There’s something grounding about growing your own flowers — the rhythm of tending to soil, watching buds unfurl, and then bringing those blooms indoors to enjoy.
At Where the Roses Grow Floristry Studio, I’ve always believed that flowers connect us — to the earth, to each other, and to moments worth celebrating.
Whether you dream of filling your home with homegrown blooms, styling your next event with seasonal flowers, or simply want to deepen your connection to nature’s artistry, here are my favourite growing and arranging tips for three timeless blooms: roses, dahlias, and sweet peas.
Roses — The Heart of Every Garden
Roses are the soul of every romantic garden — classic, fragrant, and endlessly expressive.
Growing Tips
Choose a sunny position with at least six hours of light daily. Enrich your soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Regular feeding during spring and early summer encourages repeat blooms. Prune after flowering to shape the bush and promote fresh growth.
Arranging Tips
Cut roses early in the morning while petals are cool and hydrated. For extra elegance, try reflexing your roses — gently rolling the outer petals back to create that lush, luxury-bouquet look. Pair them with filler flowers like Queen Anne’s lace or chamomile for a soft, garden-gathered finish.
Roses are a favourite in my studio designs — timeless, romantic, and full of emotion.
Dahlias — The Bold and Beautiful Show-Stoppers
If roses whisper romance, dahlias make a statement. With their intricate petals and sculptural form, they’re a dream for event styling and photography.
Growing Tips
Plant dahlia tubers after the last frost in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Dahlias are heavy feeders — mix compost or manure into your garden bed before planting. Pinch out the top growth when the plant reaches about 30cm tall to encourage bushiness and more blooms. Stake taller varieties early to prevent snapping.
Arranging Tips
Dahlias love company! I often combine them with fluttery cosmos or trailing jasmine for balance. For longer vase life, cut stems at an angle and place them in warm water before arranging — it helps them hydrate more effectively.
They add that show-stopping, whimsical drama to centrepieces and floral installations.
Sweet Peas — The Whimsical Climbers
Few flowers capture whimsy like the sweet pea. Their scent alone feels like nostalgia in bloom — delicate, feminine, and fleeting.
Growing Tips
Sow seeds in late winter or early spring in cool, rich soil. Sweet peas thrive with support, so provide trellises or netting for their tendrils. Pinch out growing tips at 10–15cm to encourage side shoots. The secret to more flowers? Keep picking them! Regular cutting encourages fresh blooms right through the season.
Arranging Tips
Sweet peas are perfect for intimate, natural arrangements — bud vases on bedside tables, loose posies for gifting, or scattered through larger bouquets for scent and softness. Pair them with herbs like mint or trailing jasmine for an old-world, garden-party feel.
They’re my go-to for bridal mornings, garden parties, and any moment that calls for something soft and romantic.
Bringing It All Together
Growing and arranging your own flowers is a gentle act of creativity — one that connects your hands, heart, and home.
Whether you grow roses by your front gate, dahlias in your backyard, or sweet peas along the fence, you’re part of a long tradition of women who find beauty in bloom.
At Where the Roses Grow Floristry Studio, I love helping others celebrate life’s special moments with flowers that feel meaningful — whether they’re homegrown or lovingly styled for your next event.
If you’d like to learn more about floral design, seasonal arranging, or garden-inspired events, join The Wildflower Circle — my newsletter filled with gardening notes, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive floral offers.
Because flowers aren’t just for special occasions — they’re for everyday enchantment.