September: Making Room for More

I added two raised beds to the garden in September. You would think that would settle the question of whether I have enough room for flowers. Apparently, it just gives me more ideas.

While the dahlias are still blooming, I’m already thinking about tulips, ranunculus, and snapdragons. It feels a little funny planning spring bouquets while carrying a bucket of fall flowers, but that’s where my mind is lately.

This first year has helped me figure out what I really want to grow. Pink and peach dahlias will always catch my eye, but I’m looking beyond a pretty picture now. Does it give me plenty of flowers? Are the stems long enough? Do I keep reaching for it when I’m making bouquets? I want more of those dependable favorites next year.

September also took the flowers beyond the backyard—to WineXpress and the I’m Just a Girl Market at Gather GVL. Getting to see what people choose is part of the fun. I have my favorites, but it’s interesting to see which flowers catch someone else’s eye.

I’m finding that I enjoy planning a bouquet and planning a garden for much the same reason: imagining how everything will look together. The garden just requires a little more patience.

For now, I’m enjoying what’s blooming and making plans for those new beds. Two more beds, plenty of possibilities, and the same backyard. We’ll see how much I can fit.