Many gardeners dream of a lush cutting garden, where flowers bloom in abundance for lovely bouquets. Ceramic artist and gardener Frances Palmer embodies this vision. She utilizes every part of her expansive garden—from vibrant flowers to fragrant herbs and even branches from ornamental trees—to create beautiful arrangements.
Frances, based in Connecticut, recently discussed her approach to cutting gardens on my public-radio show. In her latest book, “Life with Flowers,” she explores both practical tips and creative inspiration for garden lovers. Frances believes that every flower and plant has its own unique beauty, deserving a spot in your home.
Expert insight reinforces this idea. A recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects revealed that gardens with a mix of flowers, herbs, and decorative foliage are increasingly popular. People want gardens that serve multiple purposes, from visual appeal to providing fresh flowers for their homes.
Frances shared her personal journey with flowers. Initially, she grew blooms simply to document her pottery. Over time, these flowers became essential to her creative process, directly influencing her ceramics. “I see pottery and flowers as two halves of my earthly paradise,” she remarked. This connection highlights how our environments can inspire creativity in unexpected ways.
When discussing which flowers to include, Frances emphasized variety. She grows classic staples like dahlias and zinnias but also incorporates less common choices. “Every plant can be a candidate for cutting,” she asserted, pointing to the joyful colors of gladiolas, which many have overlooked in recent years. With staggered plantings, these flowers can continuously bloom throughout the season.
Frances’ unique take includes valuing all flower stages. She appreciates every moment of a bloom’s life, from bud to full bloom to fading beauty. “I love all phases,” she said, which encourages gardeners to embrace the evolving nature of their plants and find beauty in the unexpected.
Beyond flowers, foliage plays a vital role in arrangements. Frances often uses ferns, hostas, and even vines to add depth and structure to her creations. These elements can elevate floral arrangements, creating a more natural appearance. “Think of foliage as your support in the vase,” she suggested, sharing that unconventional elements can bring surprising beauty to arrangements.
Frances encourages those new to cutting gardens to experiment. “Even weeds or plant trimmings can look lovely in a vase,” she said, reminding us that creativity often lies outside conventional norms. Social media trends show an upsurge in embracing foraged materials in floral design, a testament to the beauty of nature’s imperfections.
As you consider your own cutting garden, remember to think outside the traditional flower list. Embrace the mistakes and unexpected finds in your garden—after all, sometimes the best arrangements come from a bit of adventure and creativity. So grab those scissors and start exploring the treasures your garden has to offer!