We took a recent trip through the Midwest, and the array of wildflowers along winding country roads was breathtaking. There is so much to observe and learn from these roadside beauties, for your own garden. Wildflower inspiration for your home garden at it’s best! There is so much to observe and learn from these roadside beauties!
Wildflower Inspiration In Kansas City
Traveling through a wooded area with streams of flowing water was so peaceful and serene. Wildflowers grow in abundance here. Wouldn’t it be great to incorporate a part of this tranquility of the woods into your own garden? Adding layers of flowers under existing trees, is a good way to create a cool and tranquil feel.
TIP 1: A row of green trees and grass underneath creates a serene, and pretty garden.
In this peaceful setting in Kansas City, the first wildflower to catch my eye was the Fleabane (reputed to drive away fleas) shown below. After some research, I believe this is Annual Fleabane. The Kansas wildflower database is a great source for information on wildflowers. Fleabane has a daisy-like look but has smaller white flowers. If you like the look of this particular flower, you may consider growing Daisies in your garden. There are many different varieties of Daisies to choose from. The Shasta Daisy which is much larger than this particular Fleabane is the most common. Another good option is White Aster which looks a lot like these flowers.
The combination of white lace-like flowers with grasses and ferns below is truly spectacular! Queen Anne’s Lace which looks a lot like this one is a wildflower that does well in many regions and is a wonderful addition to cut flower arrangements. See my wildflower arrangement for inspiration. There is something special about white flowers mixed with greenery both in the garden and in flower arrangements!
In addition to the wildflowers, we loved being in the woods to enjoy the fireflies at dusk. Hundreds of fireflies (sometimes known as lightning bugs) magically appeared. I hope you enjoy the simple things as I do!
Wildflower Inspiration in Iowa
After spending a few days in Kansas City, we made our way over to a rural town in Iowa. Along the roadside, by farms we passed, were masses of strikingly beautiful wildflowers. More wildflower inspirations to admire. Blue flowers are hard to come by, thus, it was a treat to see Chicory. Chicory is not only beautiful but is a herb that has a variety of uses. Blue flowers are often unexpected because they are not as common. I have not attempted to grow Chicory in our garden in Arizona, but I have grown Blue Plumbago, which is equally beautiful, and which grows in profusion.
TIP 2: Add visual interest to the garden with a hint of the unexpected. These blue flowers are a great example of an unexpected element.
A kaleidoscope of butterflies drawing the nectar off purple wildflowers, was another high point, along country roadsides in Iowa. Yellow butterflies against purple flowers was a rare and stunning sight. It is difficult to capture a photograph of a butterfly, and I was so glad I did, and would recommend a combination of yellow and purple for your home garden, which could work really well.
TIP 3: Create a focal point with colors. Purple and yellow work great together in this setting.
Although these flowers are referred to as Red Clover, they looks more purple than red. Red Clover has many uses and is easy to grow! I love this particular wildflower inspiration for your garden. It definitely gave me something to think about!
The pictures below provide context for the setting where I first saw the wildflowers in Iowa. Along the road, by the cornfields, these flowers bloom profusely and are a sight to behold. I love the silos below at sunset and the river that flows nearby. Such a peaceful atmosphere! I hope your garden evokes a similar feeling and is a retreat that you can enjoy after a long day or even as a place for quiet reflection.
TIP 4: Remember to enjoy the sunsets. It’s free therapy!
Sunflowers at the Badlands
It was my first visit to South Dakota, and I had no idea a place called the Badlands even existed. We stumbled upon it as we were driving along the freeway. I have never seen Sunflowers growing wild before! Nature’s glorious combination of color in the park was picture perfect. I do think Sunflowers make people instantly happy. It makes me smile every time I see Sunflowers bloom in my garden. Wildflower inspiration clearly at it’s very best displayed here.
TIP 5: Add some happiness to your landscape with Sunflowers!
Sunflowers are easy to grow in the summer and it’s best to start it from seeds. Not only do Sunflowers add lots of color to the garden, but there are also many benefits such as improving soil quality and creating cut flower arrangements.
I hope you are inspired to experiment with color and texture from the tips we gleaned from the wildflowers! I enjoyed sharing with you the experience of our trip through the midwest and discovering the natural beauty of wildflower inspiration at its best for your home garden.
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