09/21/2026
🌿 Reflections from the Flower Cart: Favorites, Surprises & a Few Prima Donnas
Every flower has taught me something during this journey. Some have delighted me, some have surprised me—and a few have tested both my patience and my gardening confidence.
Dahlias and ranunculus — You are absolutely gorgeous, and you know it. Unfortunately, you also behave like the prima donnas of the flower world: demanding lots of attention, looking spectacular for a minute, and then dramatically fainting. I’m beginning to think your short-lived beauty may not be worth all the fuss.
Bells of Ireland — You are unusual, striking, and a wonderful addition to bouquets. But goodness, you are prickly! Apparently, beauty really can hurt.
Lisianthus and gladiolus — You were both lovely surprises. I didn’t expect to enjoy you quite so much, but here we are. You’ve earned another invitation to the garden.
Zinnias — Colorful, cheerful, sturdy, and blessed with a long vase life—you’ve quickly become one of my favorites. You’re not nearly as fragile as your fancy “sister,” the dahlia, and I appreciate a flower that doesn’t require an emotional-support gardener.
Celosia — You are by far my favorite surprise of this journey. There are so many varieties, and every one is wonderfully strange and beautiful in its own way. You can definitely stay.
Strawflowers — Your papery texture is so unique and fun. And since you dry beautifully, you really can stick around almost forever. No complaints here!
Lemon basil — Can you please be in my life everywhere, all the time? In the garden, in bouquets, in the house—possibly following me around as a personal fragrance cloud?
Frosted Explosion — You were my first truly unusual greenery, and now you’re almost always in my flower cart. You understood the assignment from the beginning.
Snow-on-the-mountain — You may be my favorite greenery discovery so far. Pretty, distinctive, and hardworking—you’re exactly the kind of garden employee I’m looking for.
Billy balls and star thistle — You may be my most unusual discoveries to date. Quirky, distinctive, and full of personality, you quickly earned permanent spots in my heart—and, if I can successfully grow you, in my garden too.
This cutting-garden journey has been full of experiments, lessons, surprises, successes, and a few flowers that may not be invited back. I’m learning what grows well, what lasts in a vase, what works in my bouquets—and, most importantly, what spreads joy.
Bloom joy. Share kindness. 💜
