For many people, spring is a time when we spend more time outdoors. With the arrival of warmer weather, we emerge from our winter hibernation eager to enjoy the comfortable temperatures and soak in the sunshine. For us, this season means taking on spring cleaning, gardening and outdoor home projects. We are fortunate enough to have a yard that is big enough to grow flowers, ornamental plants, fruit trees, and a vegetable garden. All of these areas require attention this time of year. Although there is always more work to be done, it’s also hydrangea season, which means our favorite plants, hydrangeas, take center stage in our yard. Over the years, we have added several varieties of hydrangeas to our garden. Many of the plants around our home have been propagated from cuttings. Through trial and error, we have found two successful methods to propagate hydrangeas. The first method is the best way we have found to propagate in the spring. Step one is to take a cutting from a plant that has several leaf nodes. We try to take a branch from a plant that needs some reshaping. Carefully, remove lower leaves from the branch. Then, using a rooting hormone, we dip the bottom of the branch into the hormone and place the branch in a pot filled with good potting soil. Place the pot in a sheltered location for about a month. Make sure to water the cutting as needed. The second technique is the process that we use in the late summer and early fall. This process is easily done by taking a low-lying branch, partially burying it in the soil, then placing a rock on top to weigh it down. The branch will establish roots and can then be cut from the “mother” and transplanted to a new location in the spring. If you are in the Charlotte area and looking to add new varieties of hydrangeas to your garden without propagating, here are a few resources for purchasing them locally: Dearness Gardens Pike Nursery Lowes Home Improvement Home Depot We thoroughly enjoy seeing hydrangeas blooming in our yard. As an added bonus, take advantage of cool mornings to cut flowers and use them to brighten the inside of your home and share bouquets with friends. We love this set of 5 clear cylinder vases to showcase blooms. It’s hydrangea season, so whether you are growing your own or picking some up at a florist or local farmers market, enjoy them now! Here are some gorgeous images of our favorite blooms!
Projects
Orchid Bowls…
There are so many different varieties of orchids, each variety unique and beautiful in their own right. We have enjoyed having these lovely plants in and around our house for years. In recent years, we have made several trips to orchid growers and been to exhibits where these beautiful flowers are showcased (Longwood Gardens, the Philadelphia Orchid Show, Filoli Gardens, and Biltmore Estate are just a few) Although we admire the diverse varieties of orchids, we are still novice growers, and stick with the phalaenopsis or “moth orchid”. It is one of the easiest orchids to grow and the blooms last a long time. After one memorable trip to R. F. Orchids, a wonderful orchid grower in south Florida, I came home with a new found inspiration to throw orchid bowls in my studio. After countless attempts, I am now very pleased with the results. Recently, I was asked to create a phalaenopsis arrangement for a friend. The catch was, she wanted a plant that would remain in bloom and wouldn’t require a lot of maintenance. I quickly realized, it couldn’t be a real orchid. After doing a little research, I found some beautiful options. I had so much fun designing it, I thought it would be fun to share the process here. Whether you are looking to make a real or artificial arrangement, these bowls definitely accentuate the simple beauty of an orchid. Orchid bowls will certainly be a highlight in my next pottery sale.