Gardeners Tips » House & Greenhouse plants

Growing Vanda Orchids with no Compost

hortoris — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:27:58 +0000

For growing Vanda orchids all you need is warmth and humidity although a foliar feed is often beneficial. Vandas are tropical orchids that live on trees with the aerial roots hanging free.

Simple Growing Method

Grow Vandas in a tall cylindrical vase with the roots trailing to the bottom. Wedge the shallow pot holding the crown in the top.
In summer fill the vase with tepid water and leave for 25 minutes then pour it all out.
Every fortnight add some Orchid food to the water.
Grow the Vanda at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above
Vandas grown in baskets or high temperatures require watering more often.

What is a Vanda Orchid

Vandas flower in rich colors, including blue, purple, red, orange and yellow.
The flower spikes usually carry 8 to 10 blooms and last for several weeks.
These Dutch grow Vandas are displayed in a light window situation.
The distinctive strap like leaves form a stem as they develop and grow. The flower spike rises from the base of the leaves.
The shallow pot is their to add stability.

What are Ascocendas

Ascocendas are a cross between Vandas and Ascocentrum
Most find their origin in Thailand, Myanmar, India, Java and the Philippines.
They are also evergreen epiphytes with an upright leaves.
They can bloom twice or three times a year with long lasting flowers.

Credits
vanda-paperbark by maxful CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Vanda Orchideen by blumenbiene CC BY 2.0
Vanda by NjuTIKA, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Plants for Flower Arranging – Euphorbia

hortoris — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:15:55 +0000

Growing Euphorbia for Flower Arrangements

Spurge, Milkweed or Euphorbia is a genus of hardy shrubs, succulents and perennials that are striking in appearance and invaluable in the garden or for flower arranging.
Leaves are usually lance shaped and stems contain a milky sap that can irritate your skin.
Varieties to grow for flower arranging include;
Euphorbia amygdaloides robbiae with evergreen rosettes of dark green leaves and lime green bracts.
Euphorbia amygdaloides purpurea a marooon stemed variety.
Euphorbia characias wulfenii with blue green leaves that grow up to 4 feet.
Euphorbia polychroma with bright yellow bracts.
Euphorbia myrsinites is a prostrate form with grey glacous leaves
Euphorbia griffithii is a hardy perennial that dies down each winter but young foliage is reddish green and the flowers are orange-red.
These plants are interesting and easy to grow and add shape and texture to your garden.

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Euphorbia

Do not cut when the Euphorbia are too immature or the stems will wilt.
Cut stems must immediately be sealed by flame to stop sap oozing out.
Resinge or reseal if you trim the ends when re-cutting.
Vase life should be 7-10 days if conditioned in a bucket of water overnight first.

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.

I would also recommend horticultural flower shows where I am always stunned by the floral arrangement amongst the plants on display.

Top Ten Euphorbia selected from a range of a over 2000 varieties in the genus.

Euphorbia are a wide range of plants many of which are suitable for flower arranging where the bracts and leaves both add interest.

Plants for Flower Arranging – Pittosporum

hortoris — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:14:48 +0000

Growing Pittosporum for Flower Arrangements

Pittosporum is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees that grow well in coastal areas and sheltered situations.
The popular cut foliage has pale green undulate leaves on black twiggy stems.
Pittosporum tennuifolium is the most popular species with florists and gardeners as it is hardy
Other colours of leaf are available including Pittosporum tennuifolium Purpureum (above), Pittosporum tennuifolium Variegatum with crinkled greeny white leaves and Pittosporum tennuifolium Warnham Gold.

Flower Arranging by Mark Welford and Stephen Wicks

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Pittosporum

The dense nature of the leaves on the black twiggy stems makes Pittosporum a good filler for a hand tied arrangement.
Before using the stems split them and stand them in a bucket of cold water overnight.
Bunches can be wrapped in cellophane as a gift or used in a bridal bouquet
To make a hand-tied bunch hold the stem of the first piece of plant in your hand and gradually add one piece at a time. Spiral the the stems in one direction only as you build up your design. When the bunch is complete tie off with raffia or twine at the point where your hand held the bunch. Finally trim the bottom of the stalks to the same length (it might even stand up on it’s own.)

