Happy May Day

CCC

 

Happy May Day everyone. April showers bring May flowers except here where we barely had a sprinkle the entire month. This is the dry season - the rainy season is not until June. But lots of flowers both indoors and out. I couldn't resist a couple more dozen roses from Publix since their BOGO ends today. I love how the colors of the roses match the peach and coral of the art.

My favorite flowers are peonies and they will be in abundance at Publix in May. I always use ginger jars for my long stemmed flowers like peonies, roses, and lilies. I find that they make the ideal vase. Blue and white ginger jars work beautifully with every color flower too. Here I used a white ginger jar for a change and it works beautifully.

Tips for making your cut peonies last 7 to 10 days.

1. Buy or cut peonies while still in bud form. Already opened ones will not last very long. But don't buy buds that are rock hard - they may not open - look for large soft buds.

2. Cut the stems at an angle under running water. 

3. Fill your vase with cold water. 

4. Peonies are thirsty flowers - add water daily and change water every other day and make a fresh cut on the stems to keep them taking up water. And they like flower preservative. 

5. Keep out of direct sunlight.

6. If you have the space in your fridge, stick the vase with the peonies in the refrigerator at night. Are your peonies looking a little droopy or wilted? Stick the vase in the fridge and they will perk back up.

7. Add a few ice cubes to the water occasionally.

8. Peonies are from China and they are happiest in a blue and white Chinese ginger jar.