Courtesy of Shawn Johnson / Target
21.01.2024 - 19:01 / backyardgardener.com
Whether you are planning a birthday party or a formal dinner for business associates, flowers can play an important role in the decorations. But you don’t have to settle for run-of-the-mill, one-color arrangements of carnations and daisies. Why not key the floral decor to the season or holidays and special events in the month?
Did you know that just as there are birthstones for every month, so are there official flowers? Arrangements or individual place settings featuring the “flower of the month” are perfect for birthday parties, as well as other gatherings. Some holidays also are associated with certain colors, such as orange and black for Halloween and red and white for Valentine’s Day.
Before selecting the flowers, you will need to decide on the theme and setting for your party. Will it be indoors or outside? A formal sit-down affair or informal buffet? Consider your space to determine where to best display flowers.
Your budget also will play into the selection. You may choose to have fewer arrangements or use flowers in season instead of exotic blooms, for example. Your florist can best advise you on these matters.
If you decorate the day before the party, keep your floral arrangements fresh by topping off the containers with water. Mist the blooms, then cover loosely with a thin layer of plastic. Keep in a cool place to prevent wilting.
If buying loose blooms, or cutting them from your garden, choose flowers with firm petals and buds that are just beginning to open. Recut the stems under water. Remove any foliage that will be below the water line.
Fill the vase or container with warm water mixed with floral preservatives. If using floral foam, soak thoroughly before arranging blooms. Then place arrangements in a cool
Courtesy of Shawn Johnson / Target
What better way to brighten your garden in the early part of Spring than with the enchanting Primrose? February welcomes this resilient and vibrant perennial, transforming outdoor spaces into a riot of colours. With its delicate petals and soothing fragrance, the Primrose stands as a symbol of hope and renewal, making it the perfect choice for garden enthusiasts looking to usher in the blossoming season.
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Although insect pests and plant diseases are generally easy to control in the flower garden, animal pests are not. For one, much of our wildlife is protected by law and can’t be indiscriminately eliminated. You may have variable success with repellents, depending on your location or timing. If the animals are not very hungry or population pressures are not too great, repellents may be enough to discourage invaders. But then again, there’s no guarantee that they’ll work.
This is also available in Spanish – Celebre el Mes Americano del Corazón.
True blue flowers are hard to find in many gardens although Purple, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve and Violet exist in many shades. Since there are no true blue Roses, Peonies, Dahlias, Daffodils or even Tulips these showy flowers are out. So if you find a good strong blue then stick to it and use it with great abandon.
Once orchids bloom, we all want their beautiful flowers to stay forever! However, as that’s too much to ask for, we can help you keep them fresh for a long time!
I wasn’t aware that it was the end of the month until it no longer was the end of the month, and the new month of February instead – this is becoming a habit! As my EOMV posts are as much for my own records as anything else, I shall whizz through it with just photographs this month and (may) be better prepared next month… You can check out the usual locations the photographs are taken from by looking at the ‘Route of Video Tours’ under The Garden tab.
We bring you a beautiful array of blooms that resemble impatiens but also offer a different charm with their vivid hues and lush foliage!
As part of your Premium access, you can send your gardening questions to our horticultural experts each month. They will then answer a selection of the questions they receive, and share the advice at the end of the month.
These blooming specimens are according to the twelve months of the year to ensure you get flowers 365 days annually!