The Foxtails…
When I was a very young girl living on a very “real” farm, I remember occasionally hearing the grown ups talking at dinner in horrified voices of seeing a fox in the field. This meant that chickens and other farm animals were at risk.
Of course I remember also feeling that bit of fear, but there was a whimsical side of me too. This side of me would cause me to look out my bedroom window at the field hoping to see fluffy tails with creamy tips dancing above the row crops.
Fast forward a billion years to just 6 years ago when I first heard there was a flower called “Foxtail Lily”.
I was immediately entranced once again. I looked for it in all the local nurseries with zero luck. Most of them even stared at me blankly like they had never heard of such a thing in their life.
It took 2 years, but I finally tracked them down and began to grow my own.
That first June, I about jumped out of my skin in anticipation and they did not disappoint! That first year the flowers grew to 3-4 feet tall with blooms between 18”-24” long with a shape you can probably guess on.
It had all the swagger of the field foxes and commands just as much attention!
I now grow 3 varieties of these fun flowers and they are sought after for the drama and intrigue they bring to wedding meadows and alter arrangements.
Occasionally the plants put up smaller blooms. Those petite cuties are what I snag to share with my flower friends Friday Flower Market Bouquets!
You don’t want to miss when these unique pretties come into bloom, so sign up today if you haven’t already Become a flower friend and know when foxtail lilies will be available.
What is life without a bit of flower intrigue?
Best Blessings,
The Perfect Bouquet
A plethora of peonies in a bouquet in late Spring.
Nearly every day of my growing season finds me in the Gardens.
Tending to plants
Planting seedlings
Watering dry areas
Protecting from dangerous bugs
Trimming and dead-heading
Planning where to put new blooms
Weeding… endless weeding
And of course, cutting the flowers.
The list really goes on and on. Why do I do it?
In 2023 I realized I had spent hundreds, maybe thousands of hours in the flowers without creating a single bouquet. Why is that?
I grow flowers because I love them! I believe in the unspeakable power that flowers have on a human soul. It is amazing to me that we celebrate flowers at the peak of their life yet trivialize the time it took to get to that peak of beauty and minimize or perhaps disregard flowers as they age out. There is so much symbolism to our human life in flowers. There are parallels everywhere.
Even with all the time I spend in the flowers, I want… maybe even crave more. This is when I began a deep dive study of how to make the “Perfect Bouquet”.
I studied with several floral artists from Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia. I studied with the famous Amy Balsters. I studied the work of Korean floristry. All of it led me back to my own flowers. What do I see around me? What can I physically touch in my own Treasure Valley?
There is something powerful in using flowers we know where they came from. It ties us to the Earth around us. Trendy people now like to call it “Sustainability”. My grandmother called it “Seasonality”
So what do I consider “The Perfect Bouquet”?
Surprisingly, I have yet to make one. However I lean into perfection when I follow a few general guides I have created for myself whether it is going to be a bud vase or a large Sympathy design.
Use Local... and always seasonal
Begin with a structure in mind
Create Mechanics to match my structure
Begin with my focal point
Build with lines
Fill in with flair - lighter smaller flowers
Add aged and budding blooms for depth and richness.
Add foliage that compliments
Top with texture
Float with care
This is the year, I will experience my own Year In Flowers. Each week I will be creating my own design. Sometimes they will be preordered, but sometimes they will be available for purchase.
Do you want to deep dive into creating your own perfect bouquet? Join me in one of the workshops this season.
You are going to Love experiencing first hand the abundance and true beauty of local flowers.
A’la Carte Wedding Flowers FAQ
Where beautifully designed unique and textural flowers meet your budget.
Your A La Carte Wedding Flowers: Let's Talk!
One of the best parts of growing specialty flowers is making unique textural gorgeous flowers more accessible to my fellow people in our Treasure Valley.
Flowers at my daughter’s wedding elevated the entire event and everyone who came talked about them for months to come.
Beautiful local flowers can be tricky to come by, so after taking floral design courses from top designers from all over the world I began sharing the flowers I have grown for top florists and designers for years with the community.
Enough about me... I know you have questions, and I am here to help! Here are some of the most common things brides ask about my a' la carte wedding flower options:
Why should I do a’la Carte instead of Full Service Design?
Great question! This option offers a cost-effective way to get your beautiful, designer quality fresh flowers without the full-service price commitment. It is budget friendly, because you pickup the flowers, transfer to your event and place the flowers instead of paying for a team of people to do that.
What kind of style is a’la carte best suited for?
Matching the vibe you mention in the inquiry form, these romantic gorgeous blooms go well with a garden-esc, whimsical, woodland, wildflower, classical style.
What kind of flowers will my bouquets have?
Such a great question! At Ella June Gardens, I focus on seasonal beauty. You are guaranteed to have the most lovely, romantic, textural, unique blooms that are currently blooming in my gardens. Here are some examples of the seasonal favorites:
Spring: Ranunculus & Heirloom Narcissus
Late Spring: Peonies & Alliums
Early Summer: Peonies & Phlox
Late Summer: Dahlias & Lisianthus
Fall: Dahlias & Sunflowers
Will My Flowers Come in Vases?
Absolutely! Your beautiful, made-for-you pieces will arrive in vases, complete with easy-peasy instructions for keeping them happy and hydrated until your event.
What if I Want More Blooms?
Love extra flowers? We do too! Once you've met our $200 minimum, you can absolutely add extra stems to your order for some DIY fun or to sprinkle more blooms throughout your celebration. It's a fantastic way to customize within your budget!
What do most Brides order?
Great question! A popular choice is a gorgeous Bridal Bouquet paired with a Boutonniere and around 6 DIY Buckets of Blooms. It's a wonderful mix of ready-to-go beauty and creative flexibility!
What are DIY Buckets of Blooms?
Great question! This is a carefully curated bucket of 90 loose flowers and foliage for you to design with. If you have ordered made for you pieces, the Buckets of Blooms with coordinate with the flowers in your bouquets.
Buckets of Blooms are commonly used for creating centerpieces, decorating ceremony arches, letting bridesmaids make their own bouquets, welcome table, food table, or cake flowers.
How far in Advance Should I Order My Bouquets?
As soon as possible! The more time you give me, the more likely I can grow specific flowers just for your event! It is not unusual for brides to contact me before any other vendor. Of course, if your wedding is just a couple months away you will still get beautiful blooms! You will be limited to what is already growing in my gardens.
Where do I pick up my bouquets?
Right at Ella June Gardens in Middleton, Idaho!
Together we will plan a time for you or your designated person to pick them up the day of your wedding. If your wedding is going to be in the mountains or some distance away, we can have them ready for you earlier. I do not recommend picking them up more than 24 hours before your wedding.
How do I transport My Flowers?
Great Question! Fresh flowers do need to be handled with a bit of extra care. I’ll send you all the tips and tricks to keeping your blooms looking their best for your beautiful day.
I have a pretty specific design in mind. Can you match it?
For couples with a very specific vision, particular flower requests, or those wanting in-person consultations, our a' la carte and DIY options might not be the perfect fit. But don't worry! We know some incredibly talented full-service floral designers who would be thrilled to bring your detailed dreams to life. We're happy to connect you!
Can I choose the exact flowers in my bouquet?
Our a’ la carte service is best for couples who are open to the beautiful surprises that come with seasonal blooms. While you can definitely tell us your favorite flowers or any you'd prefer we avoid, we can't guarantee specific varieties. Think of it as a curated selection of the freshest, most gorgeous flowers blooming in our garden around your wedding date!
We always aim to capture the colors you love from your inspiration pictures. However, Mother Nature has her own schedule, and while we wish we could grow every flower imaginable, availability depends on the season and what's flourishing at the time. After years of nurturing these beauties, we have a good sense of what to expect, but there are always delightful (and sometimes unexpected!) surprises. So, a little flexibility goes a long way with our a' la carte blooms!
Ready to Get Started?
Click here to fill out our simple inquiry form: https://tinyurl.com/Ella-June-Gardens
Good to Know: Our Policies
We happily take Wedding Flower reservations for events happening between May and September. For weddings outside of these months, we can recommend some fantastic local designers who aren't tied to the growing season.
Once you've submitted your inquiry, we'll chat via email to finalize your order. To secure your wedding date on our calendar, we require a 50% deposit upon invoicing, with the remaining balance due two weeks before your pick-up day.
For the freshest blooms, we recommend picking up your flowers no more than 24 hours before your event, ideally on the day itself.
We provide you with healthy, vibrant, and well-hydrated flowers. Once they're in your hands (or the hands of your designated person), their care becomes your responsibility.
Excited to hear from you!
I am so looking forward to making your wedding day beautiful!
Inquiry form here: https://tinyurl.com/Ella-June-Gardens
Buckets of Blooms FAQ
Spring Buckets of Blooms curated just for you!
Frequently Asked Questions about Buckets of Blooms …
What is in a Bucket of Blooms?
* Each Bucket of Blooms contains a generous collection of 90 stems of flowers and foliage carefully grown & curated by Ella June Gardens to chosen style of “Bright and Vibrant” or “Soft and Classic”. Each bucket includes 5 Premium blooms!! Imagine a beautiful mix of textures and shapes, ready for you to arrange and bring your vision to life!
I am not planning a Wedding, can I still buy Buckets of Blooms?
* Yes! Absolutely!! Buckets of Blooms are well suited for any event, but because weddings are the main reason they are requested, I use that terminology. If you are planning a baby shower, bridal shower, community event or a flower bar, these will still work great for you!!
What flowers are Premium Blooms?
* Premium Blooms take extra time and care to make them wedding worthy. These beauties are often the focal point of bouquets and arrangements, adding that extra 'wow' factor. Depending on the season, you might find Tulips (April), Ranunculus (May), Peonies (June), Phlox (July), Sunflowers (July), Lisianthus (August) and Dahlias (August - October) depending on the season.
Am I able to purchase additional Premium Blooms?
* Yes, absolutely! If you have your heart set on a few extra of those stunning premium blooms, you can order them individually to fit your needs. Just let us know on your 'Inquiry Request' form. I am happy to chat about adding specific flowers up to two weeks before your big day.
How many bouquets can a Bucket of Blooms make?
* Each Bucket of Blooms contains 90 stems. This is enough to flowers to create: 1- large bridal bouquet with extra stems for boutonnieres or bud vases or 2-3 medium sized bouquets. So, whether you're dreaming of one show-stopping bridal bouquet with matching accents or a few lovely bouquets for your bridesmaids, one bucket offers a wonderful starting point.
