Organic Flower Growing I never thought I would say this...... www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

What we will be talking about Why do it? The basics – annuals The basics – perennials Bulbs Propagation Edible flowers Medicinal flowers A couple of warnings Using edible flowers Making a flower tower What we will be talking about www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Confuse pests Attract pollinators and other beneficial insects Environmental impact Improve garden biodiversity Some flowers are edible Some have medicinal properties Companion planting It looks pretty Why do it? www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Similar to veggies Need 6 hours a day of sunlight Prepare the beds with compost and other organics Mulch well Include in veggie beds Use botanicals for dusts and sprays The basics - Annuals www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

The Basics - Perennials Last (and produce flowers for) a number of years Locate with plenty of sun, protected from frost and wind Prepare bed deeply – double dig Mulch and feed with well rotted manure in spring Stake if needed Prune as required Plant in clumps for effect The Basics - Perennials www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Can be grown outdoors, indoors or in containers Daffodils, jonquils & hyacinths Tulip bulbs are edible as are most lilies – some used in Chinese cuisine Depth of planting varies with bulb size Fertilise with well rotten manure and manure tea just before flowering Will produce “bulbils” Lift after foliage dies down Bulbs www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Sow seed into punnets Place punnets into greenhouse When up, transplant into newspaper pots Plant out into bed or veggie garden Propagation www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Anise Hyssop Arabian Jasmine Bee Balm Tuberous begonias Borage Carnations Chamomile Chrysanthemum Citrus blossom Cornflower Day lilies Elder flowers English Daisy Hibiscus Lilac Marigolds Nasturtiums Pinks (Dianthus) Roses Scented Geraniums Violas, Pansies Violets Edible flowers www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Arnica Calendula Californian Poppy Chamomile Dandelion Echinacea Honeysuckle Lavender Valerian Yarrow Medicinal flowers www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Before adding to your menu make sure – Your identification is absolutely, positively correct The flowers were grown organically A Couple of Warnings www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

How to Use Edible Flowers Add to salads Add to salsa Stuff and deep fry Use to top canapés Candy then use to decorate cakes, biscuits, ice cream etc. Add to pilaf and stir fries Add to cakes and biscuits How to Use Edible Flowers www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs The Flower Tower www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Making the Flower Tower Mark off the positions Make cuts with hand or power saw Use heat gun to soften plastic Mould cuts to form bays Let cool Sink 500mm into ground Fill with growing medium Plant out Consider terracotta pot in the top for water Making the Flower Tower www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

For more details check our website www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs For more details check our website