ECHINACEA AND OT LILIES FOR SUMMER ARRANGEMENTS -- STRIKING COLOR FROM THE GARDEN

A favorite arrangement from the 2016 year was this one in luscious colors of coral-raspberry and light, creamy yellow.

The flowers chosen for this 'bouquet' arrangement were OT lilies "Holland Beauty," and "Satisfaction."  Holland Beauty might be my favorite OT Lily. Some call these kinds of lilies tree lilies, as they grow 6 or more feet tall, with thick stalks. They have the best characteristics of Oriental lilies and Trumpet lilies--the size, the fragrance, and the hardiness.  I love OT lilies, and they do very well here in zone 6. The daisies are a dwarf variety, which are shorter growing, but full-sized blooms, called "Banana Cream."  And, one of my very favorite echinaceas, "Hot Papaya," a stunning, double bloom of rich red, coral and raspberry color. 

MULTI-COLOR SUMMER ARRANGEMENTS with DINNER PLATE DAHLIAS, GLADIOLA, LILIES and STATE FAIR ZINNIAS

Bright colors in a myriad of warm tones make up the July 26th arrangement. Gladiola's are used again, and they will continue blooming until early fall, after planting them at two-week intervals through late spring.The mix today has yellow, white, pink, purple, and a multi-colored pink, red and white blooms.The first dinner plate dahlias of the season are out, and Kelvin Floodlight is one of my favorite yellows. State Fair zinnias, which will bloom through the fall until a killing frost and the last of the lilies, Flash Point, an OT lily. OT lilies are crosses between a trumpet lily and an Oriental lily--with the best of both combined. I like them in my garden zone 6 because they are more hardy and long-lived than the Orientals.

LILIES AND GLADIOLAS - FLORAL ARRANGEMENT 2014

The OT LILY CONCA D'OR, standing 6 feet plus, makes an aromatic arrangement, paired with colorful gladiolas today. The huge lilies, measuring up to 9" across, are very fragrant, filling the yard with their sweet scent. The GLADIOLAS have started blooming, and they provide a nice backdrop in the arrangement. When arranging, leave space for the buds you have to bloom by envisioning the size of the bloom fully opened. As always, cut after sunset or before sunrise, and plunge immediately in water, re cutting the stem an inch and arranging with a floral preservative. Keep out of drafts, or bright, hot areas.  Lilies can last up to two weeks if picked in bud stage. Remove anthers for a longer vase left.

2014 FLORAL ARRANGEMENT - USING LILIES, ZINNIAS and DELPHINIUM

The fragrant, giant OT LILIES are beginning to bloom, as well as the last of the ASIATIC LILIES. Together with colorful STATE FAIR ZINNIAS, my favorite DAISY from my Grandma Holland's garden, the first GLADIOLA of the year, and bright blue bush DELPHINIUM, this arrangement will have a long-lasting vase life.  As always, cut at dusk, or early in the morning before the sun is up.  Plunge immediately in water with a floral preservative.  Keep out of bright, direct light for a longer vase life.  Change water if possible, every other day.

State Fair Zinnias

First GLADIOLA bloom of the year

My favorite DAISY
The start came from my Grandma's garden 35 years ago

Bright Blue Bush Delphinium

Fragrant HOLLAND BEAUTY - a favorite OT lily

I love these 36" + STATE FAIR ZINNIAS--they'll bloom until frost

You can see fragrant SALTERO Lily (left) and Fragrant CONCA D'OR lily (right)

DAYLILIES, ZINNIAS, LILIES, AND GLADIOLA BLOOMING TODAY

The summer blooms are well underway in the garden. Bright blooms of DAYLILIES and STATE FAIR ZINNIA are always a welcome sight in the flower beds, as well as the sweet aroma that fills the air from all the OT, ASIATIC and ORIENTAL LILIES.  Some of the OT LILIES are 5 feet tall, with 21 buds for blooms in their second year!  And, even if their bloom lasts only a day, the DAYLILIES bring a much welcome kaleidoscope of color. And, the GLADIOLA are in various stages of growth--some blooming, some just breaking through the soil, and  a couple of different stages in between that.  The bright blue bush delphinium is still going strong, making the yard colorful, as well as roses, daisies, love-in-mist, petunias, lavender and a few garden mums.  It's a nice time of year.