Snip-Snip: Tips for the Summer Cutting Garden
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., July 31, 2012 – In the dog days of summer while many of us wilt under the intense sun, summer-flowering bulbs give us their best show of color. Dramatic dahlias, striking gladioli and elegant lilies douse the garden in a rainbow of hues. They also make excellent cut flowers that come together in easy arrangements even a novice can master.
To make the most of summer's blossoms, Dig.Drop.Done flower bulb expert Amy Dube provides some insightful tips on bringing color indoors.
Putting the "Cut" in Cutting Garden
Gladioli
Gladioli bloom from the bottom up. The best time to cut the gladioli stem is when one or two of the lower flower buds start to show color. The cut stems can last up to two weeks indoors.
Lilies
To prevent pollen stains from getting on table tops, hands or clothing, remove the stamen from the inside of the lily before you bring it inside. If the lily bud is half bloomed you can easily pull off the stamens because they have not yet been pollinated. However, if the lily has fully bloomed you'll need to use scissors to remove the pollinated stamens.
If a flower becomes wilted on the stem simply cut it off, as the other buds will continue to bloom
Dahlias
To maximize the vase life of dahlias, cut them in the early morning before the blooms get warm or in the evening after the temperature drops. Dahlias do not like to be out of water, so place cut stems directly into a vase/bucket of water. Remove any leaves that may fall below the water level in the vase and change the water every few days.
Calla Lilies
To maximize the vase life of dahlias, cut them in the early morning before the blooms get warm or in the evening after the temperature drops. Dahlias do not like to be out of water, so place cut stems directly into a vase/bucket of water. Remove any leaves that may fall below the water level in the vase and change the water every few days.
Compose Yourself
You don’t have to be a florist to craft impressive arrangements. Combine your imagination with the guidelines below to transform your outdoor beauties into interior bouquets.
- Use one flower and one color. Whether it's a single stem or a mass, the effect is greater, and it is easier to arrange.
- Allow flowers to have a good drink of water for four to five hours, and preferably overnight, before arranging. This allows the stems to fill up with water and the flowers to become crisp. These flowers will last twice as long.
- Work in odd numbers: one, three, five or seven stems
- Cut flowers shorter to create a fuller effect.
- Use "non-glass" vases so you don't see the water, which may need to be refreshed after a day or two.
- Use warm water, as flowers take up warm water more readily than cold. This will help the cut flower last a little longer.
- Don't fill vases to the top with water. Foliage beneath the water line will rot and pollute the vase which feeds bacteria, causes odors and limits flower life.
About Dig.Drop.Done.
Dig.Drop.Done™ is a three-year, North American educational campaign to introduce flowering bulbs to a new generation of potential gardeners and demystify the bulb-growing process. Through a website, digital and print advertising, social media and public relations, the campaign will show women just how simple, beautiful and rewarding flowering bulbs can be. For more information, visit www.DigDropDone.com.
Contact
Mary Leigh Howell
maryleigh@woodbine.com
(336) 317-7713