Spring Blooming Branches

After a long, snowy winter, we all welcome the first signs of Spring! Crocus, daffodils and grape muscari start popping up and the buds on all those blooming trees start to plump up!  The thing about our blooming branches here in Denver is that they are no sooner here then they are gone.

If you’re ready for spring, it’s easy to start early.  You can either cut branches yourself and force them into blooms or stop by your local Denver florist and pick some up!  We are just starting to see them become available and we can’t wait to get them in. Cherry blossoms, forsythia, quince and tulip magnolia are just a few with small delicate blossoms and a mild fragrance.  The range of colors for blooming branches is as broad as their varieties –  pastel pink, bright pink, white, yellow, peach, orange and red.

Whether you create a simple and elegant arrangement with just a few branches in a vase or arrange a couple of pieces with other spring blooms, these blooming beauties are sure to add a fresh look to your home or office decor.

Here are a couple tips when buying and caring for blooming branches from your local florist.  A few simple steps will help them last as long as possible and you can enjoy them until spring arrives!

• Purchase blooming branches before the buds open to avoid damage. Look for full blossoms that are beginning to show color and watch out for dried bark or buds, which indicate dehydration.
• Avoid purchasing branches with more than three-quarters of the blooms already opened
• Cut at least 1 inch from each stem using pruning shears.
• Do not mash, smash or split woody branch stem ends. These practices do not help woody stems take up water faster; in fact, these practices inhibit water absorption because they damage the vascular system of the branches.
• Place the stems into a clean container filled with a properly prepared warm flower-food solution.
• Check the water level daily and replenish flower-food solution as needed.
• It is beneficial to recut the stems every two or three days to ensure your branches continue to drink.

Happy Spring! Happy designing!