PETAL POWER
In our opinion, whoever said “Flowers are always a good idea” was a genius. You know who else we consider a genius? Melanie Harrington from Dahlia May Flower Farm. She put this list of flowers together to show you not only what she (and her dedicated team) grows on her farm but also what you could grow yourself.
Sunflowers
If you are hoping to raise a gardener, have your children plant sunflowers! Large seeds make it easy, and some varieties grow up to 12 feet tall!
Dahlias
Dahlias are easy to grow and incredibly rewarding. The flowers come in a rainbow of colours and are excellent for cutting. Every year their roots produce tubers that multiply the plants for a gift that keeps on giving! Consider these your gateway into a life of gardening.
Parrot Tulips
Their ruffled petals and striking colours make them a far cry from your basic tulips. Plant these in your garden in the fall and be rewarded in May with blooms that will return every spring—if you can fight the urge to cut them, that is!
Anemones
One of the most eye-catching and productive early bloomers.
Pro tip: Start these corms in your house in February for an early taste of spring, transplanting them outside in April.
Zinnias
The perfect companion for your tomatoes and cucumbers because they deter cucumber beetles and tomato worms.
Bonus points? They bloom all summer long, are drought tolerant and, best of all, attract butterflies!
Ranunculus
Ra-NUN-cue-lus is certainly a mouthful!
This reliable flower pops up in gardens in May and June and will last for weeks in a vase!
Daffodils
Many specialty shops offer types with double centres, ruffled petals and unique colours. Get bulbs in the ground during the fall and enjoy blooms every spring for years to come.
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