Welcome to Flower Week

Humans have always been drawn to flowers, using them throughout history as decorations, medicine, gifts, and even metaphors. From the simplest wildflowers to the most expensive roses, flowers are closely tied to the human experience, representing hope, optimism, love, joy, support, and friendship.

They're also, of course, just simply beautiful. Whether you're drawn to delicate daisies, fluffy peonies, elegant orchids, or cheery daffodils, Mother Nature has a flower for you. (In fact, with more than 300,000 types of flowering plants in the world, she likely has several.) In hues that range from the creamiest whites to the boldest jewel-tones, the beloved perennials and annuals that bloom indoors and out add color, texture, and joy to your garden—and your life. 

Since they're one of our favorite things (Martha's, too!), we decided to dedicate a full week to all things flowers: Follow along each day as we explore growing, cutting, arranging, and enjoying the blooms that bring so much color and happiness into our lives. At the end of the week, you may find yourself agreeing with author Okakura Kakuzo, who wrote, "In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends."

Day 1: How to Start a Flower Garden

While all you really need to start a garden is a bare patch of earth and a few seeds, turning a section of your yard into a spot where flowers, vegetables, and shrubs can thrive is easier with a little bit of planning. Choose the annuals and perennials that are best for your climate—and your skill level—and decide whether you want to plant them in the ground or in raised beds. Then source the tools and seeds you need to start turning a blank grass canvas into a bevy of blooms.

Day 2: Flower Facts

Today, focus on polishing up your floral expertise with the detailed definitions in our garden glossary, designed especially for beginners, and get a refresher on how often to water every type of plant, indoors or out. Then dig into the history of floriography, a complex language that assigns meanings to flowers, and understand how to make a major statement with the blooms you choose.

Day 3: Popular Annuals and Perennials

A garden that looks effortless doesn't just happen. Every type of plant, from sunflowers to geraniums to lavender to peonies, has its own set of requirements for growth and care. But a little hard work shouldn't deter you—growing something new, whether it comes back every year or offers just one season of showy blooms, is so rewarding. Take inspiration from Martha's perennial garden at her home in Bedford to fill your own plot with plants that attract hummingbirds, draw butterflies, add fragrance, and burst with color and texture.

Day 4: Indoor Gardening

Not every property boasts an expansive backyard or acres of garden to cultivate—but a lack of outdoor space shouldn't stop you from developing a green thumb. Take your planting indoors with container ideas for bold blooms, aromatic jasmine, and elegant orchids that turn any space in your home into a lush garden.

Day 5: Cutting Flowers

Freshly cut flowers add a colorful, natural accent to every room of your home, from a soothing bouquet of lavender in your office to a vase of vivid tulips in your kitchen. If part of your garden vision includes cutting blooms to use indoors, consider adding the hardiest, prettiest, and easiest options for growing, cutting, and drying to your garden.

Day 6: Arranging and Decorating Flowers

While a simple bouquet makes an impact all on its own, intentional flower placement leaves you with arrangements that are so much more than the sum of their parts—and we have the aspirational bouquets and centerpieces to prove it. Today, Martha will let you in on her secrets for flawless arrangements, while the best vases and display stands make a perfect presentation even easier. 

Day 7: Cooking and Crafting With Flowers

Many of your favorite flowers aren't just for show. Like other edible plants in your garden, you can add them to drinks, desserts, and other sweet or savory dishes for a prettier presentation and an added depth of flavor. Fresh blooms can also be incorporated into your favorite DIY projects, as you use them to make petal-powered body scrubs, pressed-flower keepsakes, and summertime wreaths.