When I’m chatting about gardening at the farmers’ market, the topic of seeds that are easy to sow often comes up. Many flower seeds are tiny and a bit fiddly… Read more

If we let certain plants go to seed after flowering, their dropped seeds may sprout later on, or self-sow. The most likely plants for self-sowing are annuals and short-lived perennials… Read more

‘Tis the season for Thanksgiving and winter holiday meals… If you’re hosting any gatherings, the tips below are meant to help you balance the aesthetics of the event with the… Read more

As you savor autumn’s crisp, sunny days and bright, cheerful pumpkins and chrysanthemums, consider sparing a thought for your future winter self—the lethargic, bedraggled one who doesn’t want to get… Read more

California is home to a host of native wildflowers, including several that make great cut flowers. At the end of this article are descriptions of three of my favorites. The… Read more

Here are the flowers I’ve been drying this summer, all of which keep their color and shape well as they dry. The stems pictured above are in the same order,… Read more

When putting together flowers, the steps I follow and the proportion of stem categories vary a bit, depending on what I’m creating: a market bouquet, a bowl centerpiece, a gift… Read more

A Bit of Background Lavender (the genus Lavandula) originated in the Mediterranean/Eurasia, and has been used for its scent and medicinally for more than two thousand years. There are more… Read more

Herbs and scented-leaf geraniums are some of my favorite plants to grow for bouquet foliage. Their soft leaves bring a subtle, refreshing scent and make arrangements feel like they’ve just… Read more