It turns out my Zinnia garden was and still is a wonderful investment. It just keeps on giving, day after day. The more flowers I cut and display, the more they seem to grow. And the colors and forms are wonderful.

I keep thinking we’re nearing the end of summer, but the raised bed garden keeps producing. I think my pruning has been successful.

I’ve already ordered some large zinnia plants for next summer and will be buying a smaller garden bed from my Amish neighbors for different kinds of flowers – marigolds and wildflowers, maybe.

So far, my first garden has produced 23 bouquets; most went into our farmhouse, and the rest went to my Amish neighbor’s kitchen.

I’m hooked.