Red Dirt Ramblings®

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Benzakein with Julie Chai. Book Giveaway

Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden Book Giveaway

Guess what!

I’m doing another book giveaway with the help of Chronicle Books and Erin Benzakein of Floret Farm.  I love Erin’s work. Don’t know Erin? Well, where have you been? She’s an extremely popular flower farmer, cut-flower style setter, mother, seed purveyor, and so much more. Erin’s Instagram account boasts 389,000 + followers. Can you say, “Wow!?

I was so happy to help out with her blog book tour. I mean, just looking at these photos is like taking a vacation to Skagit Valley, Washington, one of my favorite places on Earth.

“I have found tremendous joy in growing and sharing seasonal flowers and foliage. My hope is that my book will help others discover this joy and provide practical information to grow the garden of their dreams.” Photo courtesy of Chronicle Books and Erin Benzakein.
“I have found tremendous joy in growing and sharing seasonal flowers and foliage. My hope is that my book will help others discover this joy and provide practical information to grow the garden of their dreams.” Photo courtesy of Chronicle Books and Erin Benzakein.

Since my blog is very photo driven, I asked for a photo essay, and Chronicle Books sent me some beautiful photos of Floret Farm’s flowers and Erin, along with her quotes.

Sit back, grab a cup of something, tea, coffee, a cocktail and peruse the beauty. This is just some of what you can expect to see in the book which I have read.

Sit back, grab a cup of something, tea, coffee, a cocktail and peruse the beauty. This is just some of what you can expect to see in the book which I have read. Note: I was given a copy of the book for review from the publisher. 

“In the book, I share all my tried-and-true techniques for growing great cut flowers. Whether you want to grow flowers for pleasure, as food for bees and pollinators or as a potential side business, you’ll find step-by-step instructions alongside beautiful photos from my garden for inspiration.”
“In the book, I share all my tried-and-true techniques for growing great cut flowers. Whether you want to grow flowers for pleasure, as food for bees and pollinators or as a potential side business, you’ll find step-by-step instructions alongside beautiful photos from my garden for inspiration.”

The book does give detailed instructions for growing your own cut flower garden. The instructions are clear and concise, and I loved the photos. They are scrumptious as you can see.

A summer day full of zinnia harvesting at Floret Farm.
A summer day full of zinnia harvesting at Floret Farm.

I’ve bought zinnia seeds from Erin several times and other beautiful flowers for my own cut flower garden beds. I am especially fond of the ‘Oklahoma Salmon‘ variety. I love cutting gardens. They are such fun to create and grow. Just don’t forget to cut your flowers and bring them inside to enjoy.

About zinnias

Erin says, “No cut flower garden is complete without these versatile, easy-to-grow blooms. Just be sure to look for cultivars that are made for cutting gardens (versus bedding plants) such as the appropriately named ‘Benary Giant’ series, the massive magenta ‘Uproar Rose’ and the ‘Persian Carpet’ mix.”

About dahlias

Erin is also a big fan of dahlias as am I.

“We grow more dahlias than any other flower here at Floret.  Dahlias come in a rainbow of colors and are nearly unmatched in terms of flower production. I’ve been bitten by the dahlia bug and have so many favorites that it would be impossible to narrow it down to 20, much less three.”

Dahlia 'Golden Scepter' Floret Farm
Erin holds an armful of Dahlia ‘Golden Scepter.’

Erin also suggests that you let plants do double duty in your garden.

About foliage

“A lot of beginning gardeners focus on growing flowers with big, showy blooms and forget to plant enough foliage to round out your summer bouquets. If you already grow herbs and vegetables in your garden, many of your plants can serve double duty.  Here are a few favorites that can be used for food or foliage in a summer bouquet:

“Mint: I was advised to never plant this vigorous spreader but am so glad I ignored them. Mint is available early in the season, has a great vase life and adds a lovely fragrance to bouquets. My favorite varieties are Apple, Peppermint, Pineapple (white variegated) and Spearmint.

Basil, especially one with red or purple foliage is great in bouquets too. Photo courtesy of Chronicle Books.
Basil, especially one with red or purple foliage like ‘Aramato,’ is great in bouquets too. Photo courtesy of Chronicle Books.

