Working with Summer Flowers

We are in the heart of summer and with it all the bold and vibrant colors that summer flowers bring us. It isn’t a secret that I enjoy using local, seasonal flowers.  So, what is available in southern Indiana this time of year?

To me, the quintessential midwestern summer flower is the zinnia.  Easy to grow from seed for home gardeners and grown by flower farms as well.  They explode with bold color.

More subdued colors are available as well, like these ‘Queen Lime’ and ‘Queen Red Lime’ zinnias.

Or if you prefer white, I love these small, dainty ‘Oklahoma White’ zinnias.

Sunflowers are another popular summer flower but there are much more available than the traditional golden yellow sunflower,  Colors range from pale yellow to deep gold, as well as reds and burgundies and the unique ‘Strawberry Blonde’ sunflower pictured below.

Then there are dahlias… Dahlias come in just about every size and color.

Summer palettes can be more subdued too, like in this all-local arrangement featuring dahlias, tuberose, sedum, and greenery.

And then there are those fun summer splashes like Black Eyed Susan’s, Pearls of Opar, Queen Anne’s Lace, celosia, gomphrena, solidago, and herbs such as basil, oregano, mint, and sage.  The possibilities are endless!

Do you have a favorite summer flower?