I always enjoy creating flower arrangements and using fresh, fragrant blooms to display in my home. Over the years, I’ve shared lots of information and tips for cutting and arranging flowers.
Yesterday, following a spring themed production shoot, my housekeepers, Enma Sandoval and Elvira Rojas, made several arrangements using the gorgeous flowers left over - tulips, roses, peonies, and lilies. It makes me so happy to reuse and repurpose.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
Flowers are enjoyable inside and out. These fragrant roses remind me that warmer weather and colorful garden blooms are just around the corner.
A rose is a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae. There are more than a hundred species and thousands of cultivars. Roses come in many different colors, such as pink, peach, white, red, magenta, yellow, copper, vermilion, purple, and apricot.
For this arrangement in a wide-mouthed square vase, Elvira uses tape to give the stems some added support. She cuts strips of tape and begins placing them across the vase in a grid pattern. The tape strips are first placed in one direction…
… and then the same amount going in the opposite direction. Cut any extra tape that lies too long over the edges, so it remains hidden from view. The vase was already filled half way with cool water.
Enma and Elvira remove any leaves under the water line to prevent any rotting and then cut the stems to the appropriate height before placing them in water.
The stems are placed one by one into the vase. Always make sure the stems are sitting in fresh water to ensure they stay hydrated and protected from bacteria buildup. And try to replace the water in the vase daily, as the cleaner the water the longer the lifespan of the arrangement and the flowers.
The tape grid will also help to keep the stems in place, no matter the size.
Enma works her way around the arrangement, filling any empty spaces with flowers.
I like arrangements to be done by color. This arrangement includes a combination of light and dark pink roses.
Almost any vessel or container will work. Think creatively – use pitchers, bowls, antique urns, etc. These are two rectangular glass vases – a bit taller than the one used for the roses. Enma fills three-quarters of each vase with water.
Enma holds the stem up to the vase to see where it should be trimmed. Then she cuts the first flower stem and then uses it as a guide for the others.
When arranging, be sure not to overcrowd the flowers. Too many can prevent some flowers from getting adequate water.
This is an all white arrangement. Most freshly cut flowers should last up to one week if properly tended.
The peony is any plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae. They are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. Peony blooms range from simple blossoms to complex clusters with a variety of petal forms. The peony is among my favorite flowers.
Here, Enma finishes up a tulip arrangement. Tulip colors can be mixed depending on preference. Tulips have been hybridized in just about every color except blue.
There are currently more than 3000 registered varieties of tulips – separated in about 15 divisions based on shape, form, origin, and bloom time.
This arrangement has lighter shades of green pink, and cream. When displaying roses, be sure to keep them away from heat and bright light, which will shorten vase life.
And her are the lilies. Lilium is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, all with prominent flowers. Lily flowers are large, often fragrant, and come in a range of colors including white like these.
The anthers were already taken off of each flower before the shoot. Pollen is notorious for staining flesh and fabric. Removing the anthers prevents any pollen from getting on the flower petals, which can eat away at the delicate flower parts and shorten the life of the blooms. If you happen to get a pollen stain on your clothing, do not rub. Instead, reach for a roll of tape and use the sticky side to gently dab the area – the particles will adhere to the tape.
Enma arranges them, so they look full from all sides. When cutting flower stems always cut at a 45-degree angle rather than straight across to allow for greater surface area and increased water uptake. Lilies are one of the top cut flowers in the world because of their long vase life and flower form.
And periodically take a step back and look at the display to decide whether any adjustments are needed. Every arrangement is so pretty. While you’re out running errands this weekend, get yourself some cut flowers and bring a little bit of spring indoors.
I always enjoy seeing photos from others taken during their vacations.
Earlier last month, my outdoor grounds crew foreman Chhiring Sherpa and his son, Mingmar, returned from a brief trip to Hawaii. Once described by Mark Twain as "the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean," the Hawaiian Islands form an archipelago in the North Pacific Ocean encompassing a land area of 6400 square miles. Hawaii consists of 137 volcanic islands. The eight main islands are Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi or the Big Island. On this eight-day trip, Chhiring and Mingmar visited Maui and O'ahu.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
This grove of eucalyptus trees in Maui is located along the Hana Highway. Eucalyptus can grow hundreds of feet tall.
They can also have a diameter of up to six-feet. Eucalyptus trees thrive in warm, humid climates.
Hawaii is the only US state situated entirely on an archipelago, and the only state not geographically connected with North America. The United States incorporated the region into the state of Hawaii in 1959. The islands are exposed peaks of a great undersea mountain range known as the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain, formed by volcanic activity over a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle.
Chhiring and Mingmar spent one day driving to Hana on this winding road along Maui’s lush eastern coast. The popular road trip includes 620 curves and 59 single lane bridges. They described the roads as “like a roller coaster” with all the ups and downs.
Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach is located in Wai’anapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana. This type of black sand is formed by volcanic materials and lava fragments left millions of years ago – very different from the tan and brown sand found on mainland beaches.
The weather was pretty dry during their vacation, but the father-son duo did pass a waterfall during one of their hikes.
Here is Chhiring surrounded by growing bamboo. Bamboo is not native to the Hawaiian islands. It was brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers who used the versatile material to make canoes and fishing poles. Bamboo grows very fast and has become invasive in some areas.
This is the Iao Valley State Park and the historic natural rock formation called the Iao Needle, a 1200-foot-tall pinnacle of greenstone that towers over the park’s lush valley. In 1790 King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army in a pivotal battle in his quest to unite the islands under one rule. That battle took place here.
Chhiring and Mingmar visited The Maui Dharma Center founded in 1974 – a well known and respected place for the practice and study of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Great Paia Lha Bab Peace Stupa is the gateway to the Maui Dharma Center. It stands 27-feet tall and houses a large prayer wheel inside.
Look carefully and see the beautiful rainbow Chhiring photographed. The islands’ abundance of sunlight and water, combined with geographical location, make rainbows a common occurrence on the islands of Hawaii.
They also visited the famous Pearl Harbor National Memorial constructed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu Island. This is where we remember one of the most pivotal moments of US history – the attack on Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise military strike on the United States, drawing it into World War II.
These are ficus trees. Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes, and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees, they are native throughout the tropics. Many have aerial roots like these and a distinctive growth habit.
Many beautiful palm trees dot the Hawaiian landscape.
This is a grove of screw pines, with their distinctive stilt roots that harvest rain water.
Here is a group of rainbow eucalyptus trees with their beautiful trunks. Because these trees shed bark, the bark colors are in a constant state of change.
Chhiring and Mingmar made it a point to visit Lahaina, the town ravaged by the August 2023 firestorm. This ferocious storm killed 100-people and left the area in ruins.
It was difficult to see the devastation, especially up close.
But then they noticed a Buddha that was left undamaged. This 12-foot-tall copper statue was in front of a temple. Luckily, there was nothing immediately around the statue that could burn.
And here is a gorgeous sunset. Because Hawaii is far from any landmass, there is little atmospheric disturbance and the horizon remains unobstructed. This, and the sun’s perfect angle over the water make Hawaiian sunsets stunningly dramatic. Thanks fo the photos, Chhiring – what a nice trip.
There are so many beautiful begonias in my greenhouse.
Begonia is a genus in the family Begoniaceae. It contains at least 1500 different plant species and numerous hybrids. They are native to Mexico, Central and South America, Asia and South Africa - regions with tropical and subtropical climates. Rhizomatous begonias are grown for their interesting and spectacular leaves. They come in an array of sizes, colors and textures, and can be small or large, smooth or veiny, decorated in bold accents of red, copper and silver or subtle shades of green. I’m certain there’s one begonia, if not more, that could inspire and captivate any gardener.
Enjoy these photos.
My growing collection of begonias is among the first one sees when entering my main greenhouse. I keep my begonias on a long, sliding table, so each plant is within easy reach.
Some of these begonias were purchased from various nurseries over the years, but many were also grown from leaf cuttings and then nurtured right here at the farm.
One can root rhizome pieces in a mixture of half peat moss, half perlite.
Most rhizomatous begonias are grown for their interesting leaves – there are so many great shapes, sizes, and colors.
They range from small, delicate plants with one-inch wide leaves to large, robust specimens with 12-inch wide leaves or more.
All begonias have oval-shaped leaves that can be spade-like with a pointed tip in some varieties. The leaves grow from the main stem in an “alternate” structure. This means they never grow opposite one another, but instead, each individual leaf emerges slightly higher on the stem than the previous one.
And, because these plants store water in the rhizomes, which are their thick, fuzzy stems, it is important not to overwater them – water when the top-inch of soil feels dry.
Between waterings, let the soil dry out slightly. And for the best results, place pots in a warm room with bright indirect light.
The stems of the begonia carolineifolia are exceptionally thick, and show the scars of felled leaves. As a houseplant, this variety is highly decorative and easy to grow.
To successfully grow rhizomatous begonias, It’s a good idea to use clay pots as they are more porous and allow the roots to breathe. And only repot one size up when the roots have filled their current vessel.
Begonias grow best in light, well-drained soil.
This is Begonia ‘soli-mutata’. It is a compact medium-sized species from Brazil. The heart-shaped leaf colors vary depending on its exposure to bright light, which is why its common name is “Sun tan” Begonia.
Begonias are considered cool temperature plants and prefer temperatures ranging from 58- to 72-degrees Fahrenheit.
They are remarkably resistant to pests primarily because their leaves are rich in oxalic acid – a natural insect repellent.
While the leaves are very interesting, right now these begonias are starting to display clusters of small lovely blooms that grow like clouds above the foliage.
The flowers bloom now to early spring and can range from shades of pink blush to bright white.
Mature rhizomatous begonias sometimes have extended periods of flowering, providing weeks of color.
Begonias should be fed a general purpose fertilizer every other week during spring and summer.
This variety has bold magenta leaves with dark chocolate markings.
This one has dark green leaves with spirals of silver outlining the flower edges.
And this begonia is among my favorites – Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ – I got my first one about five years ago from Logee’s Plants for Home and Garden in Danielson, Connecticut. It was during one of my visits to Logee’s when owner, Byron Martin, had me select one of the unnamed specimens to be named after me. This begonia has a compact growth habit and is about eight inches in height with a mounding display of beautiful bronze-green leaves. There is no end to the variety of leaf shape, color and texture in the begonia. Begonias make wonderful year-round houseplants. I hope you are inspired to get one for your windowsill.
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