TULIPS--Spring-flowering bulbs for arrangements

This spring arrangement is comprised entirely of  one variety of tulip--a single early-blooming pink called "Pink Impression." Even with cool temperatures, bulbs put on a fabulous show of color in early spring. And by planting tulips in the fall, selecting ones that bloom early, mid and late spring, extends the season sometimes up to a month. 

When using in arrangements for lasting quality, cut in the bud stage. They will open up in a day, but the arrangement will last a week or more. Keep out of direct sunlight and drafts. I use a wet florists foam and a floral preservative to ensure longevity.

When selecting tulips, I like to know what the heart looks like. This one has a beautiful blue-green star. Many have black or yellow centers.  I think it's the prettiest part of the flower.

Fully open on day two of the arrangement. 

TULIPS MAKE LONG-LASTING SPRING BOUQUETS -- Combining reds and yellows

Blooming tulips were used in the arrangement for April 12. These vibrant colors are one of my favorite color-combinations from the yellow and red back bed.  Since the tulips will bloom at different times in this bed, these are the early ones that were blooming that were used for the arrangement:  Giant yellow and red Marsella double tulips, with their bright canary yellow double petals, have a red flame on each petal.  The huge blooms can easily reach 6 or more inches across. Single red Emperor tulips have a beautiful black center, as well as the bright yellow Big Smile tulip, that has a very faint red edge. They  make a stunning display. The bed also has several other tulips in yellows, red, and combinations of the two colors.

This bed has blooms from early spring through late spring, with various tulips--early, single, double, parrot, peony, and late tulips. Some have beautiful variegated foliage as well. 

Tulips have a long vase life if cut in the unopened bud stage, and cut either after the sun sets or before it rises. Use a water preservative and keep in an area out of direct sunlight or drafts.  If possible, change the water every other day or so.

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.

SPRING BLOOMS

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year in the garden.

  

ARRANGEMENTS--COLOR FROM THE SPRING GARDEN

This week's arrangement features a variety of mid-bloom daffodils, early tulips, grape and giant hyacinths, and perennial blooms of bleeding heart and Bethlehem sage. Cut stems and plunge immediately in water.  To arrange, recut under water and use a wet foam brick to keep flowers standing nicely. Keep arrangements out of bright, direct sunlight, and use a floral preservative for longer vase life.