Summer is the best time to find brilliant blooms, so take advantage of the season by choosing flowers in a variety of shapes and sizes. For more ideas, shop your local farmer's market for mixed-flower bouquets.

Even if you're unsure of your floral arranging abilities, you can't go wrong with an arrangement such as this one. We chose zinnias, dahlias, 'Teddy Bear' sunflowers, orange spray roses, perennial salvia, and scented geranium leaves.

 

Unlike calla lilies or tulips, garden flowers don't typically have elegant stems -- they're usually thick and leafy and can make water murky or cloudy. It's best to display garden flowers in an opaque container, such as a ceramic vase or an enamelware bowl (as we have here). And, when possible, change the water frequently.

 

Start by arranging the medium- and large-size flowers in your hand until you have a grouping you like. Gauge the proper height of the flowers by standing them next to the container. We wanted our bouquet to feel full and low, so we cut the stems so the flowers would hit just above the lip of the bowl.

If you're not sure how tall you'd like the arrangement, cut the stems a little longer at first, then trim as you go. Cut stems at an angle to keep the flowers hydrated.

Once your medium- and large-size flowers are in the container at a height you like, tuck in the small and thin flowers. We added spiky purple salvia and sculptural scented geranium leaves for scent and textural contrast against the velvety look of the other blooms.