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11:39 pm, Apr 22, 2026
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Happening Now

Cleburne County Gardening – Floral Reflections: A Lifelong Journey Through Seasonal Design

Gardeners-Treasure-Growing-Bouquets

Cleburne County, AL – I began floral design in my teens, working part-time for a florist. I was trained in making football corsages for homecomings, funeral wreaths on stands, and creating greenery backdrops for floral arrangements.

In 1998, as I embraced organic gardening, I began incorporating a wide range of both annual seeds and perennial heirloom plants. My mother’s favorite indoor plants were potted geraniums, while her favorite outdoor blooms were gladiolus grown from corms.

My floral journey started with simple vases of single stems—roses, in particular. To this day, I enjoy placing a vase with just a few blooming stems in guest areas. Often, the simplicity of a bouquet allows the flower itself to take center stage.

I find myself drawn to clear glass vases. I enjoy seeing the stems through the water, and the light in the room enhances the blooms above. Woodland bouquets are another favorite, using tree clippings like pine, cedar, and maple for greenery.

Summer expands the palette—yellow asters, red velvet coxcomb (an annual), and sunshine privet shrubs provide vibrant filler for dahlia blooms. If my begonias or coleus need pruning, I often use those leaves as filler instead of traditional greenery. Herbs and bee balm add not only texture but fragrance, elevating the bouquet’s overall sensory appeal.

Every season offers endless possibilities for unique floral arrangements. I change the water in my vases daily—clean water helps the flowers last longer. I also keep arrangements away from sunny windows; the cooler the room, the longer the blooms thrive.

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Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com

 

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