FALL ARRANGEMENTS of ROSES AND ZINNIAS - the last blooms are colorful and large

I love the fall colors of the roses and zinnias in the flower beds. When the nights get longer and the temperatures dip, the colors are brighter, and the blooms get larger. This year was no exception; the hybrid tea roses, with their last buds of the year, and the last blooms of the State Fair zinnias, before the temperatures nip the foliage, have been stellar! This arrangement showcases the lively colors of the last blooms of roses, zinnias, delphinium, geranium and garden mums. 

To get ready for winter, if the roses have some tall canes 5 or more feet high, I prune them back to 3-4 feet. This helps to protect cane breakage in the snowy winter months. I also make sure the base has a layer of mulch to protect them in case of extremely cold temperatures during the winter months, which occurs quite often here in zone 6. The zinnias are pulled out; they are an annual.  To preserve seed to scatter for next spring, take dried blooms and shake into an envelope. The tiny seeds can be stored in the refrigerator. Delphinium readily reseed, and I let them do this naturally, moving small seedlings next spring to areas I want them. Garden mum stalks are cut to the ground; they will have a new growth at the base that you will see when you cut the stalks down.

ARRANGEMENTS - RED, WHITE & BLUE FOR THE 4TH OF JULY

I always like to do a few arrangements in red, white and blue for the month of July.  June 29th was the first of three arrangements done in these colors. It's interesting to see what's blooming in these colors year to year. Since Mother Nature doesn't always follow a schedule, the flowers in bloom will be different each year.This year, the red Asiatic lilies I usually use had already bloomed a week or two prior. The red and white gladiola weren't quite ready for bloom. Luckily, the first flush of bush delphinium were in bloom. Bright blue delphinium are great to use in arrangements; they have an extra-long vase life. I have 4 different daises in the garden, and used 3 varieties--Shasta daisy, Crazy Daisy and one I call Grandma's daisy-mum, because it looks like a mum; I took a start of it from my Grandma's several years ago. I have transplanted it in many places throughout the gardens and have shared it with several friends. I have never seen this variety in any nurseries, so I haven't been able to name the beautiful and long-lasting flower. However, I had to buy some small red button carnations, having no red in the garden. 

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.