Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Ladies in Waiting


















What's so amazing about this picture? It was taken on July 17th! My peonies bloom in early June, so how do I have a fresh bouquet 6 weeks later? I have found a florist's trick that really works. When peony buds are about the size of a ping pong ball and showing color, cut them from the plant leaving a 6-8 inch stem. Dip the cut end in hot wax to seal. Wrap bud & stem in damp paper toweling and seal in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two months. When you are ready for a spectacular bouquet, simply recut the stems to remove the wax and place the buds in room temperature water. Your "ladies in waiting" should open within a day or two. Love it!

5 comments:

Haust said...

Amazing!

Nancy Carabio Belanger said...

Anne, these are stunning! I especially love the bicolored one that is front and center. What is its name?

Anne Reeves said...

Thanks! I am tickled that this "science project" worked. The magenta/cream peony in the center is called "Gay Paree." So pretty...

gail said...

Hi Anne,,, what lovely peonies! Thats a fantastic tip. Unfortunately here in the desert southwest peonie never show their beautiful faces. LOL But I love to look at your photos. We do have alot of luck with roses though. Have a great day... Gail

MmeBenaut said...

Wow. That must be a florist's trick. I suppose the same method would work with some other flowers too.
Anyway, they look beautiful, Anne.