On my online workbook this week: In The Time it Takes To Listen To Learn

Dear

This week's inspiration is taking a bit of time to learn from your plant material.

My tip for you this week is about harvesting and conditioning clematis flowers. Mine is called Clematis Montana Rubens and yes, I absolutely grow it in my balcony garden.

Clematis needs a bit of extra care to make it last in your design. The first is choosing what flower to cut. You have a better chance at conditioning the flowers that are cut when they are barely unfurling their sepals. Look for about halfway open with the stamens still held together (picture above) They will continue to open while you condition them in water. If you would prefer to have flowers in various stages of opening in your design, cut them a few days apart.

Cut your flowers early in the morning or in the early evening. Remove the foliage from the stems. You can also hold the cut stem over a flame for about ten seconds to seal it before placing the flowers in deep tepid water to condition. But the most important part: Your flower stems need a long, long drink to take up as much water as possible to keep them hydrated in your design. Condition at least overnight, preferably 24 hours before designing.

No need to tell you this because you are definitely not using floral foam… right? But it is interesting to note that like so many other flowers the foam will actually dehydrate clematis flowers quicker. As the foam water evaporates it pulls the water from the flower stems as well. Clematis flowers don’t last in any type of floral foam.

If you find the type of clematis you are growing is still a challenge when it comes to conditioning all is not lost. This week’s design is ideal. Float the flowers!

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine