Flower Power: Adventures in Gardening
I remember when I was in my twenties and I had my first house, I set a goal that one day I would keep fresh flowers in every room. That’s never really come to pass. But this summer, I hope to change all that.
I’ve joined the East Row Garden Club in Newport, Kentucky, where I now have my own little plot dedicated to growing flowers just for cutting. If all goes as planned (fingers crossed), I’ll be sharing ideas, inspiration, and what’s blooming all summer long.
This is my third summer with my Lettuce Grow tower at home, where I’m growing lettuces, herbs, and a small variety of vegetables. It brings me so much joy and I can’t wait to share more of that with you, too.
And when it comes to the outside of my home, I have a little help from the experts -WOW Windowboxes creates my beautiful window boxes, and every season they remind me just how much thoughtfully designed greenery can transform a space. They embrace the concept of “filler, spiller and thriller” plants in the windowboxes they create for me. I’ve used their services for nearly 15 years- this is a company I cannot recommend enough.
So fingers crossed I can achieve my dream of flowers in every room this year. And here’s a reminder that you don’t need to be a florist to create something simple- and stunning.
So whether you're filling your home with flowers, setting a table for friends, or just buying yourself flowers (yes, please do that), here are a few simple tricks.
Start with the basics - they matter. Before you even begin arranging, a few small habits make all the difference:
Change the water daily
Remove any greenery below the waterline
Keep flowers cool - away from direct sun and heat
Always use sharp scissors or a knife
Let go of “Perfect”
This might be my favorite advice of all: Forget the rules. Flower arranging doesn’t have to be perfect.
In fact, it’s often more beautiful when it isn’t. Texture and personality make an arrangement feel alive.
Rethink the Centerpiece
Instead of one large arrangement, try something more relaxed and inviting:
Cluster several smaller arrangements down the table
Use unexpected containers - teacups, bowls, or anything you have around the house that you love
I once stopped at a florist in Paris before heading to a dinner party and the she placed a sheet of cellophane into a bucket. She added some marbles and water and built a bouquet right into it. When she was done she tied it with some ribbon and handed me a freestanding arrangement, no vase needed. I did that at home for years. So simple. So chic. And a great way to take a hostess a bouquet without requiring her to rustle up a vase.
Play with Color and Simplicity
Group a single flower type together. A big bouquet of daisies, or tulips, or daffodils. Perfection.
A monochromatic palette can be stunning. Choose flowers within the same color family and let the variation in shape and texture do the work. It’s an easy way to look like you know exactly what you’re doing- and it looks rich.
And Most Important of All…
Buy yourself flowers.
Not for an occasion. Not for anyone else. Just because.
Join Me: Amy’s Table LIVE - I Can Buy Myself Flowers
If this inspires you (I hope it does!), I would love to invite you to something special.
We’re bringing this idea to life with Amy’s Table LIVE: I Can Buy Myself Flowers - an experience designed to inspire creativity, connection, and a little bit of joy. In one of the most inspiring shops in Cincinnati- High St.
Learn more here.