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.

I would also recommend the Harrogate spring flower show where I am always stunned by the floral arrangement amongst the plants on display.

Credits
Pittosporum Tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ by ᚛Tilly Mint ᚜, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Pittosporum in the rain by wallygrom CC BY-SA 2.0
Pittosporum tenuifolium by chuck b. CC BY 2.0

Pittosporum tenuifolium can be used for flower arranging to good effect due to the dense nature of the crinkly edged leaves on dark stems. grow in sheltered locations to get plenty of useful foliage.

Plants for Flower Arranging – Fatsia Japonica

hortoris — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:09:15 +0000

Using Fatsia Japonica for Flower Arrangements

Fatsia Japonica or Aralia Japonica is also known as ‘Fig Leaf Palm’.
It is a useful evergreen shrub growing up to 15 feet tall.
It tolerates maritime conditions and temperatures down to minus 10 C.
Panicles of milky white, globular flowers are produced in Autumn followed by black berries.
Can be underplanted with Hostas to provide two sources of flower arranging material.

Church Flowers: The Essential Guide to Arranging Flowers in Church by Judith Blacklock

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Fatsia

Fatsia has hand shaped, leathery leaves are apple-green in colour.
The bold shiny leaves work well in traditional flower arrangements.
The different sized leaves which the plant produces are useful for different types of arrangement.
The leaves should be cut a day before arranging and given a long deep drink.
The edge of the leaves or fingers can be clipped to a shape that suits your arrangment.
The leaves can be laid flat to form a green base of splayed finger shapes.

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.

I would also recommend the Harrogate spring flower show where I am always stunned by the floral arrangement amongst the plants on display.

Credits
ARALIACEAE 五加科 – Japan Fatsia (Fatsia japonica) 八角金盤 by kaiyanwong223 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Fatsia japonica Flowers by the justified sinner CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Plants for Flower Arranging – Corkscrew Hazel

hortoris — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:26:14 +0000

Growing Corkscrew Hazel for Flower Arrangements

Corylus avellana Contorta is also known as Harry Lauders Walking Sticks or Corkscrew Hazel
It is a slow growing deciduous shrub that can grow to 20′ wide and 25′ high when mature.
Corkscrew Hazel looks best in winter and from February-March there are pendant male catkins on the bare branches.
Propagation is best done by layering branches.
When in leaf the mid green leaves give an ugly deformed appearance.

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Corkscrew Hazel

Use the twisted stems and bare twigs in winter arranging.
Twigs in bridal bouquets can add movement and interest.
Corkscrew Hazel are popular as a base for Ikebana
Catkins will gradually lengthen and become more yellow when kept in water for several weeks.
Twigs can be dried and used year after year. They can also be painted for Christmas.

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Contorted Willow

I have included Contorted Willow with Corkscrew Hazel as the issues, effects, tips and methods are quite similar.
Twigs and stems can be dried and used several times or be sprinkled with glitter for Christmas.
The cut twigs will last several weeks and eventually the willow leaves will open on the stem.
Contorted Willow is available under several names including Salix matsudana Tortuosa (Salix babylonica tortuosa), Salix x erythroflexuosa or common names Dragons Claw and Tortured Willow.
Salix the Willow family are more vigourous than the Corylus Hazels

Credits
Ikebana by M. Martin Vicente CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ by Stadtkatze CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Spring by David Davies CC BY-SA 2.0
Contorted Willow by touring_fishman CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers by Shozo Sato and Kasen Yoshimura

Corkscrew Hazel and Contorted Willow are plants that both produce twigs that add movement and style when flower arranging. Mix with just one type of flower as less is generally more with Hazels and Willows.

Plants for Flower Arranging – Phormium

hortoris — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:45:06 +0000

Encyclopaedia of Flower Arranging Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional And Contemporary Techniques by Marcia Hirst

Growing Phormium for Flower Arrangements

Phormium or New Zealand Flax is an evergreen, clump forming, hardy perennial.
The long strap shaped leaves contain fiber that makes a cord used for tying.
In winter it is wise to protect plants with a deep mulch of straw, bracken or dry leaves.
Phormium Cookianum can have 4 feet long leaves, Variegatum are green with creamy white margins.
Phormium Cookianum Triclour leaves are red, yellow and green.
Phormium tenax is the other popular hybrid with a variety of leaf colours including pink and bronze, orange-red, salmon, yellow and other shades.

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Phormium

Cut a few leaves to include in your arrangement.
Modern or European style arrangements with limited amounts of flowers and foliage show the leaves off to best advantage.
Condition by plunging into a deep bucket of tepid water for 24 hours.
The leaves can be sprayed with leaf shine or smeared with a small amount of cooking oil to enhance the appearance.
Phormium have a long vase life of several weeks if the water is changed regularly.

Credits
Architectural Phormium
Low Allergy Garden Phormium
Architectural Phormium

Plants for Flower Arranging – Aspidistra elatior

hortoris — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:19:01 +0000

Growing Aspidistra for Flower Arrangements

Aspidistra elatior leaves were popular in Victorian parlors because they tolerate low light, draughts and neglect.
The pointed leaves are tough dark green and oval shaped. The Aspidistra elatior variegata has long stripe leaves.
Aspidistra thrive best if kept pot bound. Repot every 5-6 years in good loam or compost
Water regularly is spring and summer but avoid water logging.

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Aspidistra elatior

Aspidistra elatior was made popular by french flower arrangers like Olga Meneur.
Leaves can be manipulated into different shapes by curling them round and securing with flower glue or a staple.
Two or more curls can be made by tearing the leaf down it’s mid-rib and curling in different directions to add different shapes and forms.
Leaves should be conditioned by standing in a bucket of cold water as soon as they are cut to receive a long drink. They should then last many weeks.
The leaves can be shined with a soft cloth and the application of a thin covering of cooking oil
Glycerining will make the leaves last many years. For method see Solomons Seal and dry well once the colour has changed to creamy-beige.
Order Aspidistra leaves from a florist if they are too slow growing on your plants.

Credits
IMG_5884 tent pole decoration aspidistra bow by godutchbaby CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Woman at the window, with her prized Aspidistra by whatsthatpicture CC BY-NC 2.0
Flower Arrangement by Dominic’s pics CC BY 2.0

For a cast Iron winner in the flower arranging stakes you could do a lot worse than use Aspidistra leaves aka the Cast Iron plant. Slow growing so you may wish to buy your leaves but after glycerine they will last for years

Plants for Flower Arranging – Solomon’s Seal

hortoris — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:58:34 +0000

The Complete Guide to Flower Arranging by Jane Packer

Using Solomon’s Seal for Flower Arrangements

Solomon’s Seal is one of the Polygonatum genus.
They spread by rhizomes in rich, moist soil in partial or full shade.
Flowers are often followed by red or black berries and in autumn the leaves turn an eye catching yellow.
Popular varieties of Solomon’s seal include:
Polygonatum hybridum 8″ long arching stems with alternate flowers on the top side of the stem.
Polygonatum biflorum or Greater Solomon’s Seal is larger reaching 5 feet.
Polygonatum multiflorum can have green and cream striped leaves.
Polygonatum odoratum has green tipped white scented flowers suspended below the stem.

Special Tips – Flower Arranging – Solomon’s Seal

Solomon’s Seal has many uses in flower arranging from the massed pedestals to modern arrangements using only a limited amount of material.
Try removing all the leaves and leaving just the flowers. This provides a very graceful line to an arrangement.
Condition by standing in tepid water at least overnight. They then have a vase life of 10 days plus.
Preserve stems for winter by Glycerining the cut stems
How to Glycerine. Mix one part glycerine with two parts hot water and after cooling stand the stems in the solution for 7-10 days until they change colour right to the tips. Store flat in boxes until required

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.
I would also recommend the Harrogate spring flower show where I am always stunned by the floral arrangement amongst the plants on display.

