Flower Farmer

Where does a gardener’s passion for plants come from? Well, for this flower farmer in Clarksville Tennessee, it came from her grandmother. Dahlias, zinnias, marigolds and amaranth are just some of the pretty flowers she has available for purchase at her flower stand at the end of her driveway. She plants and harvests throughout each growing season.

Gardener Extras

Anemone-flowered dahlias produce blooms ranging from 3 - 4" in diameter and are characterized by a dense, pincushion-like center surrounded by a ring of larger flat petals.
Dahlias are considered easy to hybridize as each bloom has both male and female parts. This allows for simple hand-pollination or natural insect pollination to produce seeds.
Check dahlia blooms in the early morning and shake any cucumber beetles into a bucket of soapy water.
To guard against powdery mildew on zinnias, ensure good air circulation by placing plants 12-18" apart.
Marigold seeds can be planted 1-2 weeks after last frost. Sow seeds very shallowly (about 1/16 inch deep). Encourage continuous blooming by removing dead flower heads.
Broomcorn (sorghum bicolor) is a versatile, fast-growing agricultural grass with plume-like seed heads perfect for rustic floral arrangements, wreaths, and garlands.
Amaranth 'Hot Biscuits' is a productive and easy-to-grow summer filler known for its striking caramel-colored plumes and high-protein edible seeds.

Gardener Notes

Follow Jana Slagle on Instagram @the_vintagedahlia On Facebook The Vintage Dahlia On Tik Tok @janaslagle2

Annette Shrader

Born and raised on a farm, I’ve always appreciated the smell and feel of fresh earth. When we purchased our home 35 years ago, it had some land, but not a single flower. I began the process of plotting and planning garden beds and borders, and have not stopped. Looking out at this mature landscape, it gives me a sense of accomplishment here in my own botanical garden. On her producer role with Volunteer Gardener, Annette says “These are treasured experiences. The passion that people have for their gardens sends me home feeling refreshed, and challenged.