Harvesting Sweet Peas and Summer Blooms

Observe the transformation of the sweet pea flower bed from its initial planting to its mature state, alongside other lovely summer blooms suitable for arrangements.

This writing originates from a time when we resided in a large property with numerous garden beds; our current small backyard patio features only a few plants, such as these hydrangeas in pots. Nevertheless, revisiting this piece brings back the joy of maintaining a small 'cutting garden'.

I trust you will enjoy this journey down memory lane with me and pause to inhale the floral fragrances.

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This past Spring, I undertook a modest renovation of the front patio, aiming to incorporate flowers for summer color accents in our yard, and I'm sharing the results now.

Sweet Pea Flower Display

Sweet pea blossoms, scientifically known as *lathyrus odoratus*, are a tough annual variety; fittingly, they possess an exquisite aroma and display numerous lovely hues.

Planting sweet peas can be done directly from seeds in the soil between February and June (in mild Winter zones), or they can be germinated in a greenhouse.

We acquired ours as small plants from a local greenhouse.

This is how the “Sweet Pea Bed” appeared in the Spring:

A very straightforward sweet pea flower trellis was constructed using jute twine and branches arranged in a zig zag pattern to support the sweet peas.

And behold, the fully grown sweet pea flowers now...

This was my first attempt with sweet peas, and initially, I doubted their survival; I am relieved they persevered...

blooming sweet pea flowers climbing a trellis

Their scent is wonderful, and they remain fresh for approximately a week when cut for my kitchen table vase.

It is remarkable how just a few brief months could alter this:

sweet pea flowers right after they were planted in a cut flower bed

Into the abundant and vibrant display of this:

My mother once noted years ago, “Back in Montana, we strive for growth, but you must manage so things don't completely overtake the yard!”

Perhaps that is sometimes true.

Or perhaps not.

Coleus

Notice those charming small flowers with touches of pink and red near the Japanese Maple tree?

These are called coleus; their vivid leaf colors and variations can greatly enhance any flower bed.

small flower bed right after flowers were planted

Regrettably, they flourish best in shaded or dappled light conditions, and mine did not thrive.

Rudbekia

Conversely, the remaining blooms exhibited quite an energetic growth, seemingly aiming to dominate the tree.

These are identified as “Rudbekia”; I consider them a wonderfully cheerful blossom.

Rudbekia, commonly known as coneflowers, flourish with ample sunlight and were perfectly content where they were planted.

I once held a desire to cultivate a “cut flower garden,” even dedicating time to researching suitable flora. However, while drafting this entry, it became clear that this collection emerged naturally. Below is a rundown of the current flowers I gather for indoor bouquets: