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.

About Those Valentine's Day Roses

How to Care for Your Roses

If they are boxed or wrapped, find a vase that is big enough to accommodate your roses. Fill it with room temperature water and then follow the directions on the floral preservative package that should be  enclosed with the roses. Remove any foliage from the roses that will be below the water line in your vase. The ideal way to cut the stems is to cut them under water in a large bowl or clean sink. Cut two inches off each stem and immediately place each rose in the vase as you cut them. Make sure to cut the stems on an angle with a sharp knife. No foliage should remain below the water line in your vase. Display in a cool area---away from heat source and direct sunlight. Near heat sources such as televisions and appliances, or under a ceiling fan,  is not a good idea! Re-cut stems approximately every 3 days and keep the vase water fresh. 

Did your roses arrive already arranged in a vase?

When the flowers arrive, check the water level in the vase and add water, if needed. Use the floral preservative provided as needed. Keep the water level high and check every day. Display in an area described above.

What happens if a rose wilts or drops?

This does not necessarily mean that is is a bad rose.  It may just not be taking up water as it should. Remove the rose from the vase, submerge it entirely in a pan, re-cut with a sharp knife, and leave underwater for about an hour. Then re-cut and place immediately back into the vase.

NOTE:

Please do not use a scissors or shears to cut  roses or any flowers. What you might think is a sharp instrument may end up pinching the stem that you cut and thus destroy its water intake capacity. And do remember to cut stems on an angle. This allows more area to take up water and does not allow the stem to lay flat on the bottom of the container.

How to Care for Your Cut Flowers

Loose cut flowers are a treat to grab on a whim or for a special occasion. To enjoy the fresh cut blooms you bring home, take a few simple steps to ensure their lasting quality. Immediately remove the cellophane wrap and clean the stems of each blossom.  Fill a CLEAN vase with fresh water and add the preservative that accompanied your purchase.  Room temperature water is best. Take off all foliage on the flowers that will be below the water line of your vase. Re-cut each stem with a sharp knife, on an angle, and immediately place in the vase. Do not cut all flowers and then place in the vase.  Perfect! Display your arrangement in a cool area away from direct sun or a heat source. Keep water level up in vase and add preservative if needed. If water gets murky, change water, rinse vase, and re-cut stems.   Most important, enjoy your creation!

Freshening Our Homes!

With another storm approaching, and our closed up homes, its time to freshen the air with plants. They help clean the air and also bring some Spring into a space. When you enjoy a plant in the right area, it not only gives you a lift, but also helps purify the air. Try an English Ivy, or Spathiphyllum (peace) lily. Or maybe a Boston Fern or one of the palms. You will feel better and breathe better, too! And a nice plant is always good to decorate a spot. It can be just the right touch. Plants are an affordable, green way to add color and life to any room. secretgardenblooms.com

Bring Spring into Your Home or Office

Tired of the snow and cold. House looking dreary after the holiday decorations are down. An inexpensive way to add a touch of Spring is with a bunch of our colorful Dutch tulips. Stop in and experience a lift immediately.  Only 7.99 for 10 stems. Just for you. Feel Better?!! You will. The Secret Garden-462 Winthrop St - Rehoboth, MA 02769