POPPIES IN SPRING ARRANGEMENTS - Delicate-looking plants are really very hardy

A bouquet of poppies is a magnificent thing of color in the spring months. Although not terribly long-lasting in spring arrangements, there are a few things that can be done to ensure the longest possible vase life. First, make sure that the poppy is in bud stage. Those showing a bit of color work great. Cut stems early in the morning before the sun comes up, or, if you can do it then, after the sun sets is second best. Have a container of cool water with water preservative close by to plunge the newly cut stems in. When ready to arrange, re-cut the stem under water.This opens the seal the stem of the flower automatically produces when cut. Some say to sear the ends with a match, or "smash" the ends of the stem with a hammer. I have even cut 1-2" cuts up the stem. But, I have found the most successful thing is to cut the stem at an angle at the proper time, immediately putting in water, then re-cutting the stem underwater and immediately arranging. After arranging, keep in a dark, cool room if possible until time for display. Keep the arrangement out of direct sunlight and out of drafts.

Ruffled Patty Oriental Poppy

 

Royal Wedding Oriental Poppy

Harlem Oriental Poppy (re-bloomer)

Raspberry Queen Oriental Poppy

Queen Alexandria Oriental Poppy

Miss Piggy Oriental Poppy

Brilliant Oriental Poppy

Patty's Plum Oriental Poppy

SPRING TREE PEONY BLOOMS WITH SINGLE LATE TULIPS - A romantic color palette

The first blooms of romantic tree peony blooms, paired with the delicate colors of a variety of single late tulips make this arrangement of April 19th an eye-pleaser.  The peony blooms, when fully open, can be as large as 8-10" across.  Pink and white-colored lupine finish the arrangement off. Peonies used are light pink "Yoshina-Gawa," white  "Sugared Silk," and red "Shimi-Nishiki."

As always, choose flowers that are in the bud stage, or close to it.  Harvest blooms before the sun comes up, or after dusk in the early evening, after the sun has gone down.  I always immediately plunge the cut stems in cool water.  When ready to arrange, cut an additional 1-inch off stem under water.  This unseals the stem end so water can continue to travel up the stem to give water to the bloom.  Arrange, and keep in a cool, dry, dark place until ready to use.  Change water every other day if possible.