Grow your own Wedding Flowers

December 21, 2015
Daunting as such a task may seem, this book’s delightful descriptions and photographs of seasonal flowers may convince any bride, groom, or parent-of-the-engaged to tackle the ambitious endeavor of growing flowers for a wedding. Artisan flower farmer Newbery (The Flower Farmer’s Year) does not understate the long list of requirements: space, time, helpers, patience, flexibility (given the likelihood or pest, disease, frost, or uncooperative plants foiling the best-laid plans), and possibly also a sense of humor when the irrigation system fails. Certain flowers and foliage can only come from established plants, so scavenging from the gardens of neighbors is one of the skills required. The tips in this book—such as searing off woody stems in boiling water and making garlands—go beyond weddings and are terrific for anyone who recognizes the value in growing flowers for cutting and decorating year round. The authors grow flowers in southwest England, but the introduction gives guidelines for adapting their information for many climates. Planning templates, charts, and calendars round out a wedding flower toolkit. The book also captures the wilder, natural-looking, and colorful arrangements that are currently fashionable—and suitable for the home gardener florist.