LAVENDER AND LILIES - Spring Pinks and Purples

The arrangement for June 22nd contains the large, 6-8" medium clear pink LA lily, CAMELOT. It is one of the first lilies to bloom in my zone 6 garden. The 36" tall blooms have great substance, but no scent. ROYAL RESPECT, an Asiatic lily, 4-5" across, is pure white. The MUNSTEAD lavender, with its tiny violet-purple florets, has a wonderful scent, and lasts forever--either in arrangements or as a dried flower. Dried, it still has that wonderful aroma that reminds me of my childhood.  To dry, bunch stems together and tie with an elastic band, and dry upside down in a cool, dark place. I always arrange the blooms with several in bud stage, and others just opening. This ensures an extra-long vase life.

SPRING TULIPS, DAFFODILS AND EARLY TREE PEONIES -- Perfect for colorful arrangements

Blooms that were available for the April 5th arrangement were some of my favorite single Triumph tulips-- Bright, dark rose, 24" 'Don Quichotte' and 26" bright yellow 'Big Smile.' My earliest tree peony, 'Sugared Silk,' with it's light pinkish buds open up to huge, white, silk-looking blooms with dark centers. Daffodil 'Mount Hood' a large, pure white award-winner with a lacy cup, and has long lasting blooms. Double daffodil 'Ice King' has a ruffled white petals and a fully double sulfur-yellow cup with white highlights. The flower container was a fun find at a local thrift store for 50 cents. I frequent the thrift stores to check out vases and have found some very nice finds. As always, cut flowers after the sun is down, or before it comes up.  Use a floral preservative, and cut stems on an angle for maximum water absorption.  This arrangement will last a week to 10 days.