On my online workbook this week: Oh So Me

Dear

This week's inspiration is these gorgeous pink willow roots.

My tip for you this week is to help keep the water clear. I want to encourage the willow to grow so I don't add anything to the water. The new growth and the roots ensures that the flower frog is a wonderfully tight fit. Simply tip out the water the moment it looks cloudy. Pour in fresh water and swish it around. Pour out the rinse water. Now open the tap so that you have a small and steady stream of water. Start filling the vase but twist the vase as you pour the water in so that the roots are washed downwards again. And… and this is important… do not try to adjust the roots. No, not even poking at it with a bamboo skewer. It WILL break and annoyingly drift around in slow motion just below the surface where you can’t get to it.

Some of the roots will naturally grow upwards. Let those be. Make sure that your water level in the vase covers even those roots. The willow twigs will continue to grow with most of the roots dangling downwards to the bottom… and the fresh growth pointing upwards. And This frog will continue to grow hydroponically for months. Simply replace the flower… and enjoy your Spring regrowth.

Then when you add flowers make sure they are in peak condition and dirt free. Rinse the vase and stems when you remove flowers and stems that are past their prime. You can also add a bit of bleach to the water if you only want to grow the willow for as long as the flower stem lasts.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine