Becoming That Gardener

Every spring, I have the urge to be that gardener—the one who plans both a cutting garden and a vegetable garden, feeds their family all summer, and fills their home with freshly cut flowers, strategically placed for all to see and love.

And then, well, life gets busy. (Do you know how many houses I served as an agent for rentals last summer alone?) And I lament that I’m not that person I always dreamed I would be.

But this spring is going to be different.

Someone in my life who is, in fact, that gardener? My dad, whose garden I'm proudly featuring in this piece.

Research. Here’s what I have for you if you’re planning on being that Hamptons gardener this year—the envy of your friends as they receive jars of cut flowers on their doorstep each week, with a handwritten note about how much you appreciate them.

Planning the Vegetable Garden

Location, location, location. It’s everything. Vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight daily, so scout your yard for the sunniest spot. It should also be close enough to the house to make watering and harvesting easy.

Choosing what to grow. Since I’m a beginner, I’m sticking with easy, high-yield plants: tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, carrots, and peppers. These are staples in my kitchen, and I love the idea of eating fresher, organic produce. But let’s not forget that potatoes were once a major crop in this very soil we call home. Maybe a potato or two would be fun?

A word of caution—zucchini grows in abundance. Unless you want to be dropping off zucchini bread to people you barely know, plant in moderation. Research which veggies tend to produce more than you need and plan accordingly.

Raised beds vs. in-ground planting. I debated this one for a while, but ultimately, raised beds win out. They allow for better drainage, fewer weeds, and more control over soil quality. Plus, they just look tidier—and let’s be honest, I want my garden to be as beautiful as it is functional. Bonus: you can add a deer barrier around each one if needed.

Prepping the soil. Before planting, I’ll be enriching the soil with compost and organic matter to give my vegetables the best start possible. Healthy soil means healthy plants, which (hopefully) means an abundant harvest.

Adding a Cutting Garden

Nothing brightens up a home like fresh flowers, and since I love arranging blooms as much as I love growing them, a cutting garden felt like the perfect addition to my spring plans.

Finding the right spot. I want my flowers to get full sun, but I also need easy access for frequent snipping. I chose a spot along my backyard fence, where I can plant in neat rows and easily see what’s blooming.

What to plant. I’m focusing on long-lasting flowers with strong stems, ideal for bouquets. My list includes zinnias, sunflowers, snapdragons, cosmos, and dahlias—bright, cheerful flowers that will bloom all season long.

Staggered planting for continuous blooms. To keep my vases full all summer, I’ll plant in succession. Every few weeks, I’ll sow another round of zinnias and cosmos so I don’t end up with one overwhelming burst of blooms all at once.

Soil and spacing. Just like with my vegetable garden, I’m adding compost and organic matter to the soil for healthy growth. Proper spacing is key—crowded plants are more prone to disease and won’t produce as well, so I’m being mindful of giving them enough room to thrive.

Bringing It All Together

As I sketch out my garden beds (or should I say two raised bed containers), order my seeds, and prepare to get my hands in the soil, I can already imagine the joy these gardens will bring—crisp homegrown salads, vine-ripened tomatoes, and vibrant bouquets straight from my backyard. I’ll keep you posted. Pictures to come.

And now, a little homework over the summer to see what’s possible for next year…