How many buckets do most brides’ order?
* For a cozy, intimate celebration, around 3 buckets often provide enough blooms for personal flowers and some table decorations. If you're planning a grand affair with 100+ guests and want to get creative with centerpieces and more, 6 buckets are a popular choice.
What do most Brides order?
* Many of our couples find that a combination of a beautifully crafted bridal bouquet, a matching boutonniere (through my a’la carte options), and 6 buckets of blooms gives them a fantastic foundation for their wedding flowers, offering both convenience and the joy of DIY.
I have a pretty specific design that I'm looking for, will you match what I am looking for?
* A' la carte and DIY Buckets of Blooms options are not well-suited for couples looking for specific flowers, require in-person consultation or have a more complex design vision. I can definitely recommend amazing full-service designers that will do exactly that!
Can I choose the flowers that come in my Buckets of Blooms?
* Think of DIY buckets as a delightful surprise of seasonal beauty! While we can't guarantee specific individual flowers, we absolutely want to know if there's anything you'd prefer we avoid. To help us curate the perfect mix for you, just let us know if you're leaning towards 'Bright and Vibrant' or 'Soft and Classic' in your style!
I want one(or two) specific color of flowers is that possible?
* If having specific colors (like white & blue or blush and burgundy) is a top priority, our 'A La Carte' options are the perfect way to go! With DIY Buckets, I focus on a color palette (like 'pastel' or 'jewel tones') rather than exact shades to give you the best of what's in bloom.
I'm having a bigger wedding (over 150 people), Can I still do DIY?
* Absolutely! A larger wedding just means you'll want to gather your flower-loving friends and family for a fun 'flower party'! Having a team of helpers who aren't afraid to get their hands on some blooms will make the process much smoother. It's definitely a 'many hands make light work' situation!
How far in advance should I order my Buckets of Blooms?
* As soon as you have a wedding date set is best. Available dates get booked quickly once Spring comes.
Are your flowers locally grown?
* Yes! Absolutely!! Ella June Gardens is the Treasure Valley’s original farmer florist. This means that 99% of the flowers you see will be grown and designed by me right here in Middleton Idaho.
How do I secure my date?
* Great question! We both have a few steps prior to securing your date for flowers. Step 1: You fill out the inquiry form here or click on the “Inquiry Form” button at the bottom of this page. Step 2: I review it. If your date is available create an Inspo Page and a Wedding Flower Estimate based on the questions you answered in the inquiry form. Step 3: You review the Inspo Page and Estimate and get back with me with an “A-okay” or changes that might need to be made. Step 4: Once you approve the Wedding Flower Estimate, I send you an invoice through Paypal. Once you have paid 50% of the invoice, your date is secure and I go to work growing and creating beautiful blooms just for you and your perfect day!! The second 1/2 of the invoice won’t be due until 2 weeks prior to your wedding day!
Do you offer any instructions or tips for arranging DIY wedding flowers?
* Absolutely! I have blog posts available to give all the tips. Also, multiple times each year I host flower arranging workshops in the gardens. You might consider joining my Flower Friends Newsletter to find out when these are happening!
What if I need to cancel or change my order?
* I totally understand that things happen. You are welcome to cancel, however because of the nature of growing flowers for your event and time spent the 50% down payment is not refundable. Increases can be requested up to 2 weeks prior to your wedding date. If the flowers are available, I will do my best to accomodate your request!
Do I need to bring anything when picking up my Buckets of Blooms?
* Your buckets will be ready to go in standard grower buckets, nice and hydrated! If you have some sturdier buckets you'd prefer to transport them in, feel free to bring them along! You will receive an email the week of your wedding giving great advice for transporting and caring for your flowers!
What if I have more questions? How can I get in touch?
* Absolutely send them my way! Send your questions to ejm@ellajunegardens.com.
A little note from Mother Nature:
After years of growing, I have a good sense of what will be blooming when, the exact availability of each flower can sometimes be a delightful surprise. Rest assured, after years of growing beautiful blooms, I will always curate stunning buckets that perfectly match your chosen style ('Soft Classic' or 'Bright Vibrant'). I promise to provide you with the freshest, most beautiful seasonal flowers available!
More Details...
The DIY Buckets of Blooms are only available during our peak growing season, mid-May through the last week of September.
To give each bride the best flowers available, I only take 1 large wedding or 2 medium/intimate weddings each week. It is best to book early to ensure your date is available.
Why do I sell Buckets of Blooms?
Designing wedding flowers together is one of my daughter's and her bridesmaid's favorite memories around her wedding day, and I want to offer that to you!
If you are like me and prioritize building fun joy-filled memories over perfection, you are in the right place!
Here's The Link to Get Started.
https://tinyurl.com/Ella-June-Gardens
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So many of our customers say, "Fresh flowers just make me happy!"
I couldn't agree more and are so happy you feel the same!
Join in as we create a local flower loving community right here in the Treasure Valley.
Be the first to know when your favorite flowers are available!
Get flower tips.
Get discounts.
Be the first to know when workshops are open.
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Sunset Bridal Bouquet
The end of Spring a bride reached out asking for an elopement bouquet and boutonniere for the end of September. She wanted bold rich blend and hoped for sunset colors.
In May my mind is generally on soft pinks and pastels. Her rich palette of oranges, burgundy, blush with a touch of blue was absolutely inspiring to think about. Fortunately, she gave me plenty of time to do some research.
