Plant a Flower and Watch It Grow
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Flowers…are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities in the world.” Celebrate National Plant a Flower Day on March 12th by planting your favorite bloom. With more than 400,000 varieties, you could plant a different flower a day for the rest of your life! With spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to plant your dream flower garden. Whether you prefer peonies, roses, or hydrangeas, planting flowers will put a smile on your face and last much longer than a store-bought bouquet. If you’re a flower novice, here are some helpful tips for planting all kinds of flowers:
- Check the light: Full sun, half sun, half shade, full shade...find out what light your flower needs so you plant it in the right spot.
- Invest in good soil: Rich soil is key to beautiful blooms. Make a stop at your local gardening or hardware store to find a humus-rich balance of silt, sand, and clay
- Plant at the right time: Many flowers, like dahlias, are best planted in the spring after the cold. Check to see if it’s the right season to plant your flowers.
It turns out that gardening is incredibly good for you, too! Here are 7 benefits you might now be aware of:
- Gardening burns up to 330 calories per hour.
- Just 30 minutes a day of gardening can significantly lower your blood pressure.
- Being outdoors planting flowers gives you a healthy dose of Vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and your immunity.
- Spending time gardening has been shown in 22 different case studies to reduce symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety.
- You can join gardening groups to connect with your community and make new friends.
- People that garden reported a higher quality of life than those who don’t grow any flowers or plants.
- You can boost your health (and save some money) by planting edible flowers!
Getting Started
If you live in a warm climate, you can start your outdoor garden now. Pick up some seeds or purchase some already blooming flowers for instant gratification.
For colder climates, March might be too soon to do any significant planting. If that’s the case, then start your garden indoors and then transfer plants outside as the weather warms up.
Ready to start planting? Here are some popular types of flowers that are easy to grow!
Rose
These show-stopping flowers, which come in over 300 varieties, will make your garden sing. After you find a sunny spot, plant roses in rich, well-draining soil and add two to three inches of mulch (this helps prevent foliage diseases). Water them deeply but not too frequently, and prune regularly. Cut roses to form a beautiful bouquet or sprinkle petals to make a heavenly bubble bath!
Daffodil
Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall and watch them bloom in the spring. These lovely trumpet-shaped flowers in white and yellow will come back beautifully year after year. They require full sun and sufficient water to keep them happy.
Lavender
This fragrant purple flowering plant makes a lovely addition to a garden. While native to the Meditteranean, there are many different types of lavender which can be grown in various climates. Hardy and drought-resistant, lavender requires full sun and well-draining soil. Once planted, prune lavender every spring and watch the beautiful plant bloom in summer. Dried lavender is a perfect addition to a potpourri.
Dahlia
Dahlias, in deep shades of fuchsia and pink, are simply stunning. This perennial flower, which is the national flower of Mexico, favors moderate climates but can grow in colder climates if the tubers are stored in fall. Blooming from summer through autumn, dahlias thrive in fertile soil and require consistent water. The reward of this flower is a big, bright bloom that will last many months.
Hydrangea
There is nothing quite like the sight of a big hydrangea bush in colors of white, blue, purple or pink. If you have ample space in your garden that’s not too sunny, hydrangeas will make a dramatic focal point. They grow back fuller and larger each year and require little maintenance.
Peony
These delicate flowers, which bloom from late spring through early summer, are some of the most beloved perennials. If grown in the right conditions, they can bloom for 100 years or more! They thrive in most climates and prefer a sunny location and well-draining soil. Patience is key with peonies, as some plants take years to start blooming. If you’re not eager to wait, buy the plant and not the bulb.
Here at Quality of Life, we are big fans of staying healthy, and we believe that diet and exercise are necessary components for optimal health. So, why not accomplish both your diet and exercise goals by planting edible flowers? Let your green thumb go wild by planting perennials like tomatoes, strawberries, mint, rosemary, and thyme that will make delicious and healthy additions to plant-based meals. Planting flowers, vegetables, and herbs is a rewarding and easy way to beautify your surroundings and support a healthy mind. Bring a sense of calm and peace to your life this spring by planting flowers!
Do you have any tips for planting flowers? Let us know in the comments below!
