We love flowers for their colour, beauty, and unique fragrances they impart to the garden. In this week’s tip, we’ll be covering some of our favourite varieties as well as a general overview of their importance in nature.
Flowers are the reproductive structure found in many plants that give rise to fruit and seeds. As flowers have developed, they have evolved to be attractive to animals and insects, who are key players in transferring pollen between plants and ensuring the reproduction of the species. Generally, flowers can be considered by their vegetative part (petals and sepals) and their reproductive parts (ex. stamens and carpels). Without flowers (and their symbiotic organisms that aid in pollination), we wouldn’t have many of our favourite fruits and vegetables
Flowers have a variety of important cultural and symbolic meanings. For example, in Western culture, red roses are often given as a sign of love and passion, while poppies are traditionally used as consolation in times of death like on Remembrance Day. Within the arts, flowers are often highlighted as the main subject such as Van Goth’s sunflower series and Monet’s water lilies.
Here are a few of our favourite flowers to grow in the garden. For culinary applications such as colourful additions to salads, we like smaller brightly coloured varieties like nasturtiums, violas, and borage. For simple bouquets and beauty in the garden, we like chamomile and lavender, sunflower. For pest deterrence and to attract pollinators, we like marigolds, alyssum, and chrysanthemums. Finally, for gardening with kids, we like to grow sunflowers, daisies, and calendula.
Whether you are growing flowers for teas, for gifts, for their beauty in the garden or another reason, let us help you in planting and growing a beautiful flower garden.
[Got a Tip?] If you have a tip to share with your fellow urban farmers, let us know at tips@youngurbanfarmers.com. Want More Tips? Browse our Tips Archive for more.