When given more than 6 months notice for wedding work, I try to grow at least 2 special flowers just for that bride's special bouquet. The richest sunset colors to her bouquet was going to get 3...
1- A perfectly blush rose that had a deep yet soft clove scent that just happened to have the same name as the bride's deceased mother.
2- A tricolored peachy orange blush dahlia.
3- A salvia with the deep rich burgundy maroon hue
With these three growing strong, I felt confident her personal bouquet as well as her DIY Buckets when the time came.
This past week all growing and planning came to fruition. The flowers grown specifically for her were glorious. The additional flowers grown were looking good dispite the quick swing in temperature the week before.
I cut and processed the flowers the day before needed to design with them and they all looked fantastic. Never did I expect to love this bouquet like it do. It turned out to be my favorite bold colored bouquet to date (which is why I decided to blog about it!)
Take a peak and let me know if you like it too...
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Create Your own Lovely Dahlia Bouquet
If you love dahlias, you know their time with us is short this time of year.
Cold weather makes their leaves and flowers turn brown. The plant may look dead, but if you dig beneath the soil you will find a tuber that is very much filled with all the life to give more blooms next year... but growing dahlias can be a discussion for another day.
Right now, I want to discuss some of the best ways I have learned to design with the gorgeous flowers. a bowl full of dahlias looks opulent and luxurious. Because these marvelous flowers can stand on their own, you may or may not want to add foliage. I am a self proclaimed foliage lover. I love the wispiness that lends to me feeling like I have taken a trip to a English country village. Anyway....
Here are my top 3 tips.
1- Choose colors that either compliment each other or are similar hues and saturation. (Colors are deeply personal, so whatever you choose will be unique to your likes) I like to chose colors that are on the same side of the color wheel.
2- Choose dahlias of differing sizes or shapes. If you really like one particular dahlia, perhaps choose the most of that one. I love the idea of the the 3, 5, 8 rule, but you will see in my example that I don't necessarily follow it. Bouquets using a 3, 5, 8 rule have three of the largest size flower. Five of the smallest size. Eight of the favorite. Play around with it and share pictures by tagging me on FB or Insta.
3- Vary the height of your flowers. Fitting those large blooms all at the same height can make some of those beautiful faces get smooshed. Give each bloom room to breathe a bit by making them at different lengths. I love it when I see implied lines created with round flowers. It takes a bit of practice, but once in a while the implied line points directly to where you want all viewers or passersby to look.
Good Luck as you create your own dahlia centerpiece or bouquet to share with a friend, family or simply for yourself to enjoy.
Flowers bring joy and smiles so go out and enjoy yours today!
Bare Root Planting Made Easy
There is a bit of mystery behind planting roots that don’t come in a pot (aka bare root)
Don't worry, you are not the only one. I had to learn the hard way before Google, but you don't have to!
In reality, planting bareroots couldn’t be easier.
* It saves steps,
* Reduces root binding,
* It's better for the environment
and probably many more reasons too!
Here is my simple 7 step process.
1- Grab a bucket or tub that holds water and fill it at least 1/4 full.
2- Put your bare root plants in the tub. (as they are… if they come with soil attached, leave it on and put it in the water. If there is no soil put them in)
3- While they are soaking dig your hole a little bigger and deeper than the roots. It doesn’t have to be exact, but a bit bigger is better than too small.
4- Water the hole. (My native soil tends to be a bit sandy, so I like to fill it all the way up, but if you have clay or poor drainage you may make your hole bigger, add soil amendments, then water it in at this point).
5- Remove roots from water and plant. (If there is soil on the bareroot plant, I soak for up to 10 minutes. If the root comes soilless, I soak them up to 30 minutes.
6- Here is where I add natural organic fertilizers around the roots. My favorites are The Perfect Blend Organics and Worm Castings.
7- Use the remaining water you have from soaking the roots to water the plants and extra water as needed. (If they have green leaves showing, I water daily for the first week to get the roots to send out new feeder roots quickly.)
PRO TIP: The day you receive your plants is the best day to get them planted. If you can’t plant immediately, put them on soil or in an area they can be protected and water them.
If you have questions, please send me a message. I am happy to help!
So glad you are here. Let’s get Planting!!
Am I too late to plant my Spring Bulbs?
The best laid plans don't always come to fruition.
It’s January (or even February) and you didn’t get your spring bulbs (tulips or daffodils etc) planted. Are you too late?
I realize the ground is probably frozen in our Treasure Valley zone 6b/7a, so DON’T Dig Now.
Digging in frozen earth damages more than just your pride and muscles. While the earth can feel as hard as concrete, forcing it to separate can damage the integrity of the soil making it settle unevenly once it does thaw.
Here are the key things I have done to make it so I can get bulbs in the ground safely before Spring.
1. Cover the area you where want to plant the bulbs with 6" of light mulch (I use leaves because that is what I have most of, but straw works just as well).
2. Cover those leaves with some kind of protective cloth. Mostly this is to keep the mulch from blowing away should we get a strong wind. (I use a frost cloth, but in the past when I have a smaller area I've used an old fleece blanket).
