Budding Out

Each season I try to harness the magic of forced blooms. I think I’ve finally got it! A few quick tips for forcing blooms. First, look for colored, swollen buds on spring blooming shrubs like Forsythia, Star Magnolia, Redbud, Witch Hazel, Fothergilla, Cherry, Apple and Quince. Next, with clean pruners or snips, cut a few stems about 1-2 feet long, the more buds the more blooms! Plunge stems into a clean container with water and place in a warm spot away from direct sunlight. Change water completely weekly. It may take up to two weeks for buds to open. Give the ends a fresh cut too. The goal is to keep the stems hydrated and not let the buds dry out. Some say to spritz the stems every few days, but not necessary. Watch the show! Some flowers last longer than others. Star Magnolia fades quickly, Forsythia will last for…

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Spring In View

The dark days are fading away and spring seems to be in view. According to meteorologists, spring in the mid-Atlantic is arriving about three weeks early. I can see by…

30 Days of Celadon

As I begin my 5th season flower farming, I wanted to look back and tell the story of Celadon Hill in bite size chunks via pictures and captions. I began…

Little Wonders

When you grow flowers, you are a witness to little wonders. By far, the most exciting thing this month was finding a monarch chrysalis and watching the transformation into a…

Summer Harvest

Tomatoes, squash, peppers, corn and flowers! Gardens all around are brimming with abundance.  Crested celosia aka cockscomb aka “brains” love the heat. August brings our first big flush. There are…