AND they help create big and bad weddings! 

I had no idea ^^^
No.
Idea.

See the beauty...

This bouquet, featured by Burnett's Boards, gracefully combines hot fuchsia bougainvillea foliage with complementary roses. Don't miss the gorgeous crown in her hair. Super clever. 

Get the same look with our Barbara Karst bougainvillea. 

Brides.com shared the perfect wedding arbor draped with bougainvillea as it naturally vined upward and outward. 

Bougs don't stop there with their versatility. Can you imagine how colorful and low maintenance your wedding tables would be with mini vases filled with sprigs of bougainvillea?

Ahem...

Hat tip to Erin Ever After for finding this beauty loveliness. 

While I highlighted a lot of PINK wedding bougainvilleas, they come in several, bridal-loving colors. See our whole collection here and find more inspiration on our Pinterest board: Big Bad Bougainvilleas.

Don't be mistaken, there are blooms. They're just not really...big and bad. They're fairly small and insignificant. Thus their need for fabulous, tropical foliage. 

All our bougs are grown to fill a 4 inch container, priced just at $8, and are shipped with an average height of 6-8 inches tall. They grow best in hardiness zones 9-11. And in true, Big Bad Katie form, there are a few bougainvilleas in particular whose bracts really get me...beaming...that I had to call attention to. 

Imperial Thai Delight Bougainvillea

Does the tinge of pink not get you giddy?!? 
Yum. Yum. Yum.

Raspberry Ice Bougainvillea

Another stunner. The mix of colors is simply...phenomenal. 

Vanilla Ice Bougainvillea

And if you prefer a fresh, simpler color combo, Vanilla Ice is the ideal shrub for your garden. 

See the whole collection of big bad bougainvilleas here. I'm sure you'll find something to your fancy.

It can be as obsessive as how people go crazy for Pantone's Color of the Year.

Currently, I'm crushing on purple. The love affair came on quickly and unexceptionally after I was perusing our collection of Cajun hibiscus and Bayou Rose stopped my scrolling immediately. 

I mean, just LOOK at her...

Honestly, I don't know how I didn't fall in love sooner. I JUST wrote about Bayou Rose recently, suggesting gardeners double their pleasure with bigger and badder blooms.

So when Bayou Rose stole my heart with her perfectly purple hues, I took to Pinterest to see what else might fuel my craze. You wouldn't believe what I found...

A super cute, garden obelisk from Flower Patch Farmhouse.

I can easily see Sun Parasol Giant Crimson mandevilla climbing that beauty. I think purple and red make for a stunning combo. 

Repin this project here.

This purple door, from Better Homes and Gardens, adds the perfect pop of color to an otherwise softly muted outdoor space.  

Repin this idea here. 

And why do garden benches need to be bland?! Why not paint them...say purple?
Great idea from Bright Bold & Beautiful.

Repin this awesome idea here. 

Of course you can always fill your garden with an over abundance of purple blooms. Here are a few of my favorites, specifically from Suntory Flowers. 

Moonlight Eclipse petunia

Surfinia Heavenly Blue petunia
Yes, I know it's called blue, but really that's kind of relative. I see purple-ish.

Million Bells Mounding Lavender Improved calibrachoa

I found more purple goodness, and pinned it like you wouldn't believe over here. 

First, I'd gander a man would want a killer grill station.

Second, he'd need to have a sufficient outdoor kitchen, to support his king-size grill.

Third, a man would require quick access to herbs he'd use to garnish his main dish.

Can you imagine having an extra-large herb wall like this?!?

Fourth, seating to accommodate a date or an afternoon party, but seating that's a conversation piece, too.

And don't forget a drink station...even if it's quite simple.

Fifth, if either occasion lasted into the wee hours, a man would need lighting to create the perfect ambiance. 

Sixth, when the weather gets a little chilly in the fall, a dude's garden has to have a brag-worthy fire pit. 

Anything suit your man-fancy? I've got more presumptuous, dude-garden ideas, over here on Pinterest (naturally).

And no man's garden would be complete without big bad flowers to decorate the space. 

My top plant picks for a more, masculine garden:

Black Dragon Cajun hibiscus

Learn more here.

Sun Parasol Giant Crimson mandevilla

Learn more here.

California Gold bougainvillea 

Learn more here. 

So tell me dudes, would you enjoy a garden like this?

Hard to say no to that, right?

Don't get me wrong, any Cajun hibiscus is a collector's dream. But if you're anything like me, sometimes double blooms are just that much more...interesting. 

Here are my top faves that deserve a double look:

1. Bayou Rose Cajun hibiscus

Hot damn! Is Bayou Rose's bloom not out-of-this-world gorgeous!?! A stunning display of strong lavender hues with tones of red. 

$19.99 for 4 inch container

2. Bold Idea Cajun hibiscus

I see romance when I look at the blooms of Bold Idea. You too, right? Wouldn't your lady enjoy this? You better give it a try.

$14.99 for a 4 inch container

3. Chiffon Pink Cajun hibiscus

Chiffon Pink sprouts blooms perfect only for a princess. But we're all princesses. So she's perfect for you. 

$19.99 for a 4 inch container

4. Cajun Gold hibiscus

If you prefer a bolder, bright bloom. One that will most likely stop your neighbors in their "Jonesing" tracks, Cajun Gold has your envious back. 

$14.99 for a 4 inch container

5. Chartreuse Rose hibiscus

And if you're the type who can't really settle for one color...you know, if you're consistently indecisive, take a breath. Chartreuse Rose hibiscus will suit your pleasures. Promise.

$14.99 for 4 inch container.

A few things you should know about our Cajun hibiscus:

-They're not like the typical hibiscus you might see at your local box store (otherwise we wouldn't be carrying them!)

-While we try really hard to capture the blooms in their best light, please know the hues may vary in reality based on your light conditions, the time of day and maturity of the bloom. 

-Speaking of blooms, Cajun hibiscus sprouts some of the largest blooms around. Truly breathtaking. 

-Our Cajun hibiscus ship in a 4 inch container with an average height of 6-8 inches at time of delivery

-We have several different varieties, more being added often. So...it's in your best interest to check back with us regularly. You can quickly see what's new here.

-And lastly, Cajun hibiscus are hard to zones 9-11. But don't let that stop you! Many avid gardeners have successfully overwintered their plants by treating this hibiscus much like a houseplant, by bringing it indoors at fall when the weather starts to cool. 

-See ALL our hibiscus varieties right here.

If you've got any questions, shoot us an email!

The best part of our biggins is while their flower power may be overwhelming, their overall size isn't. They're perfect for any garden - large or small. 

Of course I have to lead off with one of the newest varieties to hit the market: 

Sundenia Dipladenia

My favorite color is coral, but you go with what trips your garden trigger, we've got white and red too. 

It's hard to describe how big and bad Sundenia's blooms are through words. Check out this video Suntory Flowers. It clearly shows how large the flowers are compared to other dipladenias. 

Sundenia grows approximately 2-3 feet tall and about that wide, perfect for your small space, but blooming large enough to wow any guest. It's practically exclusive to Big Bad Flower. I don't even know any other garden center carrying this rock star!
>>> You know what that means, right? Better get one -- or two -- right now! >>>

Sun Parasol Original Stars & Stripes Mandevilla

You really can't go wrong with any of the Sun Parasol mandevillas, but naturally I have a few favorites. Stars & Stripes is definitely one of them. 

The bloom is unreal. I mean...seriously...look at that swirl!^^^
It's part of the Originals group of Sun Parasol mandevillas which just means it's a natural climber. If it gets too out-of-hand, just trim it up a little bit. 

Sun Parasol Giant Pink Mandevilla

I'd be a fool if I didn't include a bloomer from the Giant group of Sun Parasol mandevillas. Just like the name implies, these flowers are 3-5 inches! 
That's HUGE!

She'll bloom big and bad in the landscape our container garden. Either way, you'll be blown.a.way.

Moonlight Madness Cajun Hibiscus

Sometimes you need white in the garden. It's a fresh hue that accents any color palette in the garden. Moonlight Madness Cajun hibiscus is just the bloomer you need.

Isn't she pretty?!? 
Wow.

That double-fluff of a bloom is gorgeous. 

We've got other Cajun hibiscus, too. If you prefer something with a little more pop!

Go big with your blooms this year, you won't be sorry. 

I admit it's a unique approach. Then again, you're a unique gardener. Otherwise you wouldn't be here, drooling over our big bad plants. But to prove I can write for the faint of heart...that I'm not all swear words, Bud Light bottles and belches. That I actually have a softer side, one that encourages you to garden with your kidlets. And a side that even lends to teaching you something, like landscape design.

...starting to wonder if I have a personality disorder...

Here's a post my grandma would be proud of. One that wouldn't make her blush if I forced her to read out loud. Words that will surely come back to haunt me as I'm exposing the Katie who fantasizes about rainbows and unicorns -- well actually horses. I fantasize about horses all the time. 

Cue Grandma...

Life Isn't Always Rainbows & Unicorns (or horses), But Your Garden Can Be

I have very fond memories of gardening with my grandparents. Naturally, the fondness comes years later, after you've forgotten how tedious it was to pluck green beans from their vine. And you've forgotten how hot an Iowa summer can be when you're sheering Christmas trees like a machete warrior. 

I'm so grateful for the time I had with them on the farm >>> Thankful they overlooked my tomboyish fashion sense (don't get me wrong, Grandma tried. Mama tried too), fortunate they allowed me to work alongside and successfully keep up with the other farm help (ahem...high school football players. I showed them! Right?), and completely humbled when I realize my grandparents are a big part of who I am today. 

...brief pause for a tissue run...

Anyway, you're not here to hear about child labor. 

Whenever life sucker punches me...when it completely dismantles my perfect fantasy of the perfect farmhouse, perfect flower garden and the perfect body, I return to my grandparents' farm. I return to the hilltop overlooking what once was their glorious Christmas tree farm. I return to the pond, where we'd put the machetes down for a quick dip.

I return to remember. Remember who I am, who I want to me, and how I'm going to get there. 
Bet you'd never guess where I'm at today!

Anyway...
Point being: This is where my rainbow leads me. Like a beacon to a garden full of Black-Eyed Susans, instead of a pot of gold.

To a field full of native grasses that burn red, orange, and yellow in the Fall.

There aren't any unicorns, maybe horses someday. Probably.

Sometimes you've got to create your own rainbows. Your own rays of hope. Pull from your memories, good or bad, and plant your own garden, filled full of flowers blooming all the colors of the rainbow, and dance in it.

Dance in that garden like no one is watching (but you secretly wish they were, cause you're a good dancer). 
Laugh more. Laugh at yourself. Laugh at your enemy. Just laugh. Life is funny.
And just...try to just enjoy the ride. Every aspect of the ride. Soak it all in. 
Then go tend to your flowers. 

Create a space for retrieving when life gets the best of you. A place that will recharge your wild child, then go back to tackle the world. Don't forget to leave flowers wherever you go. Like they're your calling card.

The world needs more flowers.

Rainbow and horse image credit

The problem is, gray is my favorite color. I feel like I'm cheating on gray, every time I wiggle into my black, ass-hugging, spandex gym pants. 

Black is too...definite.
Black is too...dark.
Black is too...cold.
Black is just too bold - which is kind of ironic as I consider myself kind of bold.

But damn, if black doesn't look sexy as hell in the garden. 
Case in point...

I mean, how fricking sexy is burned lumber?!?
SEXY.
I can think of soooo many ways to use this technique in the garden. 

See more sexy here...

And you know what looks good with black?
Red.

Why? Because red is bold. 
Red is sexy.
Red is the perfect complimentary color to black in the garden. 

And this is where I become of service. 

We got red flowers. 
Here are a few of my favorites, if red was my favorite color. 

NEW for 2015 and practically exclusive to us - Sundenia Red Dipladenia

Big bad blooms on a petite, power-flowering, tropical shrub.
Ships in a 6 inch container with average height of 6 inches at delivery time.
$20.00

Love the white swirl in this mandevilla - Sun Parasol Original Stars & Stripes Mandevilla

One of the most patriotic bloomers out there!
Ships in a one gallon container with average height of 14-16 inches at time of delivery.
$24.99

I mean, the name says it all - Hoochie Coochie Hibiscus

Vivacious red flowers on a compact, Cajun-loving shrub.
Ships in a 4 inch container with average height of 6-8 inches at time of delivery
$14.99

See more sexy red ideas, here.

So it seems 2015 should be the year you sexify your garden. Spice it up, so-to-speak. 

Ahem, speaking of spice, I got something else for ya, too. Over here.
It's appropriate. I promise. 

But I'm pretty sure there is a least 100 doctors out there that would back me up when I tell you this: You need to eat more cilantro. 
I mean, the internet backs me up, as it should. Cilantro is even a top contender to help one lose weight. That's legit. 

Listen, beyond the numerous health benefits of chomping down on some fresh, leafy cilantro, the bottomline is it's absolutely scrumptious. So damn tasty, we're offering two different varieties so you can get your fill.
Every. Single. Day. 

The old stand-by: Coriander/Cilantro, whatever you wanna call it
50 big bad seeds
$2.99

Tasty Ole' Cilantro: It may just be a bit more tasty
150 Big Bad Seeds
$4.99

A few reasons you won't be able to get enough of cilantro

Naturally, Martha has a full page dedicated to cilantro recipes. 
I'm school-girl giddy to try her Jalapeno Vinaigerette, since I love all things hot. And of course, this Mango Salsa would be a big bad hit at my next garden party. 

I can always count on Thug Kitchen to sass-i-fy my taste buds. 

Try their Black Bean and Cilantro Pesto Wrap recipe here.

Or, maybe their recipe for Fresh Corn and Herb Pasta Salad will fill your belly. 

My personal favorite is to fire-up the grill, throw some veggies in a tinfoil packet and cover them with cilantro. I mean, C O V E R  them. 

So...is your mouth watering yet?
No? What's wrong with you? 
Fine. You like Pinterest? Go re-pin the crap out of these cilantro-loving recipes.
Go ahead, we'll wait....... 

Now that you're finally on board...
Tips to growing cilantro, so you can actually eat it:

I'm not about to reinvent the wheel, here. Or regurgitate what someone else has already said. I'm just going to link-love the heck out of helpful articles.

1. Learn how to start your seeds inside, because I know you're desperate to get your fingers dirty. Here's that article.

2. A video (with kickass intro music) from The Small Town Garden, showing how to start cilantro seeds outside, right here.

3. The best damn way to grow cilantro, once its sprouted, right here. <<< Seriously, this is how you do it.

Just be sure keep your big bad cilantro protected from extreme heat, or you're not going to be enjoying it sprinkled all over your corn on cob, come July. 

That'd be a real tragedy. 

In cliantro-loving closing, 

Hot weather.

Hot fires.

Hot colors. I mean, this is hot.

Hot spices. Gosh, how I'm obsessed with Spiceologist, specifically their chile spices. 

And naturally, I love hot peppers.

So clearly, I was school-girl giddy when the Big Bad Boss decided we'd offer five hot pepper seed varieties for the 2015 growing season. Peppers so damn hot, you'll need your very own milking cow. 

Seriously, if you love hot peppers, I'd consider moving to the country. Or at least looking into your city's Bovine ordinance. You're going to need that cow. 

Or a understanding farmer. 

Ghost Pepper
25 Big Bad Seeds
$5.99

You're going to need a gallon of milk to go along with this hot pepper.

Huffington Post rates this pepper as one of the hottest to touch your tongues. Seriously. See for yourself, here.
Personally, ridiculously anxious to make this Ghost Chile Hot Sauce from Jeanette over here.

Thai Hot Pepper
25 Big Bad Seeds
$3.99

Thailand knows hot. Thai Hot pepper is sure to put some kick in whatever dish you're preparing.

Jeanette has another great recipe for this hottie: Fresh Thai Chili Garlic Sauce.

Scotch Bonnet Red Pepper
25 Big Bad Seed
$2.99

You might need a shot of scotch after a bite of this pepper.

Pair jerk chicken with this recipe from Helen Graves for Smoked Pepper and Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce.

Monster Jalapeno Hot Pepper
15 Big Bad Seeds
$2.99

Monster-size your jalapeno taste buds.

While you already know I love hotness, my favorite "hot" dish is nachos. Make these Spicy Beer-Cheese Sauce nachos from Chili Pepper Madness, and pile on the jalapenos. 

Monster Hot Cayenne Pepper
15 Big Bad Seeds
$2.99

Because we prefer our cayenne peppers bigger and badder than the rest. 

Other than salsa and nachos, my next favorite way to eat hot peppers is after they've been grilled together with potatoes, carrots and cilantro. Here's a quick and easy way to make a mixed, foil pack of goodies, including cayenne pepper.
Oh, and Comso has a nice round up of cayenne pepper ideas over here.

So...which pepper are you going to go with? 
Maybe all five? 
I understand. You like it hot, just like me. 

Did I mention, free shipping? No? 
Whoops.
Well, now ya know.

Milking cow image credit