3. I will leave this be for a couple of days, where it gently keeps the ground above freezing and cause it to thaw.
4. After a few days, rake away the mulch and dig the needed depth for the bulbs.
5. Plant. (Tulip bulbs bought from me should be planted 6" deep. If they are staying in your landscape and not being used as a cut flower, plant them 4" apart. Daffodils should be planted 4" deep and 4"-6" apart.)
6. Water. Bulbs do need to be watered in deeply when they are planted,
What if you are planting just as it the day is turning to night, getting darker and colder? What I have done with Ranunculus and Anemones and believe it will work just as well with the tulips is this...
Plant one day and water in the next day when you have a couple of hours before temperatures reach that critical 30 degrees or lower.
Another option is to use the mulch again. Plant the bulbs. Water in and then cover them up with the straw or leaves again. Here is what I don't quite know yet. Daffodils (even the fancy daffs) will be fine to leave the mulch on them long term. Tulips (at least the fringed, parrot, and double varieties) typically require EXTRA cooling. This may mean that after a day or two it will be best to remove the mulch once again. It is an extra couple steps, but will allow the soil to get what it needs to support your bulbs and help them grow through the winter months.
If you like this discussion, you may want to join my flower friends newsletter where we chat about all kinds of flowers.
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Should I Do my Own Wedding Flowers?
Weddings are dreamy!
With all the love exploding in your heart, filled with hopes and dreams of forever, it is pretty common to rush to Pintrest and begin your vision boards. Next you call your florist and name all the ways you want to fill your day with fresh gorgeous blooms, but then she asks you to name your budget for all your stunning ideas.
You are not alone if you suddenly think the only way you can have the wedding event of your dreams is to do them yourself (DIY). But is DIY right for you?
I am here for you! Here is a quick checklist to guide you through.
Do I feel comfortable working with flowers?
Do I (or someone I appoint) have at least 8 hours the day before the wedding to work on making the floral arrangements?
Am I able to travel to pick up my flowers a day before the wedding?
Do I have a good place (cool place out of direct sunlight and away from pets) to store the flowers between pick-up and the wedding and a good work space?
Do I have friends or family who can help me the day before the wedding willing to take part of a large last-minute project?
Will I be okay if my flowers aren’t exactly like my inspo picture?
Do I have someone willing to set up all the centerpieces and other flower decorations when I need to be getting dressed and ready?
Do I feel like hunting down all the vases and other containers myself, and do I know what I'll do with them afterwards?
Do I want to buy all the necessary supplies to make the more intricate wedding party flowers (boutonnieres, bouquets, corsages, etc) or do I want to hire a farmer florist to do those while I handle all the other flower decorations?
Do I have someone who can help clean up and take away all the flowers/decor after the wedding is done?
Just know that no matter which is best for you, or if a combination will work great, all are great options. Also, I want to reassure you that the most important element for a beautiful wedding is two people being deeply committed to love, respect and care for each other. If you've got that, you have got not only a beautiful wedding in your future, but also a beautiful life.
Along with this checklist, once you are booked you will get emails that go over when to pick up your flowers and transportation details.
Don't worry. You are on the right path. I am confident that if these questions are answered truthfully, it will be clear if DIYis right for you by the end.
I'll be here for you when you are done.
6 Favorite Flowering Perennials
Phlox will always be in my top lists of flowers both for their charming florets and sweetest scent!
We are nearly 1/2 way through winter, which means it will be a great time to start planting perennial cut flowers in about 8 weeks.
Early spring is one of the best times to plant hardy perennials that thrive in our 6b/7a Treasure Valley weather. There really is no need to wait until Mother's Day to plant these tough plants.
Here at Ella June Gardens, I grow over 75 varieties of perennial cutflowers. Perennials can be a little bit of an investment on the front end, but continue to come
back year after year.
Some perennial cut flowers I have started from seed. These grow beautifully and bloom just the color I expect them too. Others come from root divisions in order to get the desired bloom color or shape.
Which ever way the perennial blooms come, they will always be worth the effort in my book. I was going to give you my top 5 favorites, but I just couldn't leave off yarrow. So here are my top 6.
6 Favorite Easy Perennial Blooming Flowers.
#6 - Yarrow - There are so many types of yarrow, that there is a wide range to choose from. I have grown only 8 different varieties, but love them all for different reasons. For a white rebloomer, I'd choose Peter Cottontail (from root divisions). For pastel mix of colors, I like the Colorado Mix (from seed). For dried flowers, I don't think any do as well as Corination Gold (root divisions) at keeping their colors.
#5 - Eryngium - What is a garden without a blue flower? These beauties are frequently found in grocery store bouquets for a reason. Their color is so rich and vivid that they make a bouquet sing... and they are quite easy to grow. If you have patience to wait 2 years for blooms, you can even grow them easily from seed!
#4 - Echinacea - These flowers have some such a long way from just the regular cone flower our grandmother's grew. While I still love the basic coneflower shape, the specialty doubles and truffles steal my heart every single time. I think I need to grow all the colors, and there are soo many to choose from! The pollinators love them. They hold up in a vase for 10+ days. They are drought tolerant once they are established. They rebloom multiple times in a season. For so many reasons, Echinacea should be on every cut flower garden's wish list.
