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Tag: hydrangea


the summer blues…and purples

16
July

hydrangea overview

Yes, white flowers are my favorite flowers.  Sometimes an exception happens.  When I planned and planted the garden at my current home, I kept a very healthy, well-established hydrangea planted by the previous owner.

hydrangeas in bowl

If I had planted one myself, of course, I would have chosen one with a white bloom. The one in my yard is not white.  So, during the summer, there are a burst of blue and purple from this lone, non-white blooming shrub in the garden!

hydrangea petals

There are so many blooms, that no matter how many I cut to display inside or to give away, there still remains a big pop of color in the garden!

purple hydrangea

The photos I am sharing here are the current arrangements in my house – all from the same single hydrangea in my yard.

close up hydrangea

I didn’t have a flower frog large enough for the pretty low container I used (purchased last year at Target) so I improvised with some scotch tape to help keep the blooms in place.   The tall vases I used are vintage.

vases of hydrangeas

My tips for long-lasting indoor hydrangea blooms:

Cut the blooms in the early morning.  Remove as many leaves as possible.  I like to keep a couple leaves just because I like the way they look in an arrangement.  But, because the leaves use water as well as the flowers – the less, the better.  Using scissors or a knife, make one or two vertical cuts in the stem.  Then, use something heavy to smash the bottom of the stem.  Immediately run the stem under hot water.  These steps stop goop on the inside of the stem from clogging in the bottom of the stem which prevents it from absorbing water.  Immediately put the stem into its container of water.  Follow the same process for each stem.

preparing hydrangea

I hope I have inspired you to bring some outdoor blooms inside!  If you don’t have any flowers in your yard, Trader Joes has very affordable prices for cut flowers!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great weekend!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on the summer blues…and purples | diy, garden

embracing the season

27
August

hydrangea centerpiece

The best flowers for decorating are the ones that embrace the season.  Here in New England, hydrangeas are a favorite.  While putting together some arrangements for a wedding rehearsal dinner, I knew this seasonal flower was the best choice.  Wanting to personalize the arrangement in some way, I decided to add the future bride and groom’s initials by creating monogrammed tie-ons crafted from natural elements.

stamping a monogram

I used some cocoa colored stamp pad ink and stamps to stamp on pieces of wood.  If you aren’t into cutting and sanding wood, you can easily find something similar at a craft store or on Etsy.

rubber stamping a monogram tie-on

rubber stamping a monogram tie-on

picking hydrangeas

An easy and wonderful way to help the spacing stay consistent when stamping is to simply use an elastic to hold the two letters and ampersand stamps together while applying the monogram.

Once your tie-ons are completed, you can save them to add to your completed centerpieces.  Harvest (or purchase) the seasonal favorites you plan on using. If you are truly embracing the season, it is best to use something that is presently in bloom…such a great way to evoke feelings of gardens and the season. :)

Hydrangeas are really great all on their own.  These were being placed on a chocolate colored table cloth so I just added a couple curly sticks as accents and tied twine around clear vases.  Perfect!

hydrangea centerpiece

rehearsal dinner hydrangeas

In appreciating every last bit of summer, try to find some of your own ways to embrace the season…bringing some of your garden (or a friend’s garden…thanks Phyllis!) indoors is certainly one great way!

hydrangea rehearsal dinner centerpiece

Enjoy your week.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Mona’s Picturesque and Craftberry Bush.

Comments Off on embracing the season | diy, food & festivities, garden

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