Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Bupleurum & Pennycress: Must-Grow Foliage Annuals to Sow This Season

Foliage is just as important as flowers in a well-rounded bouquet! In early spring, Zone 6 gardeners can direct sow two must-have green fillers—bupleurum and pennycress. These easy-to-grow annuals thrive in cool weather, add texture to arrangements, and even allow for simple seed collection for future plantings. Learn how to grow and harvest them for a season full of lush greenery.

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Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Fresh, Seasonal, and Locally Grown – Why Our Flower Subscription is Special

Looking for a way to enjoy fresh, seasonal flowers all season long? Our Flower Subscription (CSA) brings locally grown blooms straight from our farm to your home, offering a stunning alternative to grocery store flowers. Each bouquet is harvested at its peak for maximum freshness, color, and longevity. Learn more about why a CSA subscription is the best way to experience the beauty of farm-fresh flowers!

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Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

February Farm Tasks at Green Willow Gardens

February might be cold, but the work on our flower farm is in full swing! From starting snapdragons and lisianthus to propagating dahlias and mums, every task is a step toward a beautiful season ahead. See what we’ve been up to at Green Willow Gardens!

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Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Overwintering Dahlia Tubers in the Ground: Our Experience in Zone 6, Southwest Michigan

One of the biggest challenges of growing dahlias is winter storage, especially if you don’t have a basement or dedicated space. After researching alternative methods, we found success overwintering dahlias in the ground here in Zone 6, Southwest Michigan. In this post, we’re sharing our step-by-step process—including mulch, tarps, and spring care—to help you decide if this method might work for your garden.

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Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

What’s In and What’s Out on Our Flower Farm in 2025

2025 is a year of growth at Green Willow Gardens! We're expanding our dahlia fields, adding fresh varieties like Joan J Raspberries and White Gloria Astilbe, and refining our selection to better serve our local florists and designers. See what’s making the cut—and what’s not—as we evolve our farm for the season ahead.

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Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Blending Beauty and Function: Landscaping Plants for Cutting Gardens

Our Cottage Cutting Gardens combine the best of landscaping and flower farming, creating a space that is both beautiful and functional. By incorporating plants like allium, roses, and weigela, we maximize our garden’s potential for both visual appeal and cut flower production.

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Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Snapdragon Secrets: How We Grow Stunning Blooms for Cut Flowers

Snapdragons are a staple in our cut flower garden, providing elegant, fragrant blooms from early summer through the season. At Green Willow Gardens, we've refined our growing techniques, from fall planting for overwintered blooms to spring transplants for a reliable harvest. In this post, we share our favorite varieties, lessons learned, and tips for growing strong, beautiful snapdragons for cut flowers.

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