New Free Flower Design Tutorials Page for Beginners- Learn & Grow with your Flowers

We’ve been working on something special behind the scenes, and we’re so excited to finally share it with you. If you love flowers as much as we do, whether you’re growing them, arranging them, or simply enjoying them in your home, you’re going to love these two new additions to our website!

Introducing Our Floral Design Tutorials Page

Our new Floral Design Tutorials page was created to help you feel confident and inspired when arranging flowers. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your style, these tutorials walk you through the process in a way that feels approachable and creative.

You’ll find step-by-step guidance, helpful tips, and design techniques that we use in our own floral work. From building a balanced arrangement to choosing the right focal flowers and textures, this page is designed to help you bring your vision to life.

Explore Free Floral Design Tutorials Here

Get to Know Your Blooms with Our Flower Facts Page

We’re also excited to introduce our Flower Facts page, a space where you can learn more about some of our most frequently used cut flowers.

If you’ve ever wondered how to care for a specific bloom, what makes certain flowers last longer, or how to best use them in arrangements, this page is for you. We’re sharing the details that make a difference, so you can get the most out of every stem.

Browse Flower Facts Here

Don’t Miss Our Blog for Local Growing Tips

In addition to these new pages, our blog is another great resource, especially for our fellow Michigan growers. We regularly share posts that highlight more in-depth flower facts, our favorite varieties to grow and design with, and practical tips to help you succeed throughout the season.

You’ll find helpful guides, beginner-friendly recommendations, and deeper dives into some of the flowers and herbs we love most. Whether you’re planting your first garden or expanding your cutting beds, these posts are filled with insights tailored to growing in Michigan.

Some of our favorites to get you started:

• A Guide to Growing Beautiful Flowers in Michigan

• Beginner-Friendly Flowers

• Some of Our Favorite Flowers to Grow in West Michigan: She Is GR’s Top Picks

• Some of Our Favorite Herbs to Grow in West Michigan (and Why) – Part 1

At She Is GR, we’re passionate about not just growing beautiful flowers, but also helping you enjoy them to their fullest. These new pages are meant to be a resource you can come back to again and again, whether you’re designing for your home, an event, or just for fun.

This is just the beginning, too. We’ll continue adding more tutorials, more flower features, and more helpful tips to support you in your floral journey.

We’re so glad you’re here and can’t wait to keep growing and creating alongside you!

A Guide to Growing Beautiful Flowers in Michigan

Gardening in Michigan comes with its own rhythm, cold winters, rich soil, and a growing season that truly rewards patience. The good news? There are so many incredible flowers that thrive here. In this guide, we’re sharing more of our favorite flowers and flowering shrubs to grow in Michigan gardens & Landscapes, along with simple care tips, growing advice, and interesting facts that make each one special. Whether you’re just starting out or adding new varieties to your garden, these flowers are a great place to begin.

Easy & Rewarding Flowers for Beginners

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are one of the best cool-season flowers for Michigan gardens.

How to grow: Plant early in spring or late summer for fall blooms

.Care: Full sun, regular watering, and deadheading for continuous blooms.

Fun fact: The blooms “snap” open and closed when squeezed—kids love them.

Zinnias

A must-grow for cut flower gardens.

How to grow: Plant after the last frost in full sun.

Care: The more you cut them, the more they produce.

Fun fact: Zinnias attract butterflies and are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed.

Calendula

Bright, cheerful, and incredibly versatile.

How to grow: Sow early—handles cool temps well.

Care: Low maintenance and blooms quickly.

Fun fact: Calendula petals are edible and often used in teas and skincare.

Marigolds

A garden staple for good reason.

How to grow: Plant after frost in full sun.

Care: Very low maintenance.

Fun fact: Marigolds naturally help repel certain garden pests.

Larkspur

Soft, romantic, and perfect for cottage gardens.

How to grow: Direct sow in early spring.

Care: Prefers cooler weather.

Fun fact: Larkspur symbolizes positivity and grace.

Borage

A pollinator favorite with unique blooms.

How to grow: Easy to grow and self-seeds.

Care: Minimal effort required.

Fun fact: The flowers taste like cucumber and are edible.

Statement & Unique Flowers Worth Growing

Peonies (Including Rare Varieties)

A timeless favorite in Michigan landscapes.

• Yellow Bartzella Peony (rare): Large, buttery yellow blooms that are hard to find.

• Sarah Bernhardt Peony: A classic soft pink heirloom.

• Japanese Peonies: Known for their unique, textured centers.

How to grow: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.

Care: Requires patience but very long-lived.

Fun fact: Peonies can thrive for 50+ years and produce better blooms over time.

Allium & Mountain Chives

Add height and structure to your garden.

How to grow: Plant bulbs in fall.

Care: Full sun and well-drained soil.

Fun fact: Part of the onion family and naturally deer-resistant.

Calla Lilies

Elegant and modern blooms.

How to grow: Plant bulbs after frost.

Care: Lift bulbs in fall to overwinter indoors.

Fun fact: Not actually true lilies.

Pineapple Lily

A unique, eye-catching plant.

How to grow: Plant in warm soil after frost.

Care: Treat as a tender bulb in Michigan.

Fun fact: The bloom resembles a pineapple.

Moon Flowers

Perfect for evening gardens.

How to grow: Plant in full sun with support to climb.

Care: Fast-growing annual vine.

Fun fact: Blooms open at dusk and glow in the evening.

Perennials & Shade-Loving Favorites

Hellebores

Including Lenton Rose, Green Flowered, Angel Glow, and Cascade Glow.

How to grow: Thrive in shade or partial sun.

Care: Extremely hardy and low maintenance.

Fun fact: One of the first flowers to bloom, even through snow.

English Lavender

A fragrant garden essential.

How to grow: Plant in well-drained soil.

Care: Avoid overly wet conditions, especially in winter.

Fun fact: Known for its calming scent and pollinator appeal.

Hydrangeas (Annabelle, Limelight, Pink & Green Varieties)

A staple in Michigan gardens.

How to grow: Morning sun, afternoon shade.

Care: Consistent watering is key.

Fun fact: Some varieties change color based on soil pH.

Solidago (Goldenrod)

A late-season standout.

How to grow: Very adaptable and hardy.

Care: Low maintenance.

Fun fact: Often blamed for allergies, but it’s usually ragweed.

Flowering Shrubs & Seasonal Interest

Forsythia

One of the first signs of spring.

Care: Prune after flowering.

Fun fact: Blooms before leaves appear.

Pussy Willow

Soft and textural early-season stems.

Care: Prefers moist soil.

Fun fact: One of the earliest bloomers in Michigan.

Weigela

A pollinator favorite.

Care: Full sun for best blooms.

Fun fact: Loved by hummingbirds.

Viburnum

Reliable and versatile.

Care: Easy to grow.

Fun fact: Many varieties offer fragrance and berries.

Pieris

An elegant evergreen shrub, also known as false lily of the valley.

Care: Prefers acidic soil.

Fun fact: New growth often emerges bright red.

Cornelian Cherry

A unique flowering shrub/tree that produces lots of pollen for the bees in early spring.

Care: Very hardy.

Fun fact: Produces edible fruit used in jams.

Flowering Almond

Soft pink spring blooms.

Care: Full sun and pruning after flowering.

Fun fact: Looks like miniature roses.

Tropical Plants for Michigan Summers

Bird of Paradise

A bold statement plant.

How to grow: Keep outdoors in summer, bring inside well before frost.

Care: Needs bright light indoors.

Fun fact: Flowers resemble a bird in flight.

Michigan Gardening Tips for Success

• Plant most annuals after the last frost (mid-May in West Michigan)

• Focus on well-draining soil to prevent root rot

• Use mulch to regulate moisture and temperature

• Start with easy growers like zinnias, marigolds, and hydrangeas

This is just the start to the list of some of our favorite flowers to grow. This guide focuses on beginner-friendly varieties that are approachable, reliable, and beautiful in Michigan gardens. Stay tuned as we take a deeper dive into some of the most unique and specialty flowers we grow each year, along with more advanced tips, care techniques, and varieties that experienced growers will truly love.