Credits
Great Solomon’s Seal and Sweet Woodruff by bill barber CC BY-NC 2.0
Silver bells by sonyaseattle CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Japanese flower arrangement 1 by mharrsch CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
.

Solomon’s seal or David’s Harp is a Polygonatum with arching stems of leaves and flower bells that is in demand for a range of flower arrangements. They can be grown in moist well drained soil but are one plant that likes dry shade.

Plants for Flower Arranging – Hostas

hortoris — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:12:41 +0000

The Cutting Garden: Growing and Arranging Garden Flowers by Sarah Raven

Growing Hostas for Flower Arrangements

Hostas are a group of over 200 species of perennials from China, Japan and Korea that grow well in the UK & North America.
In the garden they appreciate shade and protection from slugs.
As flower arranging plants they are in demand for the shape, size, colour and texture of the leaves.
Size varies from small leaves of Hosta venusta 4 inches high to large leaves of Hosta sieboldiana 2 feet across and more.
Hosta fortunei leaves turn rich yellow in Autumn and Hosta unulata is bi-coloured green and yellow with twisting leaves.
Hosta flowers from June onward but they are not particularly striking

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Hostas

Prior to arranging Hosta leaves condition them overnight in a deep bucket of water. Even submerging them will do no harm.
Stems are quite soft so if putting them into Oasis make a small hole with a stick first.
Leaves do not mature before May and would just wilt if cut too early.
Yellowe leaved varieties appreciate a bit more sunshine.
Hostas are useful for all-green arrangements.

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.
I would also recommend the Harrogate spring flower show where I am always stunned by the floral arrangement amongst the plants on display.

Credits
Flower Arrangement by Dominic’s pics CC BY 2.0

Hostas have sculptural leaves in a range of colours from bright green to glaucus blue with yellow and bicoloured varieties that can all contribute to your flower arranging expertise. Grow a few plants and see what we mean.

The Secret of Geranium (Pelargonium) Cuttings

hortoris — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:39:21 +0000

I couldn’t resist this double pink rose bud Pelargonium ‘Something Special’ which is looking really good at the moment. I intend taking some early cuttings of this plant next month and growing them on for 2010 specimen plants. August to October are good months for taking cuttings to flower the following year.

Tips on Pelargonium Cuttings

Plants flower best when they are mature, full of leaf and well grown. Geraniums need time, usually 10-12 months from cutting to flowering to be at their best.
A 3 inch cutting should have several leaf joints (nodes) for potential branching. Some gardeners recommend non-flowering stems but I find it isn’t significant.
Take the cutting with a razor blade or sharp knife just above a leaf joint from your stock plant. Trim off all bar one or two leaves and any flower buds. trim back to just below a node.
I use 3 inch pots but smaller pots may be suitable or 4-5 cuttings can be put around the edge of a larger pot. Cuttings can also be planted in a hole close to the parent bedding geranium and lifted with soil for potting on for winter.
Gritty compost or soil with added sand is a suitable medium. The sand can stimulate root growth. I do not use rooting hormone it isn’t worth the cost as Geraniums root so easily.
Pinch out the growing tip to encourage roots and branches.

Dwarf and miniature plant cuttings can be proportionately smaller but the method is the same.
Water the pots from the bottom. Bottom heat will only be needed for late October cuttings
Dwarfs, Ivy and miniature Pelargoniums root quite well. I find Regals a bit harder as cuttings.

Nodal Shoot cutting

A nodal shoot cutting above is taken by trimming by branching stem into two cuttings.
Other than Regals which need nodal cuttings, they can be taken from the most suitable point of the host plant.
A leaf Axil cutting below can be taken if the plant has no other suitable cutting material.

Leaf axil cutting

Other Resources and Credits
Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute’ by douneika CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Pelargonium peltatum by DowianA CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Royal Horticultural Society RHS ‘Gardening for All’
National Council for Conservation of Plants and Gardens ‘Conservation through Cultivation.’
Garden Organic National Charity for Organic Gardening.
BBC Gardening