Garden Pic Wednesday: Gardenia Arrangement
Yesterday I hedged one of the Azalea's that edge my sidewalk--I use hand hedge sheers, so it's a good arm workout! Today I just picked blackberries. It's Gardenia time! My huge bush out front is thick with them and the air is fragrance with their clove-like scent! Whatever's blooming outside goes into my vase, so today's garden pick is a mixed vase that includes Gardenias, Agapanthus, Hydrangea and Black-eyed Susan's: As a vase flower, Gardenia's are short-lived. Maybe 2 or 3 days, though it's worth it for the smell. Their head's are heavy, too, so they tend to droop over the side of the vase. I had to reposition these after they'd been in the vase water an hour, flipping them around and putting some in the middle of the arrangement where other flowers will hold them up. Tricky. Also, when cutting Gardenia's, just choose ripe white buds or barely open flowers, give a quick rinse under cold water, shake off gently and ar...