Celosia flowers

When exposed to full sun, the celosia, specifically Celosia argantea, will grow vibrant, feathery blooms, which the O'Neals say are a great filler in bouquets. "This type of celosia can be pinched at 18 inches if you want to keep it a bit shorter," they say. Like zinnias, make sure the stem is rigid before cutting.

Salvia flowers

For a beautiful blue bloom, consider growing salvias. The Salvia blue bedder is a favorite of the O'Neals, and it can be grown as a perennial in zones 8 to 10. "Salvia serves as a supporting filler and adds a striking pop of color in a bouquet," they say. "Salvia is a bloom we give the wiggle test to, to see if it's mature to cut."

Peonies flowers

Some of the best peony varieties to grow for cutting are Paeonia lactiflora 'Vogue,' Coral Charm, and 'Baroness Schroeder,' says Speight. "Herbaceous peonies should be planted in the fall where they rise from the earth the following spring," she says. While peonies can take a growing season or two to bloom, they will grow in a variety of colorful hues.

Cosmos flowers

Producing daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and red, cosmos are another great cutting flower, say the O'Neals. "Their blooms are incredibly delicate and add the sparkle element to a bouquet," they say.

While they need full sun and typically grow in the 32- to 48-inch range, cosmos can be kept at a shorter length when they are pinched at 18 inches (this promotes branching!). "Cut blooms from them regularly, or remove old blooms to promote flowering," say the O'Neals. "Cosmos should be cut when the first petal is just beginning to curl open to give them the maximum vase life."

Strawflower, Straw Flowers

These flowers grow in shades of blush, orange, red, white, and yellow, and produce paper-like petals. Since they bloom into different shapes, the O'Neals love using this as a "filler flower" in an arrangement. These can be grown as annuals in zones 2 to 7 and as perennials in zones 8 to 10. "We give strawflowers the wiggle test to make sure the bloom is mature to cut," they say. "When cut at the proper stage, strawflowers can have a vase life from seven to 10 days."

Everlasting Daisy Flowers

There are many perks to the everlasting daisy. "Also known as Rhodanthe chlorocephala, [this] is an old-fashioned cut flower that can also be used as an everlasting (meaning you can dry the blooms for use in arrangements later)," says Speight. "The paper-like blooms should be harvested when partially opened. They will finish opening after harvesting within the arrangement."

When to Mulch Your Garden Flowers

The right time to mulch a garden is dependent on what type of plant material you are mulching and the weather conditions. In general, mid- to late-spring is mulching season; this is when the soil is warming up from the freezing temperatures it experienced all winter. Mulching too early will slow down the warming process, which the soil needs to do its job.

Ferns tree

For another filler in an arrangement, consider adding ferns to your cutting garden. These typically need part shade to thrive in the garden. Once you cut and add to a bouquet or tabletop display, the greenery will add fullness, especially alongside taller plants, says Speight. "In particular, the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) adds a silvery tone that can balance, blend, and soften arrangements as needed," she says. "This particular cultivar grows easily in semi-shaded and damp areas." Ferns typically last as long as the rest of the arrangement, typically between seven to 10 days, as long as it stays hydrated.

Use a Trellis

Provide a home for climbing plants by adding a trellis they can grow on. in this garden, a fragrant, disease-resistant rose climbs the latticework that screens the east-facing porch ell.

Types of Birds and Flowers You'll Attract

Whether you love the sound of songbirds fluttering across your garden, you want to bring eager pollinators to your native plants, or you’ve reached that point in life where bird watching is now one of your hobbies, there are several ways you can attract more birds to your yard.

Fill Your Yard With Native Plants

Native birds thrive on native plants. Before you think about bird feeders (which are also important!), focus on the flowers, shrubs, and trees that are naturally occurring in your region. With these, you’re providing the birds with the fruit, seeds, nectar, and insects they need to survive season after season.

Install Bird Feeders

"Supplementing natural foods with bird feeders is also a fun way to attract many species and see them up close," says Winston. Birds like cardinals, jays, finches, chickadees, and sparrows are particularly drawn to seed feeders, while suet and peanut butter draw woodpeckers and nuthatches. If you want the thrill of seeing a hummingbird up close, hang a sugar-water feeder.

Plant Native Shrubs and Trees for Nesting

Beyond supplying food, native shrubs and trees are also necessary for shelter and nesting. While birds are adaptable, they’re going to seek out the places their instincts recognize, and those are the places that will evolve to accommodate them year-round. 

"If you have a forested area in your yard, leave dead branches and snags that provide nesting places for woodpeckers, as well as other cavity-nesting species such as chickadees, titmice, wrens, and bluebirds," says Winston. "Include native evergreens to supply important shelter from the cold."

Put Nest Boxes in Your Yard

While many birds build recognizable bird nests, others prefer to nest in cavities. For these birds, which include wrens, nuthatches, and bluebirds, place a nesting box in your yard. This can be mounted on a tree or a pole.

Leave Leaf Litter and Unmowed Areas Bird

"Leave leaf litter and un-mowed areas under trees and shrubs to provide important shelter for both birds and the insects they need," says Winston. While these areas might seem like an eyesore to you, they’re a critical piece of the landscape that protects birds. If they’re given a choice between a pristinely landscaped yard and one that feels more untouched, they will probably be drawn to the one that resembles their natural habitat.

Put a Bird Bath in Your Yard

A bird bath isn’t just a pretty decorative feature. "A well-tended bird bath can greatly increase the diversity of birds that nest in your yard, visit during migration, and spend the winter—and if the bird bath is well-placed, you can sit back and enjoy the show as warblers, grosbeaks, and more stop to drink and wash up," says Winston. 

But, of course, a bird bath can also become a spot where bacteria and insects can thrive, so make sure you clean it regularly and replace the water every few days.

Add a Water Feature Flying Bird

If you want to go one step further when it comes to birds and water, consider adding a moving water feature to your yard. "Birds are particularly attracted to the sound of running water, so adding a small trickle or drip to your bath will reap rewards," Winston says. You could also try a fountain or a small pond with a pump. Now you’ve created a bird-friendly garden and a relaxing space for you to enjoy your new avian friends.

Focus on Color Bird and Flowers

Birds have incredibly sensitive, sharp vision, and they spot the best places to eat and sleep based on the color of flowers and foliage. By planting colorful flowers, shrubs, and trees, you’ll draw in birds looking for their next meal or place to sit and hang out for a while.

Thuga Green Giant Trees

Cloaked in dense, dark, evergreen foliage that goes all the way down to the ground, thuga green giant (standishii x plicata 'Green Giant') has a conical habit that needs only occasional shearing or pruning, says Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins.

Zone: 5 to 9
Mature size: 30 to 50 feet tall x 10 to 12 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; well-draining soil

False Cypress Trees

False cypress (Chamaecyparis) is an easy-to-care-for evergreen tree that has a fast growth habit. It's recognized by its dense and lush lime-green foliage that makes it a great option for privacy screens or hedges, says Funk.

Zone: 4 to 8
Mature size: 30 feet tall x 15 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; moist, well-draining soil

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