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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.