Include leaves, branches, ornamental grasses, vines and berries in floral arrangements for contrast and interest.

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