A West Michigan Grower’s Guide to Some of Our Favorite Flowers

With tips, tricks, and a few fun facts along the way

At She Is GR Co., so much of what we design starts in the garden. Growing our own flowers gives us the ability to work with the seasons and create designs that feel natural, fresh, and intentional. If you are starting your own flower garden, here is a deeper guide to some more of our favorite varieties, including how to grow them, when to plant them, and a few helpful tips we’ve learned along the way.

Snapdragons

Best grown from: Seed or starter plants

When to plant: Early spring (cool weather)

Snapdragons love cool temperatures and can handle light frost, which makes them one of the first flowers we plant.

Tips & Tricks:

• Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost for the strongest plants

• Pinch young plants when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall to encourage more blooms

• Plant in succession every couple of weeks for continuous flowers

Fun Fact: If you gently squeeze the sides of the bloom, it “snaps” open like a tiny mouth, which is where the name comes from.

Larkspur

Best grown from: Seed

When to plant: Late fall or very early spring

Larkspur thrives in cool weather and actually prefers being direct sown.

Tips & Tricks:

• Scatter seeds directly into the soil and lightly cover

• Do not transplant, it does not like its roots disturbed

• Plant in fall for earlier blooms the following year

Fun Fact: Larkspur seeds need a period of cold to germinate well, so winter planting works in your favor.

Borage

Best grown from: Seed

When to plant: After last frost

Borage is one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow.

Tips & Tricks:

• Direct sow only, it does not transplant well

• Give it space, it grows quickly and can spread

• Let some plants go to seed if you want it to come back each year

Fun Fact: Borage flowers are edible and taste slightly like cucumber. They are beautiful in drinks and salads.

Calendula

Best grown from: Seed

When to plant: Early spring or fall

Calendula is a hardy, cheerful flower that thrives in cooler weather.

Tips & Tricks:

• Deadhead regularly to keep blooms coming

• It tolerates poor soil, making it great for beginner gardeners

• Sow in waves for a longer blooming season

Fun Fact: Calendula is often called “pot marigold” and has been used in herbal skincare for centuries.

Violets and Pansies

Best grown from: Seed or starter plants

When to plant: Early spring or fall

These are some of the first flowers to bring color after winter.

Tips & Tricks:

• Starter plants are the easiest option for quick results

• Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy

• Plant in partial sun for longer-lasting blooms

Fun Fact: Both violets and pansies are edible and often used to decorate cakes and desserts.

Baptisia

Best grown from: Starter plant

When to plant: Spring or early fall

Baptisia is a long-lasting perennial that gets better each year.

Tips & Tricks:

• Be patient, it takes a couple of seasons to fully establish

• Choose your planting spot carefully, it does not like to be moved

• Once established, it is very drought-tolerant

Fun Fact: Baptisia is also known as false indigo because it was historically used as a dye plant.

Moon Flowers

Best grown from: Seed

When to plant: After last frost

Moonflowers are a beautiful climbing vine known for their evening blooms.

Tips & Tricks:

• Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination

• Provide a trellis or structure for climbing

• Plant in a spot where you can enjoy them in the evening

Fun Fact: Moonflowers open at dusk and release a soft, sweet fragrance at night. They typically stay open until the sun rises. On gloomy days, they will stay open even longer!