This summer instead of filling my garden with veggies, I planted about half of it with flowers. I’ve found that planting flowers here and there never gave me enough blooms to cut and share, so I started planting rows of them. Right now the zinnias are blossoming like crazy, and the cosmos and sunflowers are up over my head! I’m enjoying my flowers outside AND in.

I shared a project for making your own ikebana vase last year, but you don’t need special vases for your flowers. I use containers and glasses that I already have around the house.
Press a small piece of floral foam into a goblet or hurricane glass, then arrange a row of foliage (like these cosmos stems and leaves) just inside and drape them over the rim. Trim flower stems short and arrange into a rounded bouquet shape. I’ve used all cosmos in several colors, but you can use just one color or tuck in another type of flower.

A decorative galvanized pail is the base of this simple arrangement. Cut Gaillardia blossoms just long enough to peek over the edge. If your container is not water tight, place a plastic dish or lining inside.You don’t even need a lot of flowers to make a pretty arrangement. A handful of zinnias and a row of shot glasses filled with pebbles will make a bright spot on your window sill.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy cut flowers?