The Rhythm of Blooms: Tending Bloedel’s Cut Flower Garden

The Rhythm of Blooms: Tending Bloedel’s Cut Flower Garden

Bloedel’s cut flower garden is a 2,500 sq. ft. garden located outside the main guest grounds near our maintenance shop. Some of our staff remember building this garden over 30 years ago. It does show its age a bit with a brick here and there bulging from the pressure of soil and growth, but this garden is popping with life at least 8 months of the year.

This is the second season I have tended the cut flower garden for Bloedel. It takes awhile to get to know a garden. I walk through every morning to see where the ‘pests’ are congregating, who’s blooming, or whether everyone needs a drink. It’s a ritual of gardeners. Plants tell us what they need.

This is also the second season I have been arranging flowers for the Bloedel Residence, the Gatehouse, and this year, for our annual Garden Party. It’s been a monumental point in my life because I am not a trained florist. I am a horticulturist that now loves floral decor. It’s been an amazing opportunity!

The flowers come from a blend of perennials, bulbs, annuals and a 5,000 sq. ft. mature shrub area. Seeds and bulbs for the following year are often acquired as early as August. Bulbs are planted in beds in October/ November. Seed propagation kicks off between January and February. Flats are sown and grown in Bloedel’s heated greenhouse where they are tended until May. Weather permitting, all seedlings are planted between the 1st and 15th of the May. Then…it’s grow time!

Ranunculus, tulips, frittilaria, and daffodils are among the first flowers in bloom, followed by peonies and alliums. By this time, the early annuals come to life. Stock, snapdragons, and sweet peas are beginning to burst with color.

This garden is also home to blooms for our event season. Flowers to dry for winter decor are selected along with an entire summer garden party color scheme. The blooms are thoughtfully planned the season previous.

One more note is that using branches and incorporating nature into arrangements is my passion. Curly willow brings life and movement to any display. Driftwood, feathers, rocks, or a well placed branch can enhance any arrangement.