Well, it wasn't for lack of trying. I just wasn't very good at flower growing. It seemed that anything smaller than a hardy shrub or tree either grew feebly or died. Despite all the research I did about the specific conditions a particular plant liked, I was just stabbing in the dark without more comprehensive knowledge of soil, water, feeding and it's kissing cousin; weeding.
The land our house sits on is close to the bay and was the bay historically. The soil is porous and sandy and seems to have few nutrients, despite yearly compost additions. It floods periodically some winters and the garden is knee deep in water from hills running down and overflowing a creek nearby. This water is also given a boost from a high tide from the bay. I know, it's complicated! So it is wet, wet wet, till the soil become bones dry in two weeks, come early summer. During the rainy season all manner of weeds including my constant unwelcome companion, sour grass grow abundantly. Then everything dries up and it's the Sahara. Whew!
Over the years I have been learning the limitations and potential for this garden. But this year, come hell or high water I needed to grow some flowers!
Major inspiration and information has come from a book released this year by Floret Farms in WA. Erin Benzakein is a full time flower grower, author, and teacher. She is revered by flower farmers and designers alike for learning growing techniques for hundreds of cut flowers and showing people how to do it. She has grown a little empire selling not only incredible cut flowers and floral design services but also offers highly sought after and wildly expensive workshops,(mainly for those in the trade) seeds, bulbs, and products.
http://www.floretflowers.com/shop/
While Erin's beautifully photographed book is geared for flower farming, her information on individual flowers good for cutting is invaluable. She also includes some great floral design techniques. It will inspire you to rip out your entire garden and plant rows. I haven't done that and my garden is not the lush eden she has on her farm. But I grew some flowers this year. And what a feeling of joy and accomplishment it's been.
