ROSES, ZINNIAS AND GLADIOLAS -- A COMPATIBLE MIX

Cheery blossoms of a mix of State Fair Zinnias in shades of pink and corals, with cool colors of gladiola and yellow Hybrid tea rose "New Day" make this compact arrangement a lasting bouquet.

These summer, sun-loving blooms require similar soil conditions, fertilizer and care. They will continue to bloom all summer and into the fall until a killing frost.

State Fair Zinnias usually come in a mix---the stalks will bloom in various colors from creamy white to dark red, with yellow, coral, several shades of pink, rose, and fuchsia.

Zinnias are annuals, but propagation is easy. Collect the tiny seeds after the flower has bloomed by taking a piece of paper and shaking the dried flower over it. Store seeds in a cool, dark place, then sprinkle in beds in spring when all chance of frost has passed. Thinning may be necessary. When plants are 2-4" tall, careful dig up with the root ball attached and plant where you want it. Or, nurseries have started plants that can be planted out as well. I've done both, and each is successful. 

GLADIOLA -- COLORFUL, EASY-TO-GROW SUMMER BLOOMS

Colorful blooms of gladiola in late July brighten up any day. I plant the corms usually in April, depending on the weather conditions that year.  (Although some are left in the ground through the winter, and they will grow and bloom first). I plant several corms every two weeks, insuring blooms all through the summer months and into fall.

I add some every year to the beds and thin the ones that have stayed in the ground through the winter months. Most that I have used are a mix of colors; I rarely get corms of all one color. I like planting them because they don't take up much room vertically--they're easy to 'tuck in' in areas that don't have much room. I use them where spring blooms are through blooming and a color spot is needed in the beds.

The tall 48-60" glads may need staking. I prefer planting the 36-48" varieties--they are easier to take take of in my garden beds. Plant in full sun in soil that will be moist, but not wet. When cutting for arrangements, since they bloom from the bottom to the top, make sure color is showing on the buds not in bloom. Always use a floral preservative, and keep out of direct sunlight for longer-lasting bouquets.

LOVE-IN-A-MIST -- A RARE TRUE BLUE BLOOM

Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) is a beautiful true blue annual. It is an easy to grow wild flower that is adaptable to most soils. It readily reseeds, so once you have one, you'll be enjoying the unique blooms for years. It blooms from June through killing frosts in the fall.

Lasting several weeks in arrangements, the 12-24" plant does well in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in zones 3-10. It is known for its delicate, feathery foliage.

Two things I like best about these pretty blue flowers is that it blooms in several different shades of blue--from a very light blue to a dark, true blue.  And, once the bloom is spent, lovely seed pods form that are unique and beautiful. They are widely used in arrangements as well as their blue counterparts.  It's a flower that all gardens would benefit from.

LILIES, GLADIOLA & ZINNIAS for SUMMER BOUQUETS and ARRANGEMENTS

August 9th finds the garden lilies coming to an end.  "Anastasia," with it's huge white and pink upward-facing blooms, is very fragrant, and is very long-lasting in arrangements--upwards of two weeks. "Stargazer," a smaller Oriental lily, is also fragrant, and usually blooms a little earlier. Arranged with glads and zinnias, this feminine pink arrangement, in a lime green ceramic container, with wet foam oasis for flower arranging, will be long-lasting. Always use a floral preservative and cut flowers early in the morning or after dusk in the evening.  Keep flowers in a cool, dark place until needed.

RED, WHITE, and BLUE -- Patriotic Summer Arrangements

In Utah the week of the 24th is a special holiday; Utah became a state on that date. So, for the July 19th arrangement, I did a red, white and blue bouquet. Huge red State Fair zinnias, white and red glads, and white glads and daisies, with bright blue bush delphinium make up this festive arrangement. A flag finishes off the look. After the blue delphinium are finished blooming, I let the seed pods dry, then crush the pods and sprinkle the seeds right onto the damp, but not wet, soil. Press slightly, but they need light to germinate, so don't cover. The fresh seed will germinate quickly, and little seedlings will come up. When a couple of inches tall, you can transplant them to areas you desire, or you can just thin them out. Always keep flower arrangements out of direct sun and drafts. Change water every other day if possible, using a floral preservative in the water.