The Late Summer Garden

Mid-August and our gardens are starting to look a bit tired. Clean up the dead matter. cut and trim wherever necessary. Now sit back and enjoy a new look. Enjoy the pods and textures before you.

Take in the new color palette created by the foliages of perennials that have bloomed. Bask in the changing light that the August sun brings.  And enjoy the treat of the late bloomers-those wonderful selections that extend the life of the garden. You can still enjoy the efforts of your work, but in a whole new way. It is a gift twice given.



Easter is Almost Here


Ah, Spring.  Easter! 
Celebrate this holiday with flowers on your table.  Choose the best of  the spring blooms that
include tulips (of course), roses, ranunculus, lilies, lilacs, hydrangeas, iris, and so many more.  An arrangement in clear glass, or better yet, flowers in your own container will be the perfect compliment to your holiday dinner.  Look around your home and you might be surprised at the different pieces that can serve as a container for your bouquet.  Find something interesting that does not take away from the overall appearance of the table.  Bring home flowers to fill it or take it to your florist and let them do it for you.  Be creative. Be inventive. Celebrate!

Wedding Season is Here!

Planning a wedding for 2011? Don't delay selecting a florist. In fact, most brides have done so some time ago.  Make sure you are able to communicate your taste and your needs to your wedding flower specialist.  You may have to visit several designers to find the floral artist that can translate your feelings into flowers.

This is your special day so it is important to remove any stress or worry by choosing the right people to make your wedding dreams come true. Do be realistic. Be realistic about your budget, your style, what works!  Once you have chosen the professional to handle your flowers, trust that person to make the necessary suggestions and choices to accomplish the look you desire. Planning a wedding for 2012? Start looking for your floral professional now. It's not too early.

Orchids-Plant or Cut Stems?

An orchid plant is a long blooming treat for the home or office. But, when it is done blooming, you will have to wait a considerable amount of time to see new blossoms. A nice alternative to the plant is cut orchid stems. They are long lasting as cut flowers and are striking additions to any room. Whether positioned in a simple vase or  more formal design, you will enjoy the elegance and versatility of cut orchids.

Decorating with Flowers

Some spectacular flowers with a more contemporary feel can be the perfect additon to a room. Even the chrome and minimalist look of a space is enhanced by the right type of floral arrangement. Flowers always make a statement. They add color, life, drama. Even a few well chosen blooms in a simple vase can bring a new dimension to any area of your home or office.

Spring is Flower Show Time

Yes, we're ready for Spring here in the Northeast. If you live where there is snow, it has been a very white winter. It's too soon to get out in our gardens but not to soon to be inspired. Seed catalogs are a start but why not check out your community's local flower show. Many of the larger metropolitan areas host them, including the oldest flower show in America: Philadelphia. Considered the granddaddy of them all, it is a great treat for the winter weary soul.  In New England, consider the Boston or Rhode Island shows. (Or visit Tower Hill Botannical Garden in Boylston, MA. You will have a wonderful visit any time of the year.)

Feeling really adventurous. Travel to Keukenhof, the Netherlands, for an incredible display. The Dutch Flower Show is from Mar 24 to May 20 with more varieties of tulips than you knew existed. They suggest the first week of May is the ideal time but what time could be bad when you are surrounded by so much beauty!

Can't do any of the above? Check out what your area has to offer. You might be surprised. It will be just what you need. Have fun!

Getting Ready!

Have you started your seeds yet. Some plants benefit from being started right now. Others can be started a bit later. Read the suggestions on the packages to determine the right time to start your seeds indoors. Starting seeds now allows you to get a head start on the garden when it is planting time. Caution: some plants do better planted right into the ground or pot. Some of your early vegetables like to be started in the colder spring, and other vegetables and flowers like to be put in the earth when it is warmer. If this is your first time at a garden, there is lots of good advice available. Stop by your local garden center. They are ready and willing to help.

If starting seeds is not your thing, you can purchase the starter plants at the right time for planting. And your local nursery can advise you on what plants to purchase.