On my online workbook this week: Overgrown S-Autum-mer Swirl

Dear

This week's inspiration is the abundant scruffiness that happens at the end of summer.

Am I just imagining that it is finally starting to get a bit cooler… or no?

My tip for you this week is on how to keep vine tips hydrated. If it is new, new growth it is extremely difficult to keep fresh in a design. It will wilt. And my usual go-to tip there is a bit more time consuming. I show you how to grow your own new growth specifically to design with on page 75 of my book.

But for this design I wanted vines to start off as just a hint at a wreath… but as the design matures it will grow and shape itself into an abundant autumn wreath. All I have to do is top up the water and replace the floral details. And maybe even plant out the vines if I am fortunate enough to see some roots.

But let’s take a step back- first we need to condition it because the tips of the vine droop so easily. You will need to take extra care when designing with new growth. My tip is two fold: firstly condition the vines well, well before you add them to the design. I suggest at least overnight in deep water.

And then when you add the vines remove as many leaves as possible for your specific design requirements to prevent moisture loss, just as you would taking a cutting. In fact this is exactly how I get cuttings from my passionfruit vine. I usually give my vine as much time to adjust as I can. Often the new growth perks up again. If you are short of time or if you have any doubt the vine will hold up in a design, cut the cut end just below a node and place it in water and nip away the softest newly grown tip to design with only harder wood vines.

Mine lasted, in fact it is still going (and growing) strong!

I even have the promise of a few more roots…

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine