Artistic Flower Arrangements » Buds

I have mutant Peonies

Judy — Sun, 23 May 2010 03:33:19 +0000

This year I decided to put come chicken wire around my peony plants to help keep them from toppling over when the flowers got too heavy. Little did I know that my Peonies would mature to full bloom in what felt was a few days. The day I first put the wire around the flowers, they were approximately 6 inches tall. When I checked on them the next time (4 days later) they were almost to the top of the wire. A few more days later each plant had over two dozen buds on it. About a week later, lo and behold, my peonies were all in bloom in an astonishing period of time. I have included photos below of what they looked like down the side of my driveway. In all there are only twelve plants, but as you can see, it looks like a whole lot more. I really enjoy the beauty of this plant, I only wish they would stay in bloom longer!

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Flower Arranging Tips for the Beginner

Judy — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:57:20 +0000

What can be more special than creating your own flower arrangement for an upcoming holiday or birthday? You will make the gift special and impress your friends and loved ones. The idea may be overwhelming. This is natural when trying something new and you are unsure it will turn out right. If you are creative and have a strong affinity for flowers, than you can do it. It is a lot easier than you think. This article contains suggestions that the pros use when they make those fantastic flower arrangements. By the end of this article, you will be flower arranging like the pros. Refer to flowers for more information.

The first step is picking the right flowers. Try to pick colors and shapes of flowers that will work well together. Place them next to one another and judge how they look. There are occasions that you will want to use the same flower or color of flowers. Sometimes different colors of the same flower might work well together.

Roses, carnations, zinnias, tulips or lilies, usually are the central focus of arrangements. This is because they are single bloom flowers. Think about adding flowers with large stems to make up the back of the arrangement. This helps balance the arrangement out and give it depth. Think about using delphinium, gladiolus, and snapdragons to accomplish this effect. Small buds and multiple buds give an arrangement fullness and density. Babys breath is a good example of this type flower.

The next item that you need to choose is the vase or container that you plan to use. Again, consider the size, shape, and color of the vase. Does it match or clash with your flower arranging choices? Think about the width of the container. Will it be to big or small to hold the number of flowers you have chosen. A good rule of thumb is your container should be about one-third to one-half the size of your flower arrrangement. If you pick a short vase, consider you will have to cut the stems of flowers so that they will fit. With some flowers this will not work. If you have short flowers, they may not reach the water below in the vase.

Once you have your vase and container you are ready to make your arrangement. Begin by cutting each flower stem diagonally about one inch from the bottom. Do this while holding the end of the stem under warm water. This cut will ensure that each stem will be able to absorb water moisture and nutrients efficiently. Fill your vase half way with water. As you cut each flower put them into the container so that they will be in water. You are not arranging them yet.

After you have cut all the flowers, fill your actual vase two thirds of the way with warm water. Look at the vase and make sure that it is not leaking. Begin your arrangement by placing your blossom flowers in the vase. Step away and see how it looks. If you judge that the stems are too long you will need to cut them. You may run into the flowers being too short. You may need to change the container if this is the case. You can also add stones or marbles into the bottom of the vase.

Continue to add flowers and cut them as you need to change the proportions and look to your arrangement. As you add more flowers, they will stay in position better.

Once you have completed your arrangement, make sure that you pick the perfect place to display your work of art. It should be in a cool place that is not too drafty. Change the water on a regular basis. If you have trouble getting inspired, look in magazines and websites that have flower arrangement displays. Print them out and try to duplicate them on your own. You may even improve on it. Your friends and family will be impressed. Visit flowers for further information.

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Things Seem to be Warming Up a Bit

Judy — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:10:35 +0000

Weather seems to be turning a bit warmer. Some buds have started to appear on the magnolia bush. I hope the freezing temps are over, I would hate to lose the flowers. I’m looking forward to the warmer weather. Would like to get out and plant a new flower garden this spring. One that the deer won’t devour before the blooms appear. I’ll probably plant some clover in the back yard for the deer and hope that will detract them from my small garden.

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Facts about Poinsettias

Judy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:03:39 +0000

With the Christmas season upon us I thought some facts about Poinsettias might be of interest. So here they are:

For example, did you know that the poinsettia’s main attraction is not its flowers, but its leaves? The flowers of the plant are the yellow clustered buds in the center. The colored leafy parts are actually bracts or modified leaves.

Red is the most popular color, accounting for roughly three-quarters of all sales nationwide, followed by white and pink. Poinsettias come in a variety of colors from red, salmon, and apricot to yellow, cream, and white. There are also unusual speckled or marbled varieties with several colors blended together. New varieties are introduced yearly with even more variation in height and colors.

Did you know that in the wild, the poinsettia can reach heights of 12 feet with leaves measuring six to eight inches across? It is actually a small tropical tree belonging to the Euphorbia plant family. Its botanical name is Euphorbia pulcherrima although in English-speaking countries it is more commonly known as the poinsettia. A native of southern Mexico, the poinsettia blooms in December and has been used in that country to decorate churches for centuries.

Here’s another bit of information. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day. The United States has observed this official day since the mid-1800s. It honors the man and the plant he introduced, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, who died Dec.12, 1851.

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