Plant Now, Pick Later, Fill Your Vases For Free
The bare root planting window is still very much open, and it is one of the smartest ways to fill a garden with flowers that look like they came straight from a florist. Bare root plants arrive dormant, with no bulky pot, so they settle in quickly once planted.
This is a brilliant way to establish perennials in your garden, ready to perform properly when the growing season gets going.
Why Plant Bare Root?
They are straightforward to handle, simple to plant, and they represent excellent value compared to potted versions of the same varieties. Plus, because they go into the ground while dormant, they focus on root growth first, which sets them up for stronger plants and improved flowering as the season progresses.
Bare root planting is a confident, tried-and-tested method for perennials. It is how generations of gardeners have built long-lasting, flower-filled gardens without fuss or the expense.
Three Plants Made For Cutting
Gypsophila paniculata ‘Baby’s Breath’ – A florist’s favourite for a very good reason. It produces airy clouds of tiny white flowers through summer, softening borders and making every bouquet look fuller, lighter and more romantic. Plant a patch and there will always be a few stems ready to lift an arrangement.
Rose of the Year ‘Coral Gardens’ – Modern rose with classic romance. Expect flush after flush of coral to apricot-pink blooms, a rich fruity scent, and impressive disease resistance, so those glossy leaves stay handsome while the flowers keep coming.
Peonies – Many peonies deliver the big, ruffled, luxury blooms that make a vase look instantly special, such as ‘Eden’s Perfume’ and ‘Red Magic’. Soft pink fragrance or rich red drama, both hold beautifully indoors and return year after year in the garden.
Cutting And Preparing Flowers For The Vase
Just a few snips can turn border blooms into something that looks florist-made, and thankfully it is far easier than you may think.
Always cut flowers early in the morning or later in the evening, when stems are full of moisture and less stressed by heat. Choose buds that are just beginning to open rather than those fully in bloom, as they will last longer indoors and you can watch them open.
Use a sharp, clean pair of secateurs. This gives a neat cut that helps stems take up water easily and avoids crushing the plant tissue. Cut stems on a slant rather than straight across, which increases the surface area for water absorption.
As soon as flowers are cut, place them straight into a bucket of clean, cool water. Do not leave them lying around, even for a short time. Back indoors, remove any foliage that would sit below the water line, as submerged leaves quickly rot. Change the water every couple of days, recutting stems slightly each time to keep them fresh. Kept away from direct heat and draughts, home-grown flowers often last longer than shop-bought ones and you know exactly where they came from!
