Fresh-cut flowers are one of the many bonuses of gardening. Tammy Algood of the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service shares some tips for arranging and displaying cut flowers. Keep in mind that it's better to cut flowers the day before you plan to arrange them. Place them in a deep bucket filled with lukewarm water, and allow them to sit in a cool location overnight. This conditions the flowers so they'll last longer. When you cut flowers from your garden, you're doing your plants and yourself a favor. If you remove flowers before the plant can set seed, you strengthen the plant by sparing it the energy that would've gone into seed production. And many plants will rebloom if cut back after the first flush. Tulips tend to droop once they've been cut. To correct that tendency, roll cut flowers tightly in newspaper, and place them in a bucket of warm water overnight. This will toughen up the stems and encourage them to stay in an upright position. Flowers that ooze sap -- sunflowers, for example -- need special treatment. Seal the cut ends with the flame from a match or lighter to preserve them longer. Or plunge the cut stems into boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove roses' foliage and thorns before arranging them. Work from the bud downward to put less stress on the stem. Floral shears make the job easier. The woody stems of plants such as lilacs should be crushed with a hammer before you arrange the blossoms. This allows the stem to take up more water. Flowers need support in a vase, and you can provide it with a needle frog, Oasis floral foam, cage frogs or glass marbles. You can make your own flower supports by crushing chicken wire and placing it in the bottom of a vase.
RESOURCES :
For plants from Wolf River Valley Farms
Wolf River Valley Farms
Pall Mall, TN 38577
Fax: 1-931-879-5479
Email: pwpg@twlakes.net
Website: www.wolfriver.net
GUESTS :
Tammy Algood
UT Agricultural Extension Service
5201 Marchant Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-5201
Phone: 615-834-5162
Fax: 615-832-0043
Email: Talgood1@utk.edu
Website: http://www.utextension.utk.edu
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