GIANT ALLIUMS, ROSES AND LILIES IN JUNE

By June, the huge globe alliums are in bloom. Some, like long-lasting Globemaster, reach 10" across, with hundreds of blue-violet florets. Alliums have foliage that emerges early in the spring, and Globemaster's leaves remain green longer than other varieties. Violet Gladiator and white White Empress, with 6-8" spheres, are also reliable and beautiful varieties that grow well in my zone 6 garden.  The first flush of hybrid tea roses are still in bloom, and a favorite, long-stemmed Brandy, is a luscious color of soft apricot-peach. Tree lily Conca d' Or, with its 6-feet tall stems, grows more beautiful each year. Lilies are exceptionally long-lasting in the vase, especially if the pollen ends of the anthers are snipped off. Alliums are also long-lasting in the vase.This June 14th arrangement will last well over a week with proper cutting--early in the morning or after dusk--using a floral preservative and keeping it out of direct sunlight or drafts.

SPRING FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS 2014

Spring is winding down, and the early summer plants are blooming.  This weeks arrangement features the very fragrant OT lily Conca d'Or--just one bloom of this aromatic lily can fill an entire room with its wonderful scent!  Red Asiatic lilies, and an assortment of colorful hybrid tea roses finish off the arrangement. I added the bright blue delphinium as well as an after thought. When using lilies for arrangements, if you don't want their stamens to dust the petals with their pollen, simply snip them off. (See close up of yellow OT lily) They do, however, add an extra focal point to the arrangement, which I really like. The pollen stains, so be careful when handling, or rubbing up against these beauties.  As always, cut in early morning before the sun comes out, or in the evening after sunset.  Recut stems under water to help preserve the blooms for a longer-life arrangement. Use a floral preservative in your water, and keep in a cool, dark place until displaying.