“Basil:  Easy to grow, fragrant and abundant, basil is great for both cooking and floral design.  With deep purple flowers, glossy foliage and a fantastic scent, ‘Oriental Breeze’ has been a favorite of mine for years. Other great varieties to grow include ‘Cinnamon’, ‘Lemon’, ‘Cardinal’ and ‘Aramato’.

Dill makes an excellent filler in flower arrangements.
Dill makes an excellent filler in flower arrangements. Photo courtesy of Chronicle Books.

“Dill: With big yellow umbel shaped blooms, dill flowers add an airy textural element to any summer bouquet.

“Shiso ‘britton’ (Perilla frutescens): Common in Asian cooking, this plant also is popular among floral designers who love its contrasting colors.  The serrated, bi-colored leaves of this culinary herb are green on top and a pretty burgundy-purple underneath.

Book giveaway details:

We’re giving away a copy of Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest, and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms along with a bunch of Floret goodies: a garden day planner, calendar, and seeds! For a chance to win, just leave a comment in the comment section below. The contest ends at Noon on March 20. I’ll pick a winner on March 24, 2017, with a random number generator. You have to leave your name and email address (unpublished) to enter. I can’t contact you if I can’t find you. Please note this giveaway is only open to continental U.S. residents.

Also, don’t forget my other garden tool giveaway is ongoing. Please feel free to enter it too. It’s an exciting spring!

If you follow along with the whole tour, you will have multiple chances to win!

Visit the other participating blogs below to learn more about the local flower movement and Floret Farms; plus, each blog post will offer a chance for you to win.

Participating blogs:

 

Buy the book here: www.floretflowers.com/book
Follow Floret:
Instagram
Pinterest
Facebook  

UPDATE: Denise Whitehead is our winner. I’ve contacted her so Floret can send her the goods. Thanks to everyone who played along.

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. JennS

    I love Erin and her flowers! her book seems amazing, I would be so excited to have some of the other goodies that are sold out, like the calendar!

  5. Jan Falk

    As a felter, I love color. As a gardener, I love things to eat and beautiful plants. I grow calendula for blooms, pollinators, and the dyepot. I am playing around with more as we moved several years ago and have so much more sun and space.

  7. Jeri Cleveland

    She had me at the picture of the pick up full of dahlias. I have since purchased 40 tubers and can’t wait to get them in the ground and watch them grow. I guess I’ll need a pick up now, too! When u was a kid, i remember my mom bought a bag of Fritos that had an envelope of zinnias stapled to the top of the bag. They were so bright and pretty. I’m going to need to purchase some seeds to grow them, too.

  8. Joy

    That’s a great tip! I wouldn’t have thought of growing fillers in addition of cutting flowers. And they do double duty for cooking too!

  11. Nicole

    I never knew that so many gorgeous varieties existed of these traditional cut flower types until seeing Erin’s pictures. What stunning arrangements!

  12. Abbie

    Such beautiful eye candy in the midst of the March doldrums here in the upper Midwest. Thank you for sharing such a fantastic resource!

  13. Kathryn

    I discovered Floret Farms through another Instagram account I follow and I’m so glad I did! I’ve been consuming her photos and blog posts for a few days now and look forward to getting the book.

  14. Linda

    I so appreciate the knowledge, inspiration, and beauty that Erin shares. I live and garden on the other side of the Cascade Mountains from Erin in Eastern Washington. Your gardens on your blog are gorgeous and inspirational too! Thanks for hosting this fun book tour.

  16. Emily Davis

    I love this! And I love her book! I just got to briefly look through my sister’s copy, and I would love to have one of my own!

  17. Michelle

    This book appears to be a great resource for those who are interested in growing cut flowers.

  18. Connie Ascanio Ancona

    I will be moving to the Skagit Valley layer this year and am so excited that I will have land to create my very own lovely cutting garden. Erin and Floret are such an inspiration. The book is gorgeous with so much useful guidance.

  25. carolee

    I’ve loved Erin’s website forever! Great photos, great advice, great ideas. It’s just inspirational. Since I’m starting a new cutting garden, I need this book!

  31. Amy Bolen

    What a lovely peak into Floret’s beautiful garden. Inspirational! Thanks for sharing!

  35. Leah M

    This book sounds amazing!! The pictures make my heart melt! I cannot wait to read it and get inspired to do my own cut flower garden here in Michigan. Thanks for the giveaway!!

  38. Maria Tracy

    I wish you would consider coming here to central Florida and tell us what flowers might do well growing here in our sandy yucky soil! I even have a small b and b I can put you up in! Thanks for doing the great job!

  39. Ellie

    Gorgeous work! I am super intrigued of the use of dill and basil and other non-traditionals in floral arrangements. I can’t wait to start growing!

  40. Renee Gurley

    Just came across the Floret website, I’m so inspired! Would love to have the book!

  43. Kaci

    I love gardening! I would love for a copy of this book to be my gardening companion (: Thanks for the chance at a free copy.

  46. Toni

    I love the idea of putting dill in a mixed bouquet and can’t wait to try it! Please enter my name in the drawing. Thank you!!

  48. Melissa Whited

    Planting my first cut flower garden entirely from seed this year. The seedlings are coming up in my windowsill as we speak!

  49. Renee G

    This book looks fantastic. I would love to read this and look at the pictures. We will be moving soon, so I get to start all over again.

  58. Mary Muscarella

    I’m so pumped to get my garden going. We just got slammed with 2 feet of snow last night, and I had to cut all my daffodils and bring them inside already! Can’t stop me from planning though!

  59. mb meadows

    Thanks for sharing Erin’s book with some that may not have heard of her! And, I’m happy to find you – thru Erin’s blog. Will be ready more of your insights when I sit down with another cup of tea later today 😀

  62. Jin

    Oh my word, those photos! and the flower growing tips! If I don’t win a copy I will definitely be buying one!!

  70. Stephanie

    Super excited to become introduced to your blog, from following Floret on instagram! Great minds think alike ?

  72. Meg Cochrane

    The photographs are so beautiful I can feel the sun shining despite the long grey winter.

  75. Danielle T

    I am so excited about this book! I’ve been a long-time fan of Floret and their photos. It’s like eye candy. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

  76. Becky Evatt

    Literally squeaking with excitement about this! Love this blog and love Floret’s blog and book. Talk about a win win.

  79. Molly

    “I have found tremendous joy in growing and sharing seasonal flowers and foliage. My hope is that my book will help others discover this joy and provide practical information to grow the garden of their dreams.” -Erin … Love that! Thank You for hosting this fun virtual tour and for the chance to win a copy of this beautiful book! ???

  82. Mandy Chivers

    I first heard of Floret Farms/Erin whilst taking flower design classes in the Bay Area with the amazing designer Kay Wolff http://www.kaywolffdesign.com.
    My eyes were opened to
    A whole new world of Colour, beauty, fragrance and art in flowers. I moved from the Bay Area to Seattle recently so closure to the allure of Floret now.

  83. Denise Kropf

    Erin is so inspiring!! I love following her on Instagram. Inspired to try a bunch of flowers this yr!! Dreaming of having my very own greenhouse someday!! Much love

  85. Marcelle

    Love this virtual tour!! Just learned about Erin and Floret Farm this year and enjoying this adventure! Would love to have this beautiful book!

  86. Karen

    I love flowers, and can’t wait to see what blooms will happen in my yard this spring! Dahlias are on my must-have list now!

  87. Angie Wise Floral Design

    I love following Erin and Floret Flower Farm and thrilled about her new book!!

  88. Melissa R.

    Every one of these photos brings me such joy! Every year I plant new flowers in my garden. I’ve failed more than I’ve succeeded, but I keep trying and learning. Maybe this book is what I need!

  89. M KAMALI

    I heard about Floret Farm whilst browsing the latest Conde Nast Traveler magazine and saw that they offered workshops. I tried to register but they were fully booked for this year. I will have to stick to the virtual tour for now!

  90. ruffhanznopolish

    Thanks for hosting the Floret tour! I enjoyed your blog and the links to other books/authors. Found an Anne Lamotte book I didn’t know existed….yay! enjoyed the visit….

  92. Jeanne McCabe

    Can’t wait until my copy arrives! We just got hit with that pesky snow storm here on the east coast so I’m ready for spring!!

  94. Stephanie

    This book looks like it’s going to be pretty great! I know I’m looking forward to it. 🙂

  96. Mary

    I own a very small cut flower business and Erin’s book has encouraged me to expand this Spring. So inspiring!!

  99. Kristi

    Oh my goodness…I cannot get enough of Erin and her beautiful flower farm!! I’m a beginning farmer of food and flowers, so I need all the help I can get!!! Pictures, words, videos…anything I can get my hands on!!

  104. Karen Keller-Eyer

    Thank you for your review and giveaway of this fabulous book. Looking out my window and seeing over a foot of new snow I am dreaming of owning this book and planning for spring planting and gardening !

  105. Linda P Totten

    I love flower gardening and I would love this beautiful book.. Thank you for the opportunity.

  107. Brianna Blacklock

    Gah, I would love to win this book/a huge stack of these books to pass out to all of my people! 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity!

  109. Rachel

    Thank you for the peek into the book. I usually focus on growing edibles. I can’t wait to grow some flowers this year, too.

  110. Stefania Guarda

    This is so exciting. I am a very new gardener. Started with vegetables at a p patch years ago as an outlet when my mother was diagnosed with dementia. Just this last summer, built veggie beds in our new home. I have been itching to create a space for flowers in our yard and have followed floret for a while now. Maybe a resource to learn from! Thanks for hosting the giveaway. Fingers crossed!

  115. hoffroad

    Just started my zinnia, Levana puff, pin cushion, stock, cress, odach seeds from floret. I also started my black and white and anemone bulbs and they are about 5 inches high. Can’t wait for the weather to warm up to get them in the ground. So exciting! I’m glad they linked to your blog. I will be following it. And thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of the book 🙂

  116. Jena H

    Thank you for so much inspiration! Last year I grew 4 varieties and was bitten by the cut flower bug! This year I’ve made beds for about 25 varieties of flowers and fillers. Can’t wait to see the results!

  119. Sheila Marie

    I am so glad to have discovered Erin. I am learning an abundance of knowledge from these blogs. Zinnias are my favorite to grow and the addition of basil to bouquets will make them grand. This book will be a treasure. Thank you.

  120. Katherine Kendall

    As a lover of flowers and the Pacific Northwest my heart was so happy to see this beautiful post!

  121. Melinda

    I love how Erin’s book tour is opening avenues for me to discover new blogs like yours!! Thank you for the sneak peek.

  122. Jennifer K.

    Lovely photos! Thanks for being part of Erin’s tour. I hope to start my mini cut flower garden soon.

  123. Erin

    These photos are just incredible!!! I would like to live in the pages of these books :-} Thanks for the opportunity to win!!

  125. Jackie Bremer

    I have the book, preordered. I wish I were the gardener I used to be but I may still try to plant some cut flowers – I have thousands of daffodils (literally) because the voles don’t get them but the August/early Sept months are lacking in color. I have not been successful with zinnias (mildew) but I might have to try dahlias once again.

  127. Necia Myers

    I love growing zinnias for cut flowers! This book looks so beautiful! I will purchase it if I don’t win the contest. ?

  129. Jenny B.

    I love Floret! Thank you for sharing more of her great information. I would love to start my own flower cutting garden.

  131. Stephanie Marsh

    I am currently in a season of re-creating myself and have not particularly loved the circumstances. However, I have recently realized that there is no better season to re-create than Spring. This revaluation may have brought me back into the land of the living (the sprouting, growing, and thriving world) and I am finally looking forward again. My grandmother passed her love of blooms and gardening knowledge on to me and I full-well plan on using those blessings to grow and thrive. I would love to win Floret Garden’s bundle of goods, which would enable me to pass the copy I purchased on to another woman who may be in a Spring season.

  134. Marlae V

    This looks like such an amazing book! I have learned so much from reading Erin’s blog–she’s a wealth of information!! Thanks for the giveaway!

  136. Sharrieboberry

    Zinnias are my favorite cute flower. They are just so hardy! I’ve grown a salmon-colored zinnia before but it didn’t seem to like the Texas heat. I would like to try some other varieties.

  137. ellen vieth

    I’ve been a floret farm follower from the beginning- so exciting to see your growth! As a former small plot flower grower- it is a way for me to both envision and get excited about growing again- Just opened an art gallery on my property which now also has a large focus on flowers and landscape- ( former florist as well as painter. Your inspiration is a lovely gift to many.

  138. ColleenM

    I have been following Erin’s blog for a while. I planted some of her tulip and daffodil bulbs last fall and am waiting for the snow to melt and bring Spring flowers:)

  139. J. Baker

    If I had unlimited funds, I’d buy everything Floret sells. I’m sure that would include flowers that I have no business growing in my climate zone; I live vicariously through her stunning photography.

  140. donnac816

    Oh how i would love to come visit both your farms. in the meantime a copy of the book would be pretty fabulous too! what a great blog, the photos are fabulous!!!

  143. Laura Bertagnoli

    Love the virtual tour! Anxiously awaiting the spring thaw here in northern WI…seedlings are up in the mini greenhouse!!!

  144. Polly A Claeys

    This book would be a great addition to my other gardening books. The pictures are truly inspiring.

  145. Alexis

    I love Floret! And the Oklahoma salmon zinnia would be a fun variety to try, zinnias have quickly become a favorite of mine.

  146. Linda Thompson

    Oh my goodness I have already learnt so much! I will definitely include dill and basil and other vegetables in arrangements in the future. I had forgotten the importance of foliage. I’d love this book or to gift this to a special friend of mine who has recently started growing flowers and would be in love with this book.

  147. Megan Caldwell

    Woohoo! I love following along with floret flower and am happy to see her having so much success!!!

  148. Terri Ozanich

    Erin and Floret Farms has inspired me! I plan to try a small cut flower garden this year. I just hope I have enough sun and luck.

  149. Francie

    Love, love, love the dahlias and zinnias that Erin grows. I bought my first zinnia packets from her this year and can’t wait to plant them.

  150. Diane Sanfillippo

    Erin’s photos have inspired me to try cut flower gardening this year! I have always loved growing flowers in my yard, but never focused on the cut garden. I’m excited! I purchased several of Erin’s seed packets and can’t wait to get my seeds started indoors!

  153. Stephanie

    Two of my favorite Instagram feeds and blogs together! What a great match! Wonderful review Dee, so glad you’re part of the virtual blog tour!

  155. Marcella manuel

    Erin is an inspiration! I followed her tips for growing sweet peas last year and was rewarded with lovely blooms.

  156. Diane Lippert

    I love the photos of these flowers. I am going to try cut flower gardening for the first time this year.

  157. Sarah E. Young

    I have started reading the book and it has a wonderful resource section at the back. Many practical ideas!

  158. Jessica S

    I ordered tubers and seeds from Erin this year – can’t wait to get my hands in the dirt!

  161. Cheryl Mandler

    What a great way to highlight a new book without leaving town! My Mom grew sweet peas and dahlias and so every time of grow them I think of her. I tried to buy Erin’s sweet peas but by the time I decided what a I wanted they were sold out. We’re having a blizzard here in Massachusetts so these pictures are heartwarming. Great way to get introduced to a wonderful blog.

  162. Anna

    Love all of her stuff! Her site and book have been so helpful to me. And I’m happy she directed me here, because I think your site will be helpful too 🙂

  165. Tracy Riffle

    I love Floret’s IG and web site and the pictures are beyond beautiful! I’ve not purchased her book yet…it’s on my wishlist!

  166. Idalisse Sandoval

    I just never get tired of looking at pictures from Floret Farm. They are all so beautiful!

  168. Emily K

    Pick me!! 😀 I just started following Erin’s work recently. I’m so excited about this book!

