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Starting your own herb sprouts from seeds and making the most of your grocery store’s floral selection can make a big difference in your home and your mood. It’s simple: Plants make people happy. And Netflix’s new garden-centric show, The Big Floral Fight is a major mood-booster.
Set in a geodesic dome in the English countryside, the competition show follows a similar format to the much-beloved Great British Bake Off: Contestants from around the world (but primarily the U.K.) are challenged to make massive plant and floral sculptures. They have a range of skill sets—some are houseplant consultants, some wedding florists, and some simply plant enthusiasts—so when they’re put to the test, they have to think creatively and operate far outside their comfort zone. The result is a feel-good show with plenty of inspiring backstories and amazing visual creations—and plenty of tips for gardeners of any level to take away. Here are three lessons that we drew from the series.
If you want butterflies, you need pollinator-friendly plants
In the first episode, the teams are challenged to create living sculptures that look like insects—and they need to be able to attract actual insects, too. That means adding in specific herbs and flowers like echinacea and coreopsis are known to attract bees, butterflies, and the like—all of which work to maintain a healthy eco-system.
Moss is an eco-friendly hydrating hero
When you’re working in a large scale, you need some kind of system to make sure your green sculptures actually stay alive. One technique that nearly always proves useful? Using water-saturated moss as a base later before installing plants or attaching cut flowers. Bonus: It’s biodegradable.
Not all flowers can last outside of water
When creating a floral arrangement with pre-cut flowers, time is of the essence—many florals wilt quickly when removed from their water. Small, water-filled tubes help sustain them out of the vase, but some options are heartier than others, and therefore a great option for bouquets, arches, or other installations. Peonies and roses are more delicate, while birds of paradise and orchids stay sturdy for hours.
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