3 Ways Growing Cut Flowers Changed My Life (And How It Can Change Yours Too)

I never expected cut flower plants to change my life. I started with a few, curious about what I could grow, and ended up with a whole new way of living—especially in the darker seasons, especially as a mom, and especially as someone who deeply craved beauty and connection.

Here are three ways growing cut flowers changed everything for me—and how I think they can do the same for you.

1. Growing Cut Flowers Helped Me Through the Winter Blues

I used to dread winter. Like, dread with a capital D. I grew up in Colorado, where I swear we got sunshine 360 days a year. The blue skies, the crisp air—it made the cold feel bearable. But then I moved to Michigan.

Michigan winters? Let’s just say… not the same vibe. The sun disappears for weeks on end, and the gray seems to seep into your bones. I didn’t expect it to affect me as much as it did, but it really wore me down.

But when I started growing cut flower plants, something shifted. Winter went from being a season I survived to a season I actually looked forward to.

I take a break after the garden season—well, right after I get my amaryllis bulbs planted, of course.

That’s the thing about amaryllis: they bloom beautifully with almost no effort in the dead of winter. No deadheading, no weeding—just color and joy, right there on the windowsill. They meet my need for beauty and give me something to look at when everything outside feels frozen and bleak.

Now winter has become my season of rest and dreaming. I pull out my garden books, binge-watch YouTube videos about flower farming, and scribble down wild ideas for next year’s cut flower beds. It’s not just waiting for spring anymore. It’s preparing for something wonderful.

2. Flowers Gave Me a Beautiful Way to Connect With People

It might sound funny, but it’s really nice to be known for something happy.

When people see me now, they don’t say “How are you?” in that obligatory way—we end up talking about flowers. They smile and ask what’s blooming, or tell me they saw my photos on Instagram, or ask when the plant sale is coming.

And honestly, it’s not about me. It’s about how much joy flowers bring to everyone.

Whether I’m handing out extra bouquets to neighbors, sharing tips online, or chatting with someone at church about what they’re growing, I’ve found that cut flower plants are this gentle, non-threatening bridge to connection. People light up when they talk about flowers. They remember the smell of their grandma’s sweet peas, or the peonies in their wedding bouquet. It’s the sweetest kind of common ground.

3. Growing Flowers Got Me Outside (Even With Little Kids)

When my kids were little, I spent a lot of time in the backyard. You’d find me sitting out there while they splashed in their kiddie pool, or laughing at them as they made mud puddles in my flower beds. They’d be diapered and covered in dirt, giggling while they got absolutely filthy—and I didn’t even care. We were outside, together.

My garden gave me a reason to be out there. It gave me a purpose beyond just watching the kids. I had something of my own—something beautiful, something productive, something alive.

And the best part? Kids love flowers. They love looking for bugs, chasing butterflies, picking petals (even when they shouldn’t), and just being with you in the fresh air. Just don’t try to make them weed. Trust me on that one.

I’m not saying that cut flower plants will solve all your problems. But I am saying that they might surprise you. They might bring beauty to your winters, connection to your relationships, and life to your days in a way you never expected. They did for me.

So if you’ve been thinking about it—if you’ve been wondering if you should try growing cut flowers—I say go for it. There’s no better time to start than now.

Ready to get started?

I created something just for you: The Ultimate Guide to Planning, Creating, and Designing Your Very Own Cut Flower Garden. Whether you're starting from scratch or dreaming up your next big flower patch, this free guide will walk you through it step by step—with the same heart and simplicity I bring to my own garden.

👉 Sign up here to grab your copy and start building the garden you’ve been dreaming about.

3 Ways Growing Cut Flowers Changed My Life (And How It Can Change Yours Too)