Flower farmer helps public join field-to-vase effort with book

One glance at “Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden,” and you just might decide to become a flower farmer yourself — even if you tend only a tiny plot.

Colorful flowers and luscious bouquets practically burst from the pages of the newly released book (Chronicle, 308 pages, $29.95), subtitled “Grow, Harvest and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms.”

“On the heels of the local-food movement, the field-to-vase movement is continuing its meteoric rise in popularity,” writes author Erin Benzakein, whose Floret Flower Farm, located in Washington state, supplies both flowers and inspiration for thousands of followers.

Just as devotees of the local-food philosophy prefer fresh ingredients from nearby sources, local-flower supporters seek seasonal blooms from growers in their area.

No hothouse roses shipped thousands of miles for them, thank you; they’ll take the cut-that-morning bouquet showcasing spring peonies or summer lilies.

If you’re thinking of taking the local movement to the extreme — your own yard — Benzakein’s book provides both encouragement and hands-on advice.

“Once you start growing your own cutting garden and working with seasonal flowers, you’ll likely notice a powerful transformation in your awareness as you tune in to the subtle, magical changes in nature,” she writes.

She added by phone, “Flowers hold so much. They’re like a thread to our life.

“People have so many memories associated with flowers.”

Her book offers page after page of useful tips from someone who has been there, done that — and succeeded with beauty and creativity.

For instance, she explains when to cut stems to maximize vase life; which tools she considers essential; and how to make an arrangement with just about any kind of flower, leaf or berry that you can harvest.

Although she grows and writes about some species that require extra care — such as ranunculus and chrysanthemum — Benzakein happily encourages beginners.

“If you’re just starting out, grow annuals,” she said by phone. “I call them the training wheels.”

Two of the easiest: cosmos and zinnia.

Both are low-maintenance sun lovers with flowers in almost every hue but blue.

“One planting will produce buckets and buckets of flowers,” she said.

Another reason to try them is that they’re easy to grow from seed, making them affordable.

Keep plants weeded and give them a good soaking once a week if rain is scarce, she advised.

Once they start flowering (hurray!), “Pick the patch pretty clean at least once a week,” a practice that encourages even more blooms.

“I usually pick flowers when half to two-thirds open,” she added.

She also urges picking during the cool part of the day, morning or evening; removing leaves from the bottom third of the stem; and placing stems in cool, clean water.

Whether you grow and arrange cosmos, zinnias or a more challenging species, do share the fruits (and flowers) of your labors, she urged.

“Even the most staunch, uptight guy — you hand them some flowers, and you watch their shoulders relax.”

Diana Lockwood, a freelance writer covering gardening topics, posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mrsgardenperson.

* For more on Floret Flower Farm, visit www.floretflowers.com. The site also includes loads of helpful information on growing and arranging flowers.