Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Growing Sunflowers for a Cut Flower Farm

Sunflowers are a staple in our cut flower farm at Green Willow Gardens in Southwest Michigan (Zone 6A). We grow ProCut varieties like Brilliance and Horizon, succession planting from May through early August for continuous blooms. With a fast turnaround time of about 60 days and optimal spacing of 4-6 inches, they’re a great addition to any flower farm or garden. Whether you’re filling empty field space or planning a steady harvest, sunflowers are a reliable and beautiful choice.

Read More
Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Cultivating Dahlias: A Guide from Green Willow Gardens

At Green Willow Gardens, dahlias are at the heart of what we grow. These stunning blooms bring vibrant color and elegance to any garden or floral arrangement. In this guide, we share our best practices for planting, supporting, and cutting dahlias for long-lasting beauty. Whether you're a home gardener or a flower farmer, these tips will help you cultivate healthy, thriving dahlias all season long.

Read More
Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Introducing Sunrise and Stems: A Monthly Morning of Flower Therapy

Introducing Sunrise and Stems, a new monthly event at Green Willow Gardens designed for relaxation and flower therapy. Enjoy a slow Friday morning in the gardens, listen to birdsong, soak up the morning sun, and create a floral arrangement to take home. Tickets will be available later this year—stay tuned!

Read More
Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Our Favorite Zinnias for the Cutting Garden

Zinnias are a must-have in our cutting gardens at Green Willow Gardens, offering vibrant colors, reliability, and an endless supply of blooms. From the delicate Oklahoma Series to the bold Benary’s Giants and the unique Queen Red Lime, we’re sharing our favorite varieties that make our floral designs shine.

Read More
Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Our Favorite Perennials for Cutting at Green Willow Gardens

At Green Willow Gardens, we love growing perennials that return year after year, offering beauty and reliability for cut flower arrangements. From early-blooming Alliums to late-season Japanese Anemones, explore our favorite perennials that thrive in Zone 6 and bring stunning color, texture, and longevity to bouquets.

Read More
Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Seed Starting at Green Willow Gardens

Starting seeds indoors is one of our favorite ways to shake off the winter blues and get ready for spring. At Green Willow Gardens, we rely on tried-and-true methods and high-quality tools to grow strong seedlings that will bloom beautifully in the field. From snapdragons to feverfew, our early seed starts give us a head start on the season. Read on to learn our process, favorite supplies, and why seed starting is an essential part of our farm!

Read More
Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Our Favorite (Blush, Peach, and Honey) Dahlias at Green Willow Gardens

Each season, we fall in love with new dahlias, but some varieties always stand out. From the peachy hues of Castle Drive to the rich caramel tones of Ice Tea, these dahlias are not only beautiful but also prolific bloomers. They’re favorites among designers for their sought-after colors and reliable production. Keep reading to see why we love them—and stay tuned for future favorites!

Read More
Erin Dahlgren Erin Dahlgren

Exciting News: Green Willow Gardens Joins the NWI Flower Hub in 2025!

We’re thrilled to announce that Green Willow Gardens will be joining the NWI Flower Hub in 2025! This exciting collaboration allows us to provide even more locally grown flowers to florists and designers across Michiana. By partnering with the Hub, we’re making fresh, high-quality blooms more accessible while supporting sustainable farming. Read on to learn more about what this means for our floral community!

Read More