During the 1800’s, New Jersey was nicknamed the Garden State because of the plentiful flora and fauna to be found throughout the state. Although much of the farmland has been transformed over the years into corporate and residential areas, summers find Portland homeowners abundantly filling their yards everywhere with the zesty zinnia.

Zinnias burst forth ready to shine. No shy wallflower, this ubiquitous flower originated from under the blazing hot sun of Mexico and South America. A member of the Asteraceae family, they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some varieties resemble daisies, having petals which emerge from a circular center while others resemble globe shaped, multi petaled mums. Overall, the face of a zinnia appears round and smiley faced, as if drawn in crayon by a child’s hand.

Zinnias symbolized thoughts of absent friends during Victorian times. Storybook style wedding bouquets can be made using giant primary colored zinnias tied together in bunches alone or paired with other friendly flowers like daisies, marigolds, carnations and black eyed Susan.

For farmstand simplicity, an eye catching arrangement of zinnias can be arranged in pails or buckets at outdoor events. For accompaniment, select freshly cut weeping willow branches, geranium leaves, wild grasses, oak leaves or ferns. On tables, place bouquets of zinnias in mason jars, pitchers or empty cans tied in ribbon for rustic appeal. Deep green leaves of hosta also provide scenic background greenery.

Zinnias dress up nicely to attend formal occasions as well by pairing them with roses, ranunculus, chrysanthemums and snapdragons for bouquets and decorative accents.

A classic bridal bouquet can be made by placing a few huge 10 inch blooms among a sea of roses. Garden bouquets can be crafted out of romantic ivory and blush roses, ranunculus, zinnia and ivy.

Lend old world feel to centerpieces by placing uniquely colored green Lime Cordial zinnias with pastel colored tulips and orchids in pedestaled containers. Zinnias bloom in a carnival of colors including shades of red, yellow, orange, pink and purple as well as in variegated color blends providing countless opportunities for fashioning just the right look to suit any particular style.

Along with roses and ivy, they add a lovely touch to cake decoration.

In garden beds and borders, the vibrant zinnia attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, attesting to it’s natural allure. Seduce the eye of the beholder by including zinnias at your own special occasion.

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