#3 - Foxtail Lilies - It is difficult to photograph these in their FULL Glory. Few flowers get this tall in Idaho, but they LOVE our dry heat. Foxtail lilies really look like something quite exotic dancing through the garden beds. They are too tall for a standard vase inside the house, but if you have a large urn, they are worth bringing a few stems in. They last just as long inside in water as they do outside on the plant. They remind me of a similar but larger flower I saw in all the beautiful public gardens in Maui. I look forward to them every single Spring
I love it because it shows how these beauties dance above other flowers.
#2 - Phlox - I went so many years only knowing about creeping phlox (the kind that work great as a ground cover. Only about 5 years ago did I discover tall phlox. The scent is light and fresh and perfectly lovely.
Truly, it is a complete battle between which scent I like better… peonies or phlox. I like one best until the next one blooms. I just cannot decide.
Phlox can be reblooming once they are established. To help them rebloom, you must cut the flowers before all the florets have withered away. Trimming them as far down as the stem goes will give you the most likely chance of getting flowers in the Autumn. Give the plants a couple years growing in your gardens before expecting this from them though.
Warning, some phlox are prone to powdery mildew. Simply look for varieties that say they aren't and you should be fine.
#1 - Peonies - Drumroll please for the most favorite of all (I think)...
If you have been around me much, you know peonies will always be my favorite.
The pure nostalgia.
The rarity of them of only blooming a couple weeks.
Every year I try to stuff a few more roots into my Gardens. Even though they only bloom for 1-2 weeks each year, I simply cannot get enough of these. Their bomb of petals. Their exquisit scent. Their long lasting ability (some plants have actually lasted for over 100 years!)
If I could only grow one perennial flower, peonies would be my choice. They are easy to grow, so I am convinced everyone should have at least one peony in their gardens.
What is the best of all this?
In the heat of our Treasure Valley hot Summers no wedding should be without Echinacea or Eryngium.
No isle flowers sing quite like the ones in June who include the tall dancing foxtail lilies. They are never-to-be-forgotten.
Tucking peonies into a Spring bridal bouquet or phlox into a summer wedding not only brings beauty to the eyes, but also a scent they will never want to forget.
When I can grow these stunning special flowers for a special wedding or event. That really makes my heart sing.
Best Blessings to you and yours,
Ella
Questions on Tulips...
There have been a lot of questions about tulips coming recently about growing tulips, and for good reason.
There is so much shown lately about growing tulips in egg crate format to fit literally 1000's of tulips in a small space to give a Holland inspired WOW factor.
But all these inspirational posts can lead to big confusion for the home gardener. Here is why...
Most home gardeners have planted small clusters of bulbs in the winter. They get to enjoy the beautiful symbol of hope in the Spring when not much has woken up yet in their garden. The traditional gardener will then leave the flowers in the garden and let the foliage die back naturally and the tulips are a bit forgotten until the following year when they bloom again.
Under these circumstances, tulips are a bit of a perennial bloomer. Plant them as directed 6" deep and 3"-4" away from any other plants, bulbs or roots. You may need to divide the bulbs in a few years but you can bet they will give you several years of flowers just like daffodils.
Pretty straight forward...
Until recently...
The confusion began in about 2018 when more Americans began growing tulips for cut flower production.
When tulips are being grown to be used as a cut flower, those bulbs don't need any space to multiply because they are being pulled right out of the ground before they are even in full bloom.
That is right. The flower, foliage, and bulb and pulled rather than cut.
Many ask, can I just cut the foliage and flowers and leave the bulb to continue to grow?
Nope. That bulb will not create a new flower without the foliage to regenerate that bloom, stem and strength to produce it.
In this situation, the bub needs to be treated like an annual. One bulb = One flower.
This is why the cut flower industry is showing all the bulbs planted so close together.
I hope this clears things up for you a bit. But you are always welcome to email me you questions.
Best Blessings,
Ella
Failure is part of my job...
Sometimes when flower growing isn't going well, I have to tell myself that this is part of the job I chose.
I wish that flower growing was always the perfect pictures painted on social media, but it certainly isn't.
Let's talk about tulips for a minute. In my previous blog I mentioned that when tulip bulbs are used as cut flowers the math generally goes like this 1 bulb = 1 flower.
However, I realized this week that the math I did there is quite misleading. It really is something closer to 1.5 bulbs = 1 flower in the field and 2 bulbs = 1 flower when forced. Hydroponics may even be smaller margins. I am beginning to think it is 2.5 bulbs = 1 flower.
That may be a bit confusing, so let me explain...
First of all, especially when buying bulbs in bulk, many came this year that were completely rotted. They were soft and even when I carefully sorted through them about 1/3 had to be thrown away as not being a viable bulb.
That about broke my heart.
Gathering up all my courage, I moved forward with my tulip plan. This year 1/2 of my bulbs were planted outside and 1/2 of them I am forcing hydroponically.
Once bulbs are tucked into the ground, I thought they would be safe and sound for a few months until bloom time. However, so many bulbs are being found in my walk ways and grass.
We are just beginning to realize tulips planted in my gardens are being packed away by squirrels and/or mice who think they are delicious.
I am fairly confident that I now have at least 25% fewer bulbs out there right now.
Also, with all the excessive rain we received overnight I have been digging trenches to guide water away from the remaining bulbs.
Bulb rot is not something we have to worry about too much in dry Idaho, but when our annual rain expectancy comes all at once, all bets are off.
So that is what's happening with the outside tulips.
Hydroponic growing is not for the faint of heart either.
