As summer draws to a close and dusk falls so much earlier, bring the garden indoors. Cut stems of dahlias, gladioli and lilies displayed in simple containers help you enjoy the last days of summer.
Flower bulb expert Amy Dube gives some tips on bringing colour and fragrance indoors.
Gladioli. These flowers bloom from the bottom up. The best time to cut the gladioli stem is when one or two of the lower flower buds show color. The cut stems can last up to two weeks indoors.
Lilies. To prevent pollen stains in the house, remove the stamen from the inside of the lily before you bring it inside. If the lily bud is half bloomed, you can easily pull off the stamens. If the lily has fully bloomed, you'll need to use scissors to remove the stamens.
If a flower becomes wilted on the stem, simply cut it off. The other buds will continue to bloom.
Dahlias. To maximize the vase life of dahlias, cut them in the early morