Crazy Easy Patio Planter DIY! (It's a Super Affordable Upcycle, too!)

I love filling planters with flowers and scattering them around my patio this time of year - something about it makes it feel like a cozy decorated living room. I position them in little clusters by the wicker chairs that surround our firepit, on the little outdoor table next to our patio swing, on the back steps - basically anywhere someone might notice them or relax for a while.

I had a bunch of them on my patio table where we sometimes have meals until recently, too. While I loved how they looked, it was a little tricky to have several of them there during meal times or when it got a bit windy. So I whipped up a cute little solution this week, and if you want a wildly fast, easy, and affordable patio DIY to tackle this weekend: I've got you.

Plus - you get to go thrifting so, wins all around.

First, do some shopping.

But this is the fun part. You'll need to make two stops, unless you've already got one or the other on hand! The first is a nursery or home improvement store - you'll need potting soil, and either some flowers or seed packets. And the second is a thrift store or garage sales, where you'll look for an old bundt pan with a center hole wide enough to fit your patio table's umbrella through it. I found several options when I went looking, and ended up deciding on one that I had no question would work size-wise, wasn't going to break (it's metal), and was reasonably affordable.

Here's mine:

   

Mine is obviously very simple, but you can use one that has more details or not - totally up to you!

Next, fill it with potting soil.

If you're using already bloomed flowers (like packs of annuals), fill the pan about halfway. If you're using seeds, fill it almost to the top.

I used flowers, so here's mine filled about halfway:

     

Now it's time to plant!

Go wild here - add in whatever you want to see growing on your table! I went with flowers simply because I'm too impatient to wait on the seeds in something that would just look like a cake pan full of dirt sitting on my table (haha), but use anything you like! Plant it like you would anything else - give everything their home, and add more soil where it's needed after everything is in place.

And finally, arrange it in its new home!

Give your new pretties some water, then center the opening of the bundt pan over the space where the umbrella slides through. Then carefully put your umbrella in place, going right through the center of your new planter! This was a bit tricky...it was hard to not crush any petals!

And that's it!

So cute, right?

So, you might be wondering - what about drainage?

And to that I say.....I do not know. lol  You could drill some holes in the bottom of your pan (as long as it's not ceramic), but then it would drain dirty water all over your patio table every time you water. I'm honestly just crossing my fingers that these flowers don't mind long enough to last for a hot minute. And if they hate it? Well, then, maybe I'll get more. I'll let you know how this works out in the long run, haha.

Let me know if you try it, and show me how yours turns out if you do!

Here's a pin to remember this super simple project later on:

The Allure of Lilacs: A Blossoming Journey into the Enchanting World of Lilacs

In gardens around the globe, there exists a flower that transcends time - captivating hearts with its delicate petals and intoxicating scent.

This is the lilac - a beloved bloom that has bewitched generations with its ethereal beauty and nostalgic allure. They won me over as a child, and have had a hold on my heart ever since! From taking home fluffy blooms from my Great-Grandma's house, to one of my best friends bringing me bunches of lilacs to scent our locker with in high school, to growing my own lilac bush in my yard as an adult, lilacs have brought me so much happiness over the years.

But you know what I've never done before? Researched them. Beyond their beauty and smell, I've never dug into the incredible details of all things lilac, and realized I should remedy that ASAP!

Embark on a fragrant journey through the origins, history, symbolism, and wonders of these enchanting blossoms with me! (And I'll show you allll the lilac spam from this year's yield!)

Origins and History

Lilacs, with their captivating beauty and intoxicating fragrance, trace their origins back to the ancient lands of Persia (modern-day Iran) and surrounding regions. From there, they began a journey - spreading their beauty and fragrance across continents and captivating the hearts of people worldwide.

Lilacs found their way from Persia to the gardens and courtyards of ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, who appreciated their beauty and even incorporated them into their culture. The Greeks associated lilacs with the nymph Syringa, and the name "syringa" eventually became a botanical name for lilacs.

In the 16th century, lilacs made their way to Europe, brought by Ottoman Turks who gifted the plants to European diplomats. Lilacs quickly gained popularity in the royal courts and gardens, particularly in France, where they became a symbol of love and beauty during the reign of King Louis XV. I just started reading a book about Floriography, so this was super interesting to learn!

Symbolism and Sentiment

Lilacs have long been associated with love and romance. They symbolize the passion and intensity of deep love, making them popular in wedding bouquets and romantic gestures. In the language of flowers (Floriography!), lilacs convey the message of love and affection.

The delicate, colorful blooms of lilacs are often associated with elegance and charm, as well as youth and innocence. The tender blooms and their sweet scent evoke a sense of purity and childlike wonder. They can represent the simplicity and joy of youth, reminding us to embrace our inner child and find happiness in the small pleasures of life.

Lilacs Today

Lilacs have specific growing requirements and are typically cultivated in regions with the right climate and soil conditions. Lilacs thrive in areas with distinct seasons, including cold winters and mild summers. Must be why you can find them all over Buffalo!

Lilacs are widely cultivated and appreciated in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and certain regions of Australia. They can be found in gardens, parks, and landscapes where the climate supports their growth.

In North America, lilacs are particularly popular and can be found in various states and provinces. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is well-adapted to the climate of the northern United States and Canada. In Europe, lilacs have a long-standing presence, with countries like France, England, and the Netherlands known for their vibrant displays of lilac blooms during the spring season. Lilacs are also cultivated in parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, where they hold cultural significance and are celebrated during festivals.

That Scent!

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time describing the scent of lilacs. It's so unique! There's almost a musky-ness to them, while also being bright and fresh. It's so intoxicating!

I tried to google some ways to describe the scent of lilacs, and what I found was: sweet and floral, with delicate notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, and a hint of spice.

And this: "Lilac has a facet reminiscent of lily of the valley and another of mimosa. It is reminiscent of pastel. Lilac is powdery, soft, creamy, cosmetic, romantic, almondy and green." (source)

Powdery, soft, creamy, romantic. Yes x4.

Cultivating Lilac Magic

I am no gardening expert, and when it comes to my lilacs...I honestly don't do much other than give them some water if it hasn't rained in a long time and wait for blooms to arrive in May. However, there are some things about growing lilacs that could potentially give you maximum lilac happiness.

Lilacs thrive in full sun, so it's advised that you choose a location in your yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Weirdly, though, I've had 3 lilac plants on my lot, and the only one that survived (and is thriving!) is one that is actually in partial shade. It gets plenty of sunlight, but shares real estate with a huge maple that sometimes creates a shady environment for it - though usually after peek blooming season.

And apparently - you're supposed to prune lilacs immediately after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer. Oops. I hate the process of pruning - it feels so destructive and dangerous! But the advice I found is to remove spent flowers by cutting just above the first set of leaves beneath the flower cluster. Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant and encourages better flowering, so...guess I'll try it this year!

Blooming Bouquets

Similar to hydrangeas, lilacs don't like to hang out long once they're cut and put in a vase. But I did a little googling and found a few random tips for making them last a bit longer. First, cut your blooms early or late in the day - they are the most hydrated at this point and will have the best chance at survival. Then, wherever you place your bouquet, keep it away from fruit! This is such a strange tip, but certain fruits like apples, bananas, and melons produce a gas called ethylene and lilacs are sensitive to it. Being exposed to it will make them wilt! Who knew!! And finally, you can mist them with a spray bottle to make them happier. They apparently enjoy a little extra humidity.

Beyond the Vase: Lilacs Everywhere!

This is actually new to me - the most I've done with lilacs is bury my nose in them and stick them in a vase. But more and more (probably just because of the content I've been seeking lately), I see people using lilacs in all sorts of ways!

Did you know that lilacs are edible? I didn't. And...I'm weirdly afraid to try them? LOL I love them so much that I don't want to ruin in it by tasting them and not liking it or something. I know, I'm difficult. But people make all sorts of recipes with lilacs - sugar, simple syrups, cakes, teas, cocktails.

It's probably no surprise that you can make all sorts of fragrances and bath products with lilacs, but there's that, too. Things like sugar scrubs, simmer pots, potpourri, and bath bombs would all be amazing with lilacs in them!

There's endless ways to be creative with them, too. Beyond bouquets, you can press them to make art with, create a natural dye or water-color-like paint to paint with, glue them onto projects, or even use the blooms as a stamp or paint brush. And not to state the obvious, but a framed print of a lilac photo you took will never be ugly...just saying!

As we wrap up our lilac-scented journey, I'd love to know your associations with lilacs! Do they ignite memories for you, too? Do you grow your own? Have you ever done something unique or culinary with them??

For me, the beauty, the scent, the symbolism, and the joy of watching lilacs emerge each spring reminds me to embrace the magic that resides in the simplest moments. They encourage me to be intentional and thoughtful just by existing! 

PS - have you noticed that this blog is decorated with them? They have my heart! <3

Here are some of the resources I used to write this post if you want to learn more:

Farmer's Almanac
Upstate Gardener's Journal
Better Homes & Gardens

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Here's an image to pin in case you'd like to hang onto all of this lovely lilac info for later! <3

Stop Wasting Money on Wilting Bouquets! Learn How to Arrange Your Fresh Flowers Like a Pro & Make Them Last

Fresh flowers add so much coziness and cheer to my house (and...distract visitors from the messes, score), but they can be tricky. There's nothing worse than the "grocery store bouquet jammed in anything that holds water vibe"...except maybe when they die a few days later and your table is empty and boring again.

But we can fix that!

As someone who loves keeping fresh flowers in my home, I've learned a few tricks over the years that I've confirmed with an actual florist! Yep - I have an in. One that I can text 24 hours a day with all of our burning floral questions.

(She'll 100% ignore me if the text comes through at 3am, but I can still send it. Not that I have 3am flower questions, but she's my little sister sooo, bugging her is kinda my job.)

I made her answer at least 50 questions last week so that I could come up with some amaaaazing flowery resources for all of us to utilize! She was such a good sport, and gave me SO much to work with.

I thought we'd start with the things we all want to know:

How do I make my flowers look amazing without spending too much, and how do I keep them alive as long as possible?

Thanks to Gabbie (my sister!), I've got the answers for you!

Let's do it.

1. Picking Fresh Flowers

So, Gabbie is a Floral Team Leader for a popular local grocery store. She runs her department, so she has a front row seat to all of us picking out fresh flowers for our kitchen tables and party decorations every week. She's been doing this for years now, and has a few pointers for us!

• There are, of course, ready-made bouquets that have been professionally styled available, but you can also build your own bouquets with a few bundles of individual flower types. If you go this route, aim for some variety, but be careful when mixing contrasting colors. If you want to mix things on opposite sides of the color wheel, do it with more muted tones.
  
  (When I do this, I pick about 3-4 flower types with 2-3 of them in shades of the same color, and one that either compliments or contrasts, but subtly!)
  
  
• 
  Keep flower size in mind, too! Gabbie says that if you want to put two flowers together that are quite different in size (such as roses and sunflowers, for example, which is apparently a common request), you need to add a filler that meets them in the middle size-wise to make it look more cohesive. A suggestion she threw out for the example above is hydrangeas, and she even sent me a photo of this so I could show you - love!

• It's hard to tell how fresh most flowers are (other than obvious wilting), but there is a little test you can do with roses to check. Give the base of the flower head (right where it connects to the stem) a little squeeze with your fingers. A new fresh rose will feel hard and tight. If it’s losing elasticity, it’ll be soft and is past its peak.
  
  
• If you're looking to keep costs down, avoid larger blooms like lilies, sunflowers, gerbera daisies, and roses. Love what you love, of course! But perhaps lean towards only one larger bloom and filling out your bouquet with smaller ones. If you're after roses specifically, standard red bouquet roses are likely your most affordable option. (And psst: the florists probably aren't so invested in the meanings of rose colors, so if you're wondering about symbolism Google is probably your best bet!)

2. Pick the Right, Clean Vase

Okay, so you've got your flowers - now what? Hopefully you have a few vases to chose from so you have one that works for your bouquet - it needs to be big enough to give your flowers breathing room, but not so big that they float around in there without any style. If you shove a bouquet into a vase that’s too small, it’ll look too tight, and it will promote mold that kills them quicker and may make them stinky. If you pick a really big one with a super-wide opening, your flowers will just flop! Try a few out for size until you find what you love, and then give the one you pick a scrub.

Residue from previous flowers can cause bacteria to grow, which will shorten the life of your new bouquet. Rinse the vase with warm water and a small amount of bleach or vinegar to kill any bacteria. Then rinse thoroughly with water and dry. Ready to rock and roll!

3. Prep Your Vase & Water The Right Way

When you fill your vase, make sure you use cold water. This will keep your flowers from wilting, and encourage any buds or blooms that haven't fully opened yet to take their time and stick around longer. If your flowers came with plant food, go ahead and add it - but not the whole thing! Let's be honest: none of us are reading those tiny packets. But if you did, you'd find that one packet is meant for use in a full liter of water, so only mix in half of it (or even less). Adding too much will only make your water murky.

Next, grab some clear scotch tape. Pull off two long pieces, and tape them across the opening of your vase in a cross or plus-sign shape. You won't see the tape at all once your arrangement is finished since it's clear, but it will help you arrange your flowers evenly and give them something to lean on as you build up your bouquet. Genius!

4. You Have to Trim Your Stems, But Don't Use Scissors!

According to Gabbie, any flower that has been removed from water must have at least 1/4 inch cut off the bottom of their stem before being arranged in their permanent vase. (BTW, she also said that you should never leave flowers out of water for more than three hours, so keep that in mind if you're transporting a bouquet you plan to gift!)

The thing is: you're apparently not supposed to use scissors to trim your flowers. Whoopsiiie. I didn't know this. They just aren't sharp enough, and despite making a fairly clean cut, the scissors are actually very slightly crushing the structure of the stems. This means that they won't efficiently draw up water, and they won't last as long as they could. This was actually Gabbie's number one tip for getting a longer life out of flowers: use garden shears! And she also said it doesn't actually matter if you cut them at an angle or not (gasp! who knew!) - she hasn't ever seen that make a difference. We've been lied to! lol

5. Arrange Stems in a Criss-Cross Layout

If you add the tape to your vase from my little tip above, this will sort of happen naturally. As you place flowers in your vase, angle their stems over and across each other to sort of interlock them under the water. This will help them support each other, and give your bouquet a more robust shape. It doesn't have to be perfectly done - just make sure you tip them in opposite directions and the stems will naturally do this. Scroll down to the end of this post for a peek at what this looks like - I made this arrangement out of a few bundles of flowers from the grocery store (daisies, lillies, and canterbury bells) before adding in daffodils from my own yard. Because I did my little tape trick, they did this little interlocking trick automatically!

6. Refresh Their Water

When I bring flowers home and I notice them start to get a little wilty, I'll dump out their water, refill the vase with fresh, cold water, and add in the last of the plant food packet. What I didn't know, is if you do this every 3-4 days, you'll extend their lifespan and get more time with them. It seems obvious now, but it never occurred to me to do it sooner or more often. Who knew?

7. Bonus Tip: Don't Mix Daffodils & Tulips!

Never mix daffodils and tulips because they release pheromones that kill each other. I...had no idea. And probably could have easily done this (might have in the past??) because they both sprout up in my front yard in April and wanting to bring some outdoors in, they're all I have to chose from. But now I know. If I snip some of both, they're going in their own vases!

So - think you got it? Rushing out to the store right now to build a bouquet and watch it flourish? lol

I almost always have fresh flowers in the house - it's weird when I don't. I just love them so much! But I'm extra-excited to put Gabbie's tips to use for my next bouquet and see the difference!

Happy flower arranging to us all! :)

Pin all of this gold for future reference! :)

A Fabulously Floral Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and if you're anything like me, you're probably still searching for the perfect gift for your mom. You might also really be deep in the spring floral vibes (ahem, guilty as charged) and want to really embrace the blooming nature of this gorgeous season.

As someone who loves all things floral and shabby chic, I've put together a list of gift ideas that are sure to make your mom feel special and loved with celebrating nature's most vibrant beauties.

Or, you know, pass it onto your kiddos or significant other so they know exactly what to get you! ;)

Gracie China Peony Garden Dinner Plates ($33 for a set of 4)

These are so gorgeous! (Heart eyes) I would personally LOVE these for spring!

Noritake Hydrangea Floral Salad Plate ($16.99ea)

I'm obsessive about hydrangeas, and while they don't exactly go with the first set of plates above, I just adore these! So, so pretty.

Gracie China Rose Chintz Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer Set of 4 ($40)

I collect adorable floral teacups like this, and I am drooling over this gorgeously floral set! They are so beautiful!! I'd adore sipping afternoon tea out of these!

Beloved Lavender and Chamomile Tea Whipped Body Scrub ($10)

I haven't tried this, but I'm desperate to! Anything Lavender scented wins in my book, but not only would this make a great at home spa type gift, this is a sustainable brand, too! Bonus.

Custom Name Hydrangea Mug ($17)

You know I love my hydrangeas, so when I came up with some springy designs for Cozy & Rych, they were on the top of my list! This one allows you to pop your kiddos or grand-kiddos names in this gorgeous simple wreath and smile over how cute they are every time you have your coffee! ;)

Real Feel Hydrangeas! (White $13, Blue $11)

I have some of these and LOVE them! You've gotta know by now how I feel about hydrangeas (lol), but they never last long in a vase. These last foreverrrr and look so incredibly realistic! Keep an eye on the prices - it's Amazon, so they fly up and down all the time, though these are the cheapest I've seen them!

Mrs. Meyers  Lilac Kitchen Basics Set ($14)

Okay, listen - I don't usually condone buying Mom anything that even remotely seems like it's used for cleaning, but these lilac scents are SO BEYOND that having them in my daily life is a must. A must! It puts a smile on my face every time I wash hands or scrub a dish, and it makes life just a little bit sweeter!

Custom Vintage Birth Flower T-Shirt ($26)

These are sooo cute! (If I do say so myself...I did design them, haha) First you pick your shirt color, then you get to put your kids or grandkids names and birth flower on it! No two tees are alike with this customization, so everyone gets their very own special garden!

Pacifica Beauty French Lilac Clean Fragrance Spray Perfume ($21)

I did not know this existed but I need it immediately. Yesterday. I love that it's a clean fragrance, too, so I can bathe in it! haha

Opalhouse Lidded Glass Jar Candle Lady Peony Pink ($5-10)

I'm obsessed with Opalhouse candles, not only because they smell amazing but because they're soy and I try to only use soy candles in our house. This one smells so good!!

And finally, don't forget: a good old fashioned bouquet of fresh flowers!

Instead of going for the usual roses, why not opt for a mixed bouquet with plenty of different flowers and colors? You could also purchase a DIY flower arrangement kit or seeds to plant a garden. Make it extra special by getting a few groups of inexpensive flower types and making your own arrangement - the "I made this myself" aspect makes it extra special for mom! And, ya know, flowers make everyone smile! Well, unless your mom has allergies...then maybe not. ;)


Let me know if you come across anything gorgeously floral that I need to know about! 

Happy Mother's Day shopping!




This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I may make a small commission. It's really teeny tiny, but every little bit helps support my blog and I'm so grateful! xo Happy Mother's Day!!

The Easiest but Prettiest Flowers To Start From Seeds: Lazy Gardening for the Nuerodivergent Girlies

Chances are, you're either super busy or super scatterbrained. Or, if you're like me, both.

Buuut it's Spring, and you still want to add some color and cheer to your outdoor space and have dreams of twirling through your very own flower garden that you can snip stems from while birds sing and land on your shoulders and then watch on the window sill as you arrange them into a beautiful homegrown bouquet. (Okay, Snow White, I see you.) Yet you are without the time or the green thumb. And you also maybe, definitely have analysis paralysis.

Same, girl, same.

So...I did some digging (read: hyperfixating) so that we can explore the easiest and prettiest flowers to start from seeds. Ideally....we can all use this to have a beautiful garden without the hassle. Maybe. (Hopefully.)

First things first: let's talk about lazy gardening. 

I can be lazy as hell. I certainly don't have time for fussy plants that require a lot of maintenance and I'd bet a thrifting trip on you not having the time, either. You want flowers that are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in a variety of conditions. The good news is...there are plenty of flowers that fit the bill, apparently. (Many thanks, Googely Google.)

So let's peek at 'em.

Option 1: Marigolds

One of the easiest flowers to grow from seed is the marigold. These sunny, cheerful flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, and gold, and can be started from seed indoors or directly in the ground. They bloom all summer long and are great for cutting and bringing indoors. Plus, they're a natural pest repellent, so they'll keep your garden healthy and happy. 

I plant them around the perimeter of my garden and they really do help in a variety of ways. I rarely have insect issues, they attract pollinators, and they look super gorge from a distance.

I've started these from seeds in the past with great success! They sprouted easily and grew super well. They're not the most *exciting* flower out there...but if you want color and hardiness and something that multitasks in keeping your other gardens happy - this is a winner.

You can start them as seeds indoors RIGHT NOW in Zone 6 where I am (Buffalo, NY), or you can put them directly in the ground as soon as the last freeze threat passes. This is usually between Mother's Day and Memorial Day for us, but do a quick search to see what zone you're in and when that timing is for you! Marigolds do well planted directly in the ground, so no worries if you don't have time or space to start them indoors. (Another bonus to the lazy-friendly Marigold!)

Read more about Marigolds from the Farmer's Almanac HERE!

Option 2: Zinnia

Another easy flower to grow from seed is the zinnia. These bright, colorful flowers come in a variety of shades and shapes, from classic daisy-like blooms to pom-poms and doubles. They're perfect for cutting and adding to bouquets, and they attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Best of all, they're virtually indestructible, so even if you forget to water them for a few days, they'll bounce back.

Ahem...I can attest to that personally.

There's also just so, so many colors that you can pick something that fits any vibe. I've grown them in pots and they do just as well there as they do in a garden bed. I can't say I ever saw a hummingbird near mine, but man that would be a sweet bonus! (I adore hummingbirds!)

Read more about Zinnias from the Farmer's Almanac HERE!

Option 3: Cosmos

If you're looking for a flower that's a little more unusual, try growing cosmos from seed. These delicate, feathery flowers come in shades of pink, white, and purple, and they add a whimsical touch to any garden. They're also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and they make a lovely cut flower.

I haven't grown these myself, but they are such a gorgeous, delicate flower and they remind me so much of a little English cottage garden! I might add these to my own list this year!

Read more about Cosmos from the Farmer's Almanac HERE!

Option 4: Snapdragons

For a touch of nostalgia, consider growing snapdragons from seed. These old-fashioned flowers come in a variety of colors and have a distinctive shape that kids love. They're great for adding height and texture to your garden, and they make a great cut flower for arrangements.

I've never actually grown these myself, or considered it, but I have no real reason why! They're gorgeous!! Maybe it's because they look more intimidatingly complicated, but apparently they're not. The article I linked below calls them "easy-to-grow, old-fashioned cottage garden plants, beloved by children and bees." (source below), and apparently they bloom all summer?! Like from June-October. That sounds like a big fat yes to me.

Read more about Snapdragons from Gardener's World HERE!

Option 5: Sunflowers

Ahhh, sunflowers. They're my August & September late-summer, early-fall symbol of transition. They give me ALL the August & September feels. And if you're looking for a flower that's as easy to care for as it is beautiful, try growing sunflowers from seed. These towering beauties come in a variety of sizes and colors, from the classic yellow to burgundy, orange, and even bi-colors. They're perfect for cutting and adding to arrangements, and they attract birds to your garden.

My one issue/complaint: the wildlife in my yard go buck wild on them. Deer freaking LOVE sunflowers. So, unless you have them protected well or don't live where wildlife chills...plant them with caution! We've tried sunflowers many times and failed, but it's 100% the deer's fault - not the effort it takes to grow and care for them.

Read more about Sunflowers from the Farmer's Almanac HERE!

Sooo, what are you starting with?

I made it super-simple for maximum laziness and popped some seed packets for each of these flowers in my Amazon Storefront! Just look for the Gardening list! I'll stick anything I come across that will make our gardening lives easier in there as we get closer to the season, too.

Let's say yes to gardening in a way that's fun and relaxing, not stressful and overwhelming. And if you forget to water or weed or that you even have a garden....I won't laugh, because I'll be in the same boat.

Pin this list for later! 

The Secret Meaning Behind Daffodils and Why We All Need Them in Our Gardens ASAP (plus a super unique surprise!)

When I was a kid, I used to marvel at the daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths in my Grandma's garden. We'd visit her at least once a week, sometimes more, and all Spring and Summer long she'd let us pick a few stems to go home with us.

She'd wrap the ends in a wet paper towel, then wrap that in a piece of crinkly aluminum foil to help them make the journey home. I can still feel it exactly - the cool metal foil scratching against my palms with the water slowly leaking through the cracks and down my arms. The petals of the flowers dancing in the wind coming in the open windows and the sun warming my face. My constant leaning in for a sniff and the pollen dusting my nose. It is such a nostalgic memory - of which I have many. 

(And ugh, I have the coolest daffodil thing to show you ever, so stay tuned til the end!)

When daffodils arrive every spring, it makes me giddy.

Not even considering my sweet memories with them, there's just something magical about the way Spring flowers pop up after a long, cold winter - especially here in Buffalo. It's like the world is waking up and saying, "Hello, I'm here, you can breathe deep again!" Spring flowers can range from delicate and dainty to bold and vibrant, but they all share one thing in common: they remind us of all the beauty there is to be found in the world.

Daffodils are kind of the star of the show because they're one of the earliest bloomers and they do it SO well. They're so bright and cheerful, grow in big bunches, and enthusiastically spread themselves around. These cheerful flowers are a staple of spring gardens and are loved for their bright, happy petals. But did you know that daffodils have a rich history and symbolism? In fact, they were first cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that daffodils had healing powers. There's also a Greek myth about their origin.

According to the Farmer's Almanac (on Almanac.com), this is the story:

"It’s believed that the daffodils are named after Narcissus, the son of Cephissus, who was the river god in Greek mythology. According to legend, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in the water and when he died starring at himself, the daffodil bloomed where he died." (source)

Ooookay soo, now I get where the word narcissism comes from. Dang daffodils, full of themselves! But for good reason. Have you seen them?!

In the language of flowers, daffodils represent rebirth, new beginnings, and friendship. They're also the official flower of March, which is fitting since they're one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. So, if you're looking for a flower to symbolize a fresh start or a new chapter in your life, daffodils might be an awesome talisman for that. (Some pretty wall art or a morning coffee mug with daffodils on it comes to mind. Hmmm, shop ideas, haha.)

I'm lucky enough that one of the previous owners of our house planted daffodil bulbs in our front landscaping. They've stayed there even through re-building that area because I adore them so much I always made sure they stayed safe. But the truth is...I've done nothing to make it happen. They just do. They pop up in March or April and I squeal and take pictures and then I pick a few and we do it all again the next year. But I would love to have more.

So, let's talk about how to grow daffodils in our own flower gardens, hmm? 

I had to turn to the 'ol Google for this, but it looks like it's best to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. And apparently, daffodils prefer slightly acidic soil, so consider adding some peat moss or compost to the planting area. Daffodil bulbs should be planted in the fall, about 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Water them well and then let nature do its thing. In the spring, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful display of daffodils! (The trouble is remembering spring flowers when you're in cozy spooky season...better put it in the planner now.)

Daffodils aren't the only spring flowers worth planting. I'm partial to Forsythia (because when it blooms I can just feel the warmer days ahead), and of course...lilacs. I'm mildly obsessive about my lilacs! Both of these are extremely low-maintenance, but won't really give you the cut flower garden experience.

So, here are a few other popular options:

Tulips: These bright and bold flowers come in a variety of colors and are known for their cup-shaped blooms. Plant them in the fall for a stunning display in the spring.

Hyacinths: With their fragrant blooms and bold colors, hyacinths are a must-have in any spring garden. Plant them in the fall and enjoy their beauty in the early spring.

Crocuses: These delicate flowers are often the first to bloom in the spring, and their colorful petals are a welcome sight after a long winter. We have a few of these in our landscaping, too, and I love seeing their little purple petals poking out! Plant them in the fall and watch them pop up in the early spring.

Kind of annoying that we have to wait until the fall to make next spring extra gorge, but whatever, nature. ;)

Okay, okay....my amazing surprise!

So today I dropped my Dad at his house after giving him a ride home from the airport, and he gave me the thumbs up to raid the woods next to his house for wild daffodils. I don't know exactly what kind they are - only that they are definitely different from the ones growing in my yard! And they smell amazing.

So we walk over to another area where they were growing, and I saw his little collection of mini daffodils. I'd never seen them, so I was geeking out over how adorable they were and taking pictures (one of which is above), and he told me to go ahead and take some of those, too. So I start sifting through for the ones I want when I gasped and let out a SHUT UP.

Because....

I found triplets. Yes! Triplet, baby, daffodils. TRIPLET. BABY. DAFFODILS.

This unique beauty deserves all the narcissism in the world. I'll just let the photos speak for themselves......

YEP, that is only one stem there in my fingers, but threeeeee little tiny baby daffodil blooms. TRIPLETS!!!!!

My excitement was.....probably embarrassing. But I immediately started contacting every flower lover I know to revel in this insane find. I have it parked right next to me while I write this, and probably will all day. Did I plan to write this post today? Nope, I had about 20 other things on my list. But when a triplet baby daffodil falls into your palm, you stop everything and share it with the world!

Now let's go get some dirt under our fingernails and plant more flowers! (Always more!!)

Before you go: what's your favorite spring flower?