One of the things I love most about summer is being able to bring fresh flowers indoors from my garden. It took years of trial and error but I now have many plants that provide abundant blooms. I wouldn’t call it a real cutting garden, but it’s getting close. Decorating with flowers is easy and over the past few years I’ve shared some ways to add garden blooms to your decor. I’ve gathered up what I have so far and hope you are inspired to cut something from your yard and bring it inside. First up are peonies.
I’ve talked before about the fact that peonies come and go so quickly that some people might not think they are worth the effort. They have their challenges. They attract ants. They tend to get top heavy and fall over. If they are in bloom and it happens to rain, they can be crushed.
I choose to overlook all of these things because there is just something magical about a peony bloom. They are big and the colors are incredible. I planted mine away from the house so the ants can do what they please. When they begin to bloom, I cut them daily so they don’t weigh down the bushes. I put them in jars and pitchers all over my house and for a few weeks in early summer, I am in peony heaven. So…if you don’t have any peonies I hope you plant at least one bush. Put it where it will get mostly sun and away from your house. You probably won’t have blooms next year because they take a while to adjust to their surroundings. But after that you will be blessed with abundant blooms. (Note: the warmer, southern zones can’t grow peonies…it just gets too hot.)
Here are some other flowers with great blooms and ways to use them in your summer decor. Just click the yellow links (red on mobile) to read more.
I hope I’ve inspired you to venture outdoors and cut something green…and if it has a bloom attached that’s even better. If there is absolutely nothing for you to cut, I hope I’ve inspired you to plant something. Maybe not right now, but think about planting something in the early fall. At least think about it!
It’s that time again when I am honored to be joining three talented bloggers who know what they are talking about when it comes to DIY and decor. Stop by the links below for much more inspiration!
Mary says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 10:45 pmI really, really love your blog. So elegant! And so much information and beautiful pictures – and many great and useful ideas. Thanks for doing this. I look forward every day to see what you have to say.
Cindy says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 6:10 pmAbsolutely beautiful as usual;) I adore that vintage chest of drawers you have! That has to be one of your favorite pieces:D
Shirley@housepitality designs says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 5:43 pmSo very beautiful Ann…each and every arrangement.
Loretto says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 4:36 pmI love that you still use your silver pieces. Mine get polished every year just before thanksgiving and for the most part are unused. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thistle says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 10:26 amLove your decorating ideas. The flowers are beautiful!
Have a wonderful day!
karianne
Patcrawford33@gmail says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 10:23 amI love your blog. Every one of them has so many great ideas. Love a great 4th
Donna Marie says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 9:50 amWe used those “cheap” tomato cages and inserted them before the peonies got big and that really gave us a show!!!
Penny @ The Comforts of Home says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 9:07 amYour flower arrangements are beautiful Ann. I love peonies. I had them at my houses in North Carolina. I don’t think I can grow them here in SC…I will have to check.
debbiedoos says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 9:07 amAnn I love to decorate with flowers too. You show so many creative and pretty ways!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 8:38 amI love that you said, “I choose to overlook that” when talking about the negative things about having peonies. Kudos to you! What a great mindset and one I’m adopting.
Your images are so inspiring. LOVE partying with you!