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Step 1
Choose a site with well-drained soil, plenty of sun and easy access to water. Prepare the soil by clearing the garden area of grass and weeds. Work organic matter, such as compost, into the soil. See 106 Prepare an Organic Vegetable Garden.
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Step 2
Design the garden for easy care and cutting. Arrange the plants in straight rows or 3-foot-wide (1 m) garden beds. Make paths wide enough for you to walk and work comfortably.
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Step 3
Imagine the bouquets you want to create, including colors you love that work with your indoor colors when selecting the plants you'll grow.
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Step 4
Plant a mixture of annuals and perennials to have something in bloom at all times. Perennials come back year after year and often bloom early or late in the season. Annuals grow fast and many produce flowers all summer.
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Step 5
Combine a variety of flower forms and size. For example, include tall, spiky blooms of bells of Ireland and blazing star; lacy flowers of baby's breath and lady's mantle; and bold, showy flowers such as zinnias and sunflowers.
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Step 6
Select plants that have sturdy stems and a long vase life such as lilies, zinnias, black-eyed Susans and snapdragons.
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Step 7
Add foliage plants for color and texture. Silver-leafed plants including lamb's ears and lavender are soothing, while the sunny colors of coleus and New Zealand flax add zing to bouquets.
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Step 8
Plant bulbs for showy, fragrant color. Cold-loving bulbs such as tulips, crocus, iris, ranunculus and narcissus are planted in the fall for early spring cutting flowers. Many summer-planted bulbs such as gladiolus make stunning additions to tall bouquets.
