Summer is a busy time. There’s the lawn to mow, and the garden work to do. What we need for this hectic season are quick and easy ideas for breathtaking summer arrangements.

Who wouldn’t be pleased with a wild flower bouquet? Inspired by nature, these naturalistic arrangements are just the thing for those on the go.

Choose high quality stems. Those with cutting gardens can harvest flowers at just the right stage. They can afford to be choosy. When buying stems, select the freshest ones possible.

Check around to see if there’s a U-pick flower farm in your area. Farm stands and farmers’ markets are also great sources for high quality, locally grown flowers. At these outlets, they’re usually sold the same day they are harvested.

The easiest summer arrangements are simple bouquets made from a single kind of flower. These are easy to do, and are very suitable for indoor décor as well as patios and decks. a bunch of sunflowers works just fine. So do roses and hydrangeas.

Monochromatic arrangements also work beautifully for summer. Assuming you have a cutting garden, it should be a simple matter to choose numerous kinds of similar colored blooms.

For the most part, summer arrangements often tend to be informal. When creating a mixed bouquet, choose a variety of colors and flower types.

As containers for summer arrangements, many kinds are suitable. For a whimsical touch, use an empty soup can with the label left on. Stoneware and metal pitchers are just great. Glass bottles and jars in most any color are just superb. If you have a whole set of matching glass containers, you can create a stunning display. Place the same kind of flower in each of the containers, and group them all together on a table or window. The result is so pleasing.

For more seasonal ideas, check out the projects in “Arranging Flowers From Your Garden” from Sunset Books. Like all the Sunset guides, this one is practical, well-written, easy to use, and color-illustrated. There’s an entire chapter on flower arranging season by season. It contains more ideas for summer than I’ll ever be able to accomplish. It contains step-by-step instructions for numerous summer projects, such as a rainbow bouquet with sunflowers and red dahlias. In this seasonal guide, there are detailed plant lists, project ideas, and instructions for creating them. This invaluable guide also contains a wonderful introduction to flower arranging and cutting gardens. There are even plans for cutting gardens.