A fun mixture of Pink Peonies, Blue Hosta, and Coreopsis!
Happy Gardening!
It’s Peony Season
Tag: ct backyard bouquets
Extending Hydrangea’s Bloom Season
I have been doing an experiment the past few seasons to extend or delay my Hydrangea tree’s bloom time. In the picture below, the bottom half of the tree was pruned back the 3rd week in June while the top half was pruned back the 2nd week in July. In turn this pushes the bloom time back. The rule of thumb is that this can be done on the Panicle or Annabelle Hydrangeas. Do not prune back traditional macrophylla Hydrangeas and expect blooms the same year (although some new hybrids allow this).
Another benefit to pruning the stems back by 1/2 the length, is that the shorter stems have less tendency to bend which allows the flowers stay vertical (which I prefer).
So if you’re looking to time Hydrangea blooms for a party or to just extend the blooming season in your garden, don’t be scared to cut Hydrangeas back early in the season.
Happy Gardening!
Red, White and Blue Firecracker
I’m getting ready for the 4th of July with this rambunctious mixture of Hydrangeas in a bold red vase. This mixture features 3 types of Hydrangea: Incrediball Hydrangea, Pee Wee Oakleaf Hydrangea, and Let’s Dance Moonlight Hydrangea.
Did you know that Oakleaf Hydrangea have a subtle and pleasant fragrance? Plus they are one of the first Hydrangeas to bloom!
Happy Gardening!
No time, no problem!
Do you want to enjoy fresh and colorful cut flowers, but you don’t have a green thumb? Or maybe you just don’t have the time or space to garden? Well here are two great alternatives to purchasing traditional arrangements from your local florist…. “Pick-Your-Own” flowers at a local farm and roadside farm stands.
The benefits of these programs are numerous. Not only are you supporting local farms with your purchase, you are supporting your surrounding eco-system. How you ask? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a diverse variety of flowers provide significant nutritional and health benefits for bees and other pollinators when compared to monoculture.
Furthermore, you benefit as the buyer. Whether the arrangements are just for your kitchen table or perhaps an event you are hosting, this is an inexpensive way to get bold, colorful and local flowers at a fraction of the cost when compared to a store bought bouquet.
More so this method allows you to get out and immerse yourself in nature. Call up your friends, grab your pruners and head to a local farm to have a flower cutting party. Bring your fresh flower cuttings back and have a fun, relaxing time, making arrangements with friends over wine and music!
Or if you are really in a rush, there are many local farms that offer pre-cut and arranged flowers at their roadside stand! So grab some cash and go support that local farmer’s roadside stand!
Below is a list of just a few places that I have personally used. Please share your local Pick-Your-Own flower farms and roadside stands in the comment box!
Special thanks to my friend who supplied this picture of her own Pick-Your-Own flower arrangement that she made for her daughter’s birthday party.
Local Pick-Your-Own Flowers or Roadside Stands
Scott’s Farm and Greenhouses, Essex, CT
Rosedale Farm and Vineyards, Weatogue, CT
The Ryan Family Flower Farm, Simsbury, CT