IN THE GARDEN: Christmas time is a time for a little colour

Christmas bouquets light up a room

image credit: photo SUBMITTED

According to research, fresh flowers lift everyones spirits and are the gift that makes people the happiest, especially so during these cool, dark days.

Fresh flowers add so much colour to the festive season and they do not have to cost a great deal. Garden centres, florists and some larger stores all have super selections at this time of year. Although prices will vary, always buy quality and look for both fragrance and varieties that last.

With proper care, their lifespan can be almost doubled. Cleanliness is the single most important factor in making fresh flowers last. Dirty vases are no place for fresh flowers. Not only should they be clean but a few drops of bleach should also be added to the water to kill any bacteria that can reduce the capillary action of water flowing up the stems. The water should be warm and the addition of a packet of floral preservative will greatly extend the lifespan of your cut flowers. Curiously, Sprite soft drink is one of the best floral preservatives.

It is always a good idea to re-cut the stems on all fresh flowers the moment you receive them but it is very important for you to make that cut while the end of the stem is held underwater. Special machines are available to florists for doing just that. Another re-cut should be done in about a week to keep that water flowing. Research has also proven that exposure to constant, rather than fluctuating temperatures, increases the lifespan of flowers. In other words, keep them at a reasonably cool room temperature rather than in a hot sunroom by day and in the cold at night.

With so many great local growers in our region, the selection of fresh cut flowers is truly amazing. Fresh cinnamon-scented carnations and long-lasting chrysanthemums are very traditional but I would suggest trying a few different flowers that have great keeping qualities as well. Locally grown anthuriums are unique and look stunning when combined with Christmas greens and berries. They are also very reasonably priced, as are cymbidium orchid stems, another long-lasting flower. Colourful, exotic alstromerias fit in nicely with any bouquet and will go the distance even with mums. If you are really tropical minded, South African proteas last and last.

Spring flowers are now here and ready to bring a breath of fresh colour to brighten our winter spirits. Tulips, pussy willows and iris push aside those winter blues.

Some of the most fragrant flowers are Oriental lilies, Polianthes tuberosa and freesias. Just a few stems are sometimes enough to fill your whole room with a delightful perfume.

To accompany these flowers, I suggest you use some traditional Christmas greens. Noble and silver fir boughs are very dark green, fragrant and classy looking. They are also flat and easy to work with. The soft, wispy branches of white pine are certainly another favourite, both for perfume and longevity.

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IN THE GARDEN: Christmas time is a time for a little colour