Our technicians wife is scurrying around, already lining up flowers on a budget for their son's Aug 9 wedding. That bride would like to use a lot of hydrangeas for very full arrangements and they've found a grower through a local farmers market. He's even agreed to let them cut for themselves, the day before the wedding. (OK, that's sounding a little to me like a mother in law going almost sleepless the night before, but I'm staying out of it ;)) She's feeling pretty confident in the availability of enough fresh flowers through farmers market sources for a lovely wedding and reception. There is a wholesale cut flowers market in Seattle too that has hours open to the public one day a week for 4 hours no buyers card required, it wouldn't surprise me to find that in most major cities, why don't you try googling your own, see what you might come up with.

THANK YOU ALL for you input ! Kathy, your thoughts are useful. BUT, you must consider that the Climate HERE is as different from Las Cruces, NM as Minnesota is from Florida. Our climate is more closely associated with Colorado Springs, CO...except colder. Dee, I have a shrub in that area (I can never remember its name-very common with berries...and upon the "barn-red" fence at the back of this area I will have "trumpet vine" growing for the benefit of our numerous hummingbirds. So I'm really not looking for shrubs in this area now. "luvahydrangea", THANKS for your suggestion. It is a GOOD ONE...however...I don't wish to grow roses there. (I had a rose-garden for 20 years...it's not what I have in mind...but THANKS...good thought.) I am thinking more in the line of several different PERENNIAL flowers that would complement each other if blooming together and a "staggered bloom" with many different Perennials ...so that the scenery in that area would CHANGE through the season...but never look really "neglected" until time to "clean" in the Late Fall. Perhaps I am seeking something unattainable. I don't know. That is why I asked on THIS Forum. Flowers are NOT my "specialty...Now maybe I could answer some questions on Hot peppers or tomatoes..but NOT Flowers...Ha-Ha !!! (This "dummy" knows very little about flowers--especially Perennials.) I appreciate your advice and comments...they just don't "hit" what I am after....even though they are GOOD suggestions. I realize that I didn't explain myself and my intentions very well at all in my original question. SORRY. Happy Halloween !!! -Bruce-

Too bad you are not a fan, because my first thought was also zinnias! In particular Envy for the green. My one thought/question to you is, can you really take this on? Weddings can be stressful with all the planning and family, etc., and if you have a bad season or bloom times are off, you may be searching for last-minute flowers! Speaking of bloom times, things are so off this year I'm afraid to suggest anything! I've got stuff in bloom for the past two weeks that don't usually bloom till the end of September or so. Otherwise your list sounds like a good start. I think though that sunflower Chocolate is more of a brown than a plum...? And look into dahlias. Lots of nice purples, but look closely at bloom times. Some may bloom too late for you. And how about gladiolus? Maybe not for a bouquet but for other uses? Best of luck! And congratulations! :) Dee P.S. Oh, also look into amaranthus. There are some nice green ones (emerald tassels comes to mind) and some of the burgundy-ish ones may work as fillers for you.

For a large quantity of blooms to cut, you will probably be better off with annuals than with perennials, especially if you're growing them from seed. I grow mostly perennials and woody plants, but do have a few thoughts for you. Zinnias will grow and bloom quickly, but I find the water turns very smelly after just one day; so if you're going to arrange them the day before the wedding, that's a consideration. Cosmos also grow quickly, make good cut flowers, and should give you masses of blooms in colors ranging from white through pinks to deep red. Snapdragon is another quick grower, blooming in late spring to early summer. I hope someone will chime in with more suggestions for you. If not, perhaps try the Cottage Garden forum - there are lots of very friendly and experienced gardeners there from all over the country ... there's bound to be someone who grows annuals in your climate. Don't forget fillers (like baby's breath, gypsophila) and greens - you can choose from solid or variegated leaves, smooth or rough textures, large & bold leaves or long and narrow, even trailers like ivy, whichever best suits your arrangements and your fancy. A trusted friend to help with the arrangements sounds like a good idea. Have a wonderful time with the preparations and best wishes on your wedding day.