  170. Audra O'Hara

    Reading about gardening and flowers is one of my favorite things to do in the winter when I can’t be outside. I’d love to read the book.

  171. Beth @ PlantPostings

    You’re right: It is like going on a vacation. Thanks! I’ll check out her Instagram (I’m not sure if I follow her–so many accounts I like). Those Dahlias are breaking my heart and making me ache for the growing season! 🙂

  172. Kendall Black

    Thank you so much for being part of the tour! Because of this I now know about your webpage. Thank you again:)

  178. Sherri S.

    Could those dahlias be more lovely?! Sigh…happy to have found your blog via the Floret blog tour. Thanks for the chance to win!

  179. Grace Gan

    Such a beautiful book. I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I wish our quarrantine laws allowed us to order in dahlias but alas, they are too strict.

  180. Peggy Zortman

    The photography here is so beautiful? My Mother always grew dahlias and every year when school started we would take our teacher a gift of a big dahlia floating in a bowl. The apricot colors of these dahlias would be smashing with those zinnias. Thank you for a chance to win Erin’s new book.

  181. Madison Puch

    I cannot wait until it’s time to grow Zinnias! I’ve got the rainbow mix from Floret and a few others to enjoy. ?

  182. Jenny Young

    I’ve been so very discouraged with my flower gardens the last few years. Between the deer & the squirrels there haven’t been many blooms. I would love to win the book & hopefully get a fresh perspective!

  185. Beth Logan

    So jealous that you have been to Skagit Valley, I would love to visit there someday and visit all the flower farms.

  186. Lydia Plunk

    Always hunt for inspiration. No one should ever be away from the enjoyment of flowers. Not even after dark when perusing a bookshelf.

  188. Laurie Barger

    I just discovered Floret Farm Instagram yesterday! I was blown away with the gorgeous cut flowers!

  192. Dena M

    I decided this year to do my first cutting garden. What perfect timing for a book with all the details!

  195. Lori

    I just followed Floret on Instagram! Love those pictures. I don’t have enough room for a dedicated cutting garden, but I’ve been trying to cut more flowers to bring in, especially the fragrant ones. I never spend enough time appreciating them outside where they’re growing!

  197. Jill J.

    Thank you for sharing this book on your blog. These photos have made me get up off my keister and go sow some seeds!

  201. Musette

    Floret Farms is where I first set eyes on the vaunted dahlia ‘Labyrinth’ and my cutting garden is all the better for it! I love (and grow) so many of what is shown here, albeit on a much (MUCH) smaller scale!
    Thank you (and Floret) for the giveaway!

    xoxo

  202. Karen Colley Smidt

    Growing Dahlias is a passion for me. I would think I was in Heaven standing in all that field of Dahlias. I would love to win this book!

  203. Barbara Dominas

    I am totally inspired by Erin’s work. She is trailblazing the idea of growing show stopping flowers locally and organically and I personally know many women who decided to follow their dreams and become local flower farmers because for Floret. I love growing dahlias in my suburban garden, and the pictures in this book are absolutely amazing! Thank you for featuring this book on your blog!

  206. Lita Sollisch

    Great blog Dee and exciting book giveaway. Just in time for the summer season. Thanks.

  207. Kathleen Hardwick

    What beautiful flowers! I love reading your blog! A friend of mine started a cut flower garden last year and it was beautiful! I had the opportunity to go with a group and make bouquets. It was so much fun. I think she has the “Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden Book”. It is so generous of you to do these giveaways. And such fun!

  210. Merrilyn Rutledge

    Looks like a wonderful book. Such beautiful flowers. Want to check out her website and the Oklahoma Salmon Zinnia.

  211. Donna@Gardens Eye View

    Dee what a treat this book…can’t wait to read it, and thanks to you, the publisher and author for the giveaway….there is no greater joy than growing flowers to cut and bring indoors….carrying the garden inside.

  213. Susan Krobusek

    I’m excited! I’ve been following Erin’s work for a couple years now (originally through the Slow Flowers movement), and being a floral designer myself, I always love getting ideas for my work. I’d be ever so happy to take this book off your hands, Dee!

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