I took it on knowing it was going to be a challenge. All conditions have to be just right in order to trick the bulbs into thinking they have already experienced enough Winter to flower and that it is now Spring.
One thing that I monitor closely is humidity.
Honestly, we have such a dry climate, that needing to monitor the humidity took me completely by surprise. Tulips will get either leaf topple or stem topple if they experience humidity over 90% - even for just a few minutes.
Imagine my horror to come home one day and find the humidity in my grow space had spiked to 99%.
I worked as quickly as possible to get the humidity down and soon it was well below the 90% danger zone.
At first the tulips did not look like they suffered too much from it, but now I know that 2 weeks later, their leaves began to split and some stems have caved in. The stems that were most susceptible to stem topple are not able to hold up their blooms.
So... here is the good - Winter tulips when they bloom are stunningly awesome!!
Here is the bad - It is a bit heart wrenching to see potential flowers lost so easily after so much work.
Here is the ugly - At this point Winter Tulip growing isn't looking like it will be a sustainable part of my business. I'll have to wait until May and crunch all the numbers. It is best said by my mother when I was growing up. "We never need to go to Vegas. Farming is the biggest gamble of a lifetime."
As we witness strange Winter storms hitting all across the United States, my little flower experiment is nothing in comparison. However, it does give me a little taste of what that gamble is doing to our food farms and domestic food supply.
If you are the praying type, please pray for America. If you are not the praying type, maybe you will consider praying for America anyway.
Be Blessed,
Ella
A little Touch of Everyday Elegance...
If you are like me, many times, it's the small things that make the biggest difference.
This is why I package Ella June Gardens tulips in various sizes. You pick the right size for what you need.
The 8-stem "A Little Luxury" tulip bunches are just enough to bring a touch of understated elegance to your everyday life.
Whether you're treating yourself to a pop of color on a dreary winter day, surprising a friend with a thoughtful gesture, or adding a touch of natural beauty to your home, these perfectly petite bouquets are the answer.
Just $20, makes it an affordable way to brighten any moment. Imagine these vibrant tulips gracing your kitchen table, adding a touch of spring to your office, or brightening the day of someone special.
There is nothing that brights a space better than flowers. "A Little Luxury" is the perfect way to say "I'm thinking of you," "Thank you," or simply, "I deserve this."
Deepest Affection: "The Grand Gesture"
When you want to make a truly unforgettable impression, the 25-stem "The Grand Gesture" tulip bunches are just for you.
"The Grand Gesture" is the perfect choice this abundant bouquet becomes a symphony of color and some of the tulips even have light fragrance.
It is a breathtaking expression of love, appreciation, or celebration. At $50, "The Grand Gesture" is ideal for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to convey your deepest emotions.
Imagine the look on your loved one's face when they receive this magnificent display of winter's finest blooms. It's a gift grown with love and joy that will be remembered long after the last petal falls.
As one of my flower friends recently said, "It's not just flowers; it's an experienced
Why Choose Locally Grown Tulips?
Unmatched Freshness: Here in my shop, I can harvest tulips right at the peak of their beauty when you are ready for them rather than having to pick them early to ship. This ensures the most vibrant color and longest-lasting blooms. My customers tell me all the time, "You won't find this level of freshness with store-bought flowers."
Sustainable Practices: I am completely committed to sustainable gardening practices to ensure the health of our blooms and help the earth continue to give to us.
Local Love: By choosing my locally grown tulips, you're allowing me to share extra flowers with our local shelters and care facilities for those that may be forgotten. Each month I have flowers, I gift flowers to someone in the community who is needing a boost. If you know someone you'd like to recommend, please pop me an email with the suggestion.
Unique Beauty: Each tulip is unique, with its own individual character and charm. I have hand-picked each variety based on colors and shapes you may have not seen before. Each and every variety is a testament to a Grand Creator.
Workshop vs. Class - which is best?
The long standing debate.
Are they the same or different?
I can't speak for everywhere, but here my Gardens, classes & workshops are very different things.
Classes at Ella June Gardens
Classes are a passive experience. You come, listen and ask all the questions you want, but there are few (if any) things for you to experience or take home with you.
Basically, you listen while in the class and take all the notes you want. Once you get home, you do with the information as you see fit.
Classes take less prep work for me.
Class don’t have any supplies that I source and purchase for you.
Shorter planning time.
All this equals a big savings for you.
Workshops at Ella June Gardens
Workshops are an active experience. We gather. We tour the gardens. All your questions are answered in detail. Most loved by attendees, the workshop includes everything you need in order to do the topic of that day.
Workshops are about creating and community.
Floral design workshops include everything you need to create that particular design that day. (the vase, the mechanics, the flowers etc.)
Seed Starting Workshops include everything you need to start seeds as well as the knowledge behind those seeds. (the soil, containers, seeds). Some even include additional plants already established for you to take right home and plant in your garden.
Workshops take weeks for me to prep to source and check each of the supplies that will be needed. It requires a whole lot more planning on my part to make sure you walk away with something wonderful, useable or even giftable.
I never know exactly how many people will want the workshop, requiring minimum and maximum numbers and costing more.
So which is better for you? would you rather learn then source your own tools or have everything gathered and prepped for you?
Please email me and let me know which format you prefer.
Best Blessings,
Ella
Starting Seeds in January?
Am I completely crazy?
Most people believe you shouldn't plant flowers or vegetables into the garden in Middleton, Idaho (zone 6b-7a) before Mother's Day.
Years ago I taught it too.
However, it is a completely wrong philosophy.
There are actually many flowers that PREFER being planted out when you have the big weather swings in early spring.
Here's a list of the top 5 flowers I always plant every Winter from seed and plant the seedlings in my gardens by mid March.
#1 - Snapdragons
These beauties are flowers a cutting garden cannot do without. They are just barely able to handle our winters, so when I plant them in the fall it is a bit of a gamble. If we get extra cold one week, they may not make it. Because I always hope for those earlier blooms I still plant them in the fall, but always reseed in February... just in case I have holes I needs to put new plants.
#2 - Bachelor Buttons
Have you seen the new colors of bachelor buttons that have come out the past few years? Ahhhh!! I simply cannot get enough of this flower anymore. Although I still grow the traditional Blue Boy because all brides seem to want blue in their bouquets these days, I love the pinks! The mixes of Velvet Dawn with varying shades from eggplant to plum to almost blush really speak to my soul too and this will be my first year growing these colors.
#3 - Calendula
What is a cutting garden without this early spring beauty? Again, I am partial to the newly bred varieties. You know I like the softer colors. Ivory Princess and Triangle Flashback are two I love. They sell out quickly, so if you like the softer shades too and happen to see seeds available be sure to snatch them up!
#4 - Larkspur
Larkspur seemed unimpressive to me until I found the QIS series. These are fully double florets and bigger than what was offered to our grandmothers garden. These are not only lovely in arrangements, but their flowy nature in the garden space make them a double win in my book.
#5 - Feverfew
I have fallen for every single variety of feverfew I have ever grown. Whether you grow the tiny daisy shape or sunny ball on multiple stems all of them are simply pure sunshine... once again both in and out of a vase.
What is extra great about these flowers is if you plant them in the garden by March, you are likely to have flowers by June!
No more waiting long into the heat of summer to have bright glorious flowers in your garden. These will grow and bloom for you so much better if you plant them out early -
I promise!
Happy Growing!
Ella
Does Ella June Gardens Sell Wholesale to Florists?
Why yes, yes I do!
Please note that if you happen upon this Blog , and are a florist, THIS POST IS FOR YOU!
For 4 years, cultivating specialty heirloom, old-fashioned and uncommon varieties of flowers for wholesalers was my main game.
Growing large quantities of blooms for florists and designers to use in your amazing design work is remains a big focus in my Gardens, however how it works continues to morph and change a bit each year.
To be able to continue selling to this elite flower market, I have had to make some changes.
** Beginning in 2025, the State of Idaho requires me to have on record both your florist license and your Reseller’s & Florist license before the first sale of the year can happen. **
Please email me today to get a link to the super easy Google Form for you to fill out.
Flowers are Essential...
We all desire peace and a bit of tranquility from the stresses of every day life. We all desire peace and a bit of tranquility from the stresses of every day life.
Did you know that Harvard conducted a behavioral research study on having cut flowers in your home?
Any guesses what the study revealed?
My guess is that if you are a flower friend of mine, you will not be surprised by these findings in the least.
The behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, found that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home.
I don't know about you, but these are all areas I am incredibly interested in improving.
Local flowers are really difficult to get in Idaho year round. This is why I am growing winter tulips.
Tulips symbolize Spring, Hope, and Joy.
When you add these to the Harvard study that improves Compassion, decreases worry and depression, it seems to me flowers will make the world a better place!
Want to order your flowers for this week? Here's the link to Winter Tulips!
Want to grow flowers of your own to cut and bring into your home? Sign up for my Seed Sowing Classes.
If you are reading this May - October, maybe you would prefer ordering your Friday Flowers .
Either way, I hope you are blessed with all the hope, joy, compassion and kindness flowers can bring you!
An Ode to Wonderful...
If you were limited to one word for 10 years, what would you choose?
The first time I met my friend's mom was decades ago. I will call her Violet. The first thing Violet did was take my hand and show me her flower garden. She lived in the hot dry desert of Colorado, yet had her property blooming like a rose.
It was beautiful!
Over the years Violet showed me that she loved all things family, especially her home and garden. She wanted to make the world a better place, or at least her part of the world and did it with nearly constant service to others.
She always loved flowers and grew so many. She was compassionate, full of energy, ideas, and love of life.
Ten years ago Violet suffered a massive stroke that left her completely debilitated. As she regained strength, she was able to say one word.
“Wonderful!”
Would you like some lunch Violet? She responded with “Wonderful!”
Would you like me to read to you? “Wonderful!”
Would you like to sit up? “Wonderful!”
When my friend would bring Violet to her home everything was “Wonderful!” with a lopsided grin.
That one word drew people to her like bees to flowers on a hot summer day.
I have learned that people who love flowers are often happier. They have kind hearts and are generally thinking of how to be gracious to others.
Our friend 'Violet' lifted people's hearts by smiling and telling them "Wonderful!" to everything they said or did for just over 10 years before her body gave up.
What a legacy she left! What an influence!
Are flower people this way naturally so they are naturally drawn to the beauty of flowers, or do flowers make them this way?
I couldn't really say.
Either way, maybe we all just want our efforts to be received as Wonderful!
Flowers are like people. Each is beautiful in their own way. ~Miranda Kerr