LET'S GET WILD - TN WILDFLOWERS

I love flowers. I can’t grow flowers or keep flowers alive...truth...but I love flowers. To me, wildflowers are beautiful. The natural imperfection of them is just calming and gorgeous to me. I have always wanted to have a backyard with no grass but just a field of wildflowers. Right? A gorgeous photo op for any occasion. When you are stressed, you can lay in them like Dorothy laid in the poppies in the Wizard of Oz. Going to a friend’s house for a glass of wine? Pick some wildflowers and make into a perfect bouquet gift. You just can’t go wrong with wildflowers.

Purple is my “signature color”. Thanks Shelby!! (Steel Magnolias reference...can’t help it. I am southern and can quote every line. You will hear more). Which is why I love the purple coneflower, one of Tennessee's state wildflowers. They are so pretty! Like purple daisies. You can only find them in Middle Tennessee which (WHOOP) that is where I live! Unfortunately, it was once listed on the endangered list but thankfully came off in 2011. So, let’s keep planting this flower so it doesn’t go back on the list. 

Then there is the passionflower. It is gorgeous yet kind of gives me “Little Shop of Horrors” vibes too. Just Sayin’! The Native Americans considered it one of the most beautiful flowers in the world...I agree!!

So let’s talk about planting these flowers

Do you garden? The Greene’s want to, inspire to, make plans to, wish to...but we don’t. We kill vegetation. It is sad and unfortunate. We need to do better. I think we can do this though. It is easy to do and the end result is … Breathtaking!.

Let’s start with the coneflower. It is supes easy! You need full sun! Six or more hours of direct sun in a day. Any kind of soil will work! Yes please! It is easy and will produce beautiful flowers for your yard. Don’t wait – Grow these flowers right away! It will make your home super gorgeous and super Tennessee. What more can you want!?!?

Then there is the passionflower. These growing superstars will grow like no others...in fact sometimes they can overgrow and seem invasive. Invasive...but invasively beautiful. Just be careful and plant accordingly. 

Ok...so now you have planted these amazing wildflowers...now what do you do with them? Oh I have a ton of ideas for you!!! Let’s get started.

Let's start with the coneflower. The coneflower is a variety of echinacea, which according to herbalists, is a great immune system booster. It is dated back to the 18th century as a cure for a variety of illnesses such as malaria and blood poisoning. WHAT? But today it can be found in herbal teas and is super yummy! The coneflower is also an amazing flower for bouquets and potpourri. 

Then there is the passionflower. Did you know...the passionflower is seen frequently in alternative medicine to treat anxiety, insomnia and seizures. It can also be used to treat nerve disorders and back pain. The passionflower is also an edible and medicinal plant. Mix it with tea or eat it raw and it will produce a variety of health benefits for you.

Moral of the story is this. Plant Tennessee wildflowers. It is life changing. Well...probably not, but it will make a beautiful backyard and some amazing tea! Enjoy!