Blooming Developments in the Backyard Garden: Spring 2024 Check-in
Folks, here's the scoop on my 2023 garden plans!
Last year, I felt so captivated by the beauty of cut flower gardens, and I decided to create one of my own. I'm all about that vibrant, cheerful burst of color that bunches of flowers bring, and I'm hoping to grow enough to share with loved ones.
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One thing that caught my attention while pondering my flowery venture is the environmental impact of store-bought flowers. Yep, I'd never given it much thought before, but just like everything else, the process behind flower production ranges from eco-friendly to not-so-much.
So what makes a bunch of flowers eco-friendly? Plenty of factors are at play, but here are some considerations for buying flowers:
- The Flowers' Origin: Flowers cultivated locally tend to be better for the environment since they require less energy-intensive transportation, thus lowering carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping.
- Organic or Sustainable Growing Practices: Some suppliers focus on sourcing flowers grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals, preserving the environment around us.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: The packaging of these flowers can have a significant environmental impact. Biodegradable, recyclable, or minimal packaging is less harmful to our planet compared to excessive plastic or non-recyclable materials.
- Sustainable Cutting Practices: Some growers follow more sustainable cutting methods, such as leaving enough flowers so that the plant can regrow or using alternative materials in arrangements.
- Adequate Waste Management: Good waste management practices, like composting or recycling, contribute to the eco-friendliness of flower suppliers.
Fingers crossed I'll manage to join the local grower club this year!
My selection process for these flowers involved some criteria. Naturally, I chose varieties that grow effortlessly since I don't have tons of time for pampering finicky flowers! Let me list the blossoms I've picked for this year:
- Sweet peas
- Marigolds
- Snapdragons
- Cornflowers
- Sunflowers
- Cosmos
- Amaranth
- Zinnias
- Echinacea
- Poppies
- Delphiniums
- Cloud grass
- And, don't forget, my absolute favorite—dahlias!
Oh, before I forget, I've already gotten busy preparing the garden beds (a new one in the front yard and some compost for the existing ones)! I've set up seed trays and grow lights to get those seeds sprouting, and I'm trying out a heat mat this year for better germination.
This year's last frost date is March-end here in Southwestern BC, so I'm planning to have seedlings ready by then, and I'll be planting some items directly outdoors to spread out the planting schedule and extend the growing season. But I'm not tossing out the idea of veggies entirely—we'll still be growing peas, beans, garlic, asparagus, arugula, and cucumbers—all things we've had decent luck with!
Well, my garden's looking to be a whole different purview this year! What about your window, balcony, or yard garden plans for 2023?
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Looking forward to a blossoming garden season! 🌸🌻🌺🌺🥀🌼🌼🎉
I'm considering an organic, sustainable approach for my home-and-garden this year, inspired by the environmental impact of store-bought flowers.In my selection process for flowers, I prioritize varieties that grow effortlessly and choose suppliers focusing on eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable packaging and adopting sustainable cutting methods.I'm incorporating composting into my gardening lifestyle, aiming to reduce waste and cultivate healthier plants.Adopting an eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle in my garden aligns with my broader environmental lifestyle choices, enabling me to contribute positively to our planet.
