Plotting The Perfect Petals: Mapping Out A Flower Garden For Your Big Day

Growing your own flowers for your wedding can be a fun and rewarding project, but it's not for the faint-hearted. It requires planning, dedication, and a good amount of gardening know-how. The amount of space you'll need depends on several factors, including the types of flowers you choose, the number of flowers required, and the time you have available before the big day.

If you're a beginner gardener, opt for easy-to-grow annuals like zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus, which can be showy enough for a formal affair. You can also go for bulbs, which are some of the easiest plants to grow, such as narcissus and daffodils. These flowers don't require much upkeep and will add a pop of colour to your wedding.

When deciding on the size of your plot, consider the scope of your wedding flower needs. Will you only be creating bouquets and boutonnieres, or do you also need flowers for centrepieces, arch decorations, and other arrangements? As a general rule, picture the number of stems you think you'll need and double it to account for any last-minute changes or oopsies!

Remember to start planning early. For spring weddings, plant your bulbs in fall or early winter. If you're having a fall wedding, start planting the previous fall or early spring. And if a summer celebration is on the cards, get those bulbs and perennials in the ground the previous fall.

Choosing flowers that will grow at the right time of year

Know Your Wedding Season

The time of year you're getting married will dictate which flowers are in season. For example, spring offers a wide variety of options, including peonies, hydrangeas, tulips, and anemones. If you're having a summer wedding, expect to see colourful blooms like orchids, proteas, anthurium, and garden roses. Autumn weddings often feature rich hues of orange, yellow, and red, such as sunflowers, dahlias, and ranunculus. Even in winter, there are in-season flowers like amaryllis, anemones, paperwhites, and poinsettias.

Plan According to Your Location

The climate and growing conditions of your wedding location will also influence which flowers will be in bloom. If you're working with a florist, they can guide you in selecting flowers that are locally available and in season. Using local and in-season flowers can also be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Be Flexible with Flower Choices

When choosing flowers, focus on colour and shape rather than fixating on a specific type. This will allow you to work with what's available and in its best shape during your wedding season. For example, if you desire a particular colour, you can choose from a variety of flowers that offer that hue.

Consider Fillers and Foliage

To create beautiful and bountiful arrangements, don't forget to include structural elements, fillers, and foliage. Foliage can be especially useful for early-season weddings, adding interest and form to your displays. Pampas grass is another trendy option for filling in gaps and adding texture.

Start Planning Early

Give yourself ample time to research and decide on your flower choices. If you're growing your own flowers, it's recommended to start planning at least a year in advance. This will allow you to time your plantings correctly and ensure that your chosen flowers are in bloom for your wedding day.

How much space each plant needs

The amount of space each flower needs depends on the type of flower and the desired impact. For example, begonias should be planted 8 to 12 inches apart, while dahlias need 2 to 3 feet of space to fill in. Perennials, in general, should be spaced 6 to 36 inches apart, depending on their size. Annuals, on the other hand, can be planted closer together, with a typical spacing of 8 to 12 inches. However, some annuals, like impatiens, will grow taller if planted closer together.

When planning a wedding, it's important to consider the purpose of the flowers. Will they be used for table centrepieces, bouquets, or buttonholes? The desired impact will also play a role in determining the spacing of the flowers. For a dramatic display, flowers can be planted closer together, but this may require additional maintenance as the plants grow and need room to circulate air. If a more natural look is desired, spacing the flowers further apart will allow them to fill in over time.

Additionally, the timing of the wedding should be considered when planning to grow flowers for a wedding. Some flowers, like lilacs, are seasonal and may not be in bloom for an autumn wedding. Perennials, in particular, may need to be planted a few years in advance to establish themselves. If time is a factor, planting more flowers than needed is a safe bet, as pests and diseases can always affect the yield.

In terms of space needed, a dedicated plot of land is not always necessary. Flowers can be grown in containers or pots, making it possible to have a small corner of a yard dedicated to wedding flowers.

How to cut and condition stems

To cut and condition stems for a wedding bouquet, there are several steps you can take to ensure your flowers stay fresh and beautiful.

Firstly, when cutting stems, always use a sharp, clean knife or a pair of garden snips. It is recommended to cut at a 45-degree angle, about 1-2 inches up from the bottom of the stem. This increases the surface area, allowing the flowers to absorb more water. If you are cutting flowers from your garden, it is best to do this in the morning, and place the flowers straight into a bucket of cool or lukewarm water.

Once you are indoors, remove any foliage from the lower portion of the stem, as decaying leaves will contaminate the water and shorten the life of your flowers. Recut the stems and place them in a vase with fresh water. It is also important to note that certain flowers, such as hydrangeas, benefit from being cut up the middle of the stem to help them absorb more water. Additionally, cut off any excess leaves that fall below the waterline, as these will cause the water to become cloudy and slimy.

To condition your flowers, let them stand in a cool, shaded place in tepid water for several hours, or preferably overnight. You can add some cut-flower food to the water to extend their bloom time. Woody-stemmed branches from trees and shrubs will need to have the ends of their stems split with a small vertical cut. For hydrangeas, submerge the heads in a bowl of cold water for an hour to help firm their petals, then cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in warm water overnight.

For flowers with thin stems that tend to bend, such as tulips, it is best to bundle them together and let them sit in water for several hours before arranging them. If your tulips start to droop, prick a small hole in the stem just below the flower with a pin. Some flowers, such as delphiniums, lupins, and amaryllis, have hollow stems, so place a thick stick or wire up the stems or fill them with water and cover the base with a cotton ball secured with a rubber band.

How to protect flowers from pests

The size of the plot needed to grow flowers for a wedding depends on how many flowers you want to cultivate. You can even plant them in containers on your deck. If you're pressed for space, consider planting flowers with long stems close together so they compete for sunlight and grow taller.

Now, onto pest control. Here are some tips to protect your flowers from pests:

Prepare for Pests

Planning ahead will help you tackle pest problems. Here are some preventative measures you can take:

• Start with healthy plants—Bugs target weak, unhealthy, and stressed plants. Regularly inspect your garden, looking for pest infections, infestations, changes in leaf colour, or damaged leaves. Take immediate steps to address any issues.
• Use natural predators—Attract beneficial insects, birds, and other natural predators to prey on pests. For example, ladybugs and lacewings can help control aphids.
• Hand-pick large pests—For larger pests like slugs, Japanese beetles, cabbage worms, and squash bugs, simply pick them off your plants and remove them from your garden.
• Fence off larger animals—If you're dealing with larger pests like deer, consider installing a sturdy fence around your garden.
• Rotate your crops—Don't leave your plants in the same place every year. Move them around to confuse pests and reduce the chances of diseases taking root in your soil.

Use Natural Sprays and Barriers

If pests become a problem, try these methods to protect your flowers:

• Natural sprays—Try natural sprays like garlic spray, mineral oil, salt spray, or a mixture of soapy water and pepper. These natural options are safer for your plants and the environment.
• Row covers—Use row covers to protect your plants. This will prevent bugs from jumping between rows and can deter a variety of pests.
• Cloche your plants—For individual plants under attack, use wire or PVC hoops covered with cloth to protect them from pests.
• Plant collars—For cutworms, cut circular pieces of cardboard and place them around the base of your plant to deter the pests.
• Netting—Use netting to cover your plants and protect them from birds and other larger pests. Just remember to remove it when you need to pick your flowers.
• Herbs and spices—Plant herbs with strong scents, such as mint and lemongrass, to repel certain insects. You can also sprinkle chilli powder or turmeric powder to deter ants.

How to arrange flowers

The size of the plot you will need to grow flowers for a wedding depends on the type of flowers you want to grow and the number of arrangements you want to make. If you are a beginner gardener, it is recommended to choose easy-to-grow annuals that tend to grow quickly and bloom profusely, such as zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and amaranthus. You can also opt for bulbs, which are some of the easiest plants to grow, including daffodils and narcissus.

• Plan ahead: Start planning at least a year in advance to ensure the flowers have enough time to grow. Choose the types of flowers you want, taking into consideration the time of year and your colour preferences.
• Bulk up the arrangements: Use structural elements, fillers, and foliage to add volume to your bouquets and displays. You can use pampas, foxgloves, lupins, and other "face flowers" to create a full and interesting arrangement.
• Choose statement blooms: Select a range of dominant flowers such as roses, tulips, dahlias, sunflowers, echinaceas, and lilies to add drama and personality to your palette.
• Prepare the flowers: Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stems and place them in cool water as soon as they are cut. If the blooms are floppy, sear the ends in boiling water for 5 seconds for softer stems and 45 seconds for woodier stems.
• Create the bridal bouquet: The bridal bouquet is typically larger than the bridesmaids' bouquets and may require more types of flowers. Wrap the stems with floral tape and add more stems until you are happy with the arrangement.
• Make the bridesmaids' bouquets: The bridesmaids' bouquets can be slightly smaller and simpler than the bride's. Use more greenery to fill out the bouquets and save on flowers.
• Wrap the stems: Use ribbon, burlap, lace, or other materials to wrap the stems of the bouquets. Secure the wrapping with pins and add a finishing touch, such as a satin ribbon.
• Transport the flowers: Use the boxes that the flowers were delivered in or create DIY boxes with holes cut out to transport the flowers to the venue. Ensure the flowers are secured properly to avoid any damage during transit.
• Final touches: On the day of the wedding, cut the stems of the bouquets and add any final ribbons or wraps. Keep the flowers fresh by storing them in a cool place and changing the water regularly.

Frequently asked questions