Did you know that if you don't like the effects of Tulips drooping – before putting them in the vase, pierce the stem at the base of the flower head with a pin, or put them on a surface directly under light. Why does this work? Because Tulips are phototropic – that means they don't really “droop”- but actually grow towards light!

CARING FOR YOUR FLOWERS

Bouquets & Bunches

Remove packaging from the flowers/bouquet.

Using scissors or a sharp knife, cut 2-3cms of each stem – you should ideally cut diagonally across the stem. If the stem is hard/woody, for example in Roses, then you should make an additional cut directly up the stem about 3 cms – effectively splitting the stem in two. Next remove all the leaves that would be below the waterline.

Place the flowers in a vase with clean water and the flower food provided, following the instructions on the flower food. You should top up the water regularly, and should be changed when it becomes cloudy or dirty.

Avoid putting your flowers near direct heat, in sunlight or in a draught.

Every 3 or 4 days you should re-cut your stems. This will extend the vase life of your flowers.

If you have ordered bunches by post, they may appear soft due to being out of water. A good drink will re-hydrate them and the stems and buds we firm up.

If your hard-stemmed flowers (roses, hydrangeas etc) droop – cut the stems again and place in warm water.

Plants

Plants should remain slightly moist – but neither over or under watered.

Indoor flowering plants should be deadheaded when the flowers have wilted to maintain quality.

 Caution: Lilly pollen can stain and is harmful to cats. We recommend removing the pollen as the lillies begin to open.

Well, you can either look at your February garden……and see bleak! Bare and Barren or…..imagine how beautiful this bare patch will be in the month’s to come! That’s how I see my garden. Planning what plants to move and to where? Which new additions to bring in and, where to plant them! So, for me, I am always happy to don another sweater and venture out mid February. Will you join me? And how about having that wicked piece of cake and a cuppa at the end of your chores to warm you up.

February in the Garden:

If your gravel pathway’s are looking a little sad-now is the time to top-up.

• Ponds: Sorry-but now is the right time to clean out your pond, before the frogs, newts, and toads begin breeding.
• Hedges: Lightly trim them now. Shred the hedge cuttings and add to the compost heap.
• Bricks and Slabs: Now is the time to replace them.
• Weeds: Spread wood chippings over the boarders to reduce weeds later in the year.
• Conifers: Tie-in loose branches to prevent breakage during any high winds.
• Pampas Grass: Carefully comb-out or cut old foliage from grasses. Be sure to wear gardening gloves, as the leaves have very sharp edges.

 O.K. That’s it

Tea-up time.

I do hope you feel as righteous as I always feel after a cold spell working in the garden and enjoy your steaming hot cup of (whatever cheers you).

 The worst month’s work is done-

Looking forward to planning March’s jobs-

And I promise not too many!

 Have a good month and Happy Valentine’s to you xxx

Patsy