Lush Midwest Summer Blooms: A Seasonal Guide from June - Mid-Sept

Cosmos Floral brings the best of summer blooms in this seasonal style shoot at Gale Woods Farm.

What’s Blooming Locally from June to Mid-September?

Summer in the Midwest is a dream for flower lovers, as the gardens burst into life with vibrant blooms. Starting in late June and continuing through to the first frost, we see a variety of summer annuals and perennials flourish. Here’s what to expect locally during this time:

• Annuals: Zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, phlox, delphinium, foxglove, snapdragons, lisianthus, echinacea, hydrangeas, marigolds.

• Perennials: These plants bloom each year, with favorites like rudbeckia adding to summer's wild, untamed beauty.

From late June to early July, these summer blooms become the stars of any floral arrangements or wedding design. As long as we don’t see an early frost, they’ll last well into September, creating stunning displays of color and texture. There are endless opportunities for beautiful designs this season!

Chowgirls Caterings brings color into their dishes with edible flowers and herbs, complementing the floral designs. 

Insights from Seasonal Styled Shoot

For our recent photoshoot series, we partnered with Chowgirls Catering and Cosmos Floral aiming to highlight seasonal bounty featuring orange and green elements, adding a splash of color for extra fun.

Sydney, from Cosmos Floral, focused her design around what she found from local growers, keeping things simple yet impactful. She chose marigolds, dahlias, and rudbeckia, complementing them with scented geranium and a few sprigs of tomato vines. Here's why:

• Marigolds and Dahlias: These are fun, vibrant summer annuals that make excellent focal flowers. Their bold colors and striking forms stand out beautifully.

• Rudbeckia: This perennial is commonly associated with wildflowers, which are deeply connected to summer and its relaxed, organic feel.

• Less is More: Instead of an overwhelming mix, I chose fewer varieties in large quantities to create an organic, cohesive look. Sometimes, focusing on just a few key flowers can make a stronger visual impact.

Interesting Insights About These Summer Blooms

Did you know that marigolds aren’t just pretty faces? They can be incredibly practical in the garden, too! Companion planting marigolds next to vegetables helps keep pests away, offering a natural, eco-friendly way to protect your crops.

Tips for Couples and Florists Interested in Local Flowers

For Couples: If you want locally grown flowers to be a part of your special day, start by reaching out to a florist who prioritizes working with local blooms. More and more florists in Minnesota are embracing local flower farms, and there are incredible growers producing beautiful, seasonal flowers for weddings and events. Cosmos Floral is among the many local florists we include in our directory!

For Florists: If you're a florist who wants to integrate more local flowers into your arrangements, the best advice is simple: start visiting local flower markets or wholesalers who specialize in locally grown blooms. Over time, you’ll learn what’s available and how to plan ahead. Building relationships with local farmers can also be invaluable, giving you access to the freshest, most unique flowers that can transform your designs.

Sourcing Local Summer Flowers

When working with a florist to source locally, it's important to start a conversation about where they purchase their flowers. Even if your florist already works with local farms, they may not source everything from one place. Ask about what’s in season from the farms they partner with, and approach the process with an open mind.

One of the most special things about using local, seasonal flowers is that certain blooms may only be available for a week or two each year. This adds a rare, ephemeral quality to your floral arrangements. Consider giving your florist a color palette rather than specific flowers, allowing them the creative freedom to source the best of what’s in season. This approach often results in stunning, unexpected blooms that make your event even more memorable.

Dream vendor team:

Photography: Mister Berndt
Catering/Event Design: Chowgirls Catering
Floral: Cosmos Floral
Floral Sourcing: Northerly Flora
Rental: Lulu Event Rentals
Venue: Gale Woods Farm
Tabletop rentals: Apres Event and Tent
Sustainability Consulting/Design: LUUM Collective