Tips for lasting flowers

Fresh flowers can definitely cheer up the bluest of moods and add some life and warmth to a room. Their beauty, freshness, aroma and the fact that they are only in that vase for a short time reminds you to enjoy them while you are fortunate enough to have them around. Here are some tips to ensure your flowers stay fresh as long as possible:

1. Change water every 24 hours to discourage bacterial growth. Nothing kills flowers faster than having to drink dirty water. To change water, gently lift the flowers up, dump the old water and then put new water in the vase. 
2. Remove any flower from the arrangement that have faded so it does not contaminate the other flowers. 
3. Keep it away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, televisions, appliances or heating or cooling units, which give off heat and wilt flowers. 
4. If possible, re-cut stems with a sharp floral knife or clippers every other day. When trimming flowers, cut stems at a 45 degree angle. This exposes the greatest surface area of the stem and allows the flower to absorb as much water as it can. 
5. Be sure that there is no foliage at or below the waterline as those leaves will decay and cause the growth of bacteria. 
6. Avoid placing flowers beside fruits or vegetables as they give off ethylene, which is a gaseous hormone (not harmful to humans) in the plant that induces the flower to drop its petals and become a fruit.

Treat yourself with some flowers today!  

Spring flowers

Summer solstice occurred just two days ago. I feel like this past spring was more beloved than any other due to record-breaking and long winter. I love Chicago but our winters are torturous! It was great to finally see the ground after four months of snow cover. Spring blooms were so delightful to see and smell for those of us who were winter-weary.

In celebration of spring, here are pics of my favorite April, May and early June blooms as seen in gardens around the neighborhood and the flower markets:

snowdrops are one of the earliest spring flowers to bloom and often don't wait for the snow to melt before emerging

tulips, of course (may's flower of the month)

anemones

sweet peas

daffodils (April's flower of the month)

 hyacinths - smells like heaven

magnolias

grape hyacinths (aka muscari)

lilacs - smells so amazing it breaks my heart

peonies, the queen bee of the season (also June's flower of the month)

ranunculus (March's flower of the month)

irises

And now, bring on the summer flowers! Hydrangeas, roses, dahlias, zinnias and more!!!

Flower of the month: peonies

For June, let's honor peonies! This time of year, I see them everywhere--neighbors' gardens, farmers' markets, flower shops and grocery stores. They make an exceptional cut flower. They're quite simple to arrange and really make a florist's job easy. Their large blossoms and sturdy stems make an excellent addition to any bouquet. Just a single stem in a small vase is gorgeous. Some brides purposely select a wedding date in May or June so they're able to use peonies in their wedding, and I don't blame them. They're so feminine and full of beauty. I'm also in love with their sweet scent. Unfortunately, they are expensive as their bloom time is only a few weeks.

As for tips, here are a few:
1. They drink a lot of water, which makes it especially important to refresh the vase daily with clean water.
2. Ideally, they should be cut or purchased in bud stage (about the size of a tennis ball), but the bud should not be too tight as it may be a sign that the flower was picked prematurely.
3. If harvesting from your own garden (lucky you!), clip them early in the morning or late in the evening when they are most hydrated.

 peony arrangement with daffodils, snapdragons, and lilac 

a simple arrangement of pink peonies. photo taken towards the end of the flowers' life span. still so beautiful.

at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where they have millions of peonies in bloom right now

more peonies at the Chicago Botanic Garden 

yup, peonies at the Chicago Botanic Garden 

my pug, Manny, in front of peony plants near our house (he was very excited to take this picture as you can tell) 

a bouquet of white peonies with another one of my favorite, mock orange. this arrangement smelled like paradise.

Paris in the springtime

"Though I often looked for one, I finally had to admit that there could be no cure for Paris"

- Ernest Hemingway

I wholeheartedly agree with Ernest. Paris is incomparable, especially for a flower enthusiast. Since the 19th century, Paris has had open markets and flower carts as their culture dictates that flowers are not just for special occasions, but rather an everyday part of life. My photos of spring blooms when I was there this month last year: