I think your idea of turning them into flowers is very logical.
The squiggly lines along the "ditch" is easier than trying to make a perfectly straight line (ask me how I know <g>) and, your flowers/petals will lead you to more adventurous quilting. You have no place to go but up from here on out! Beautiful quilt, beautiful colors, good work and a plan.... life doesn't get much better than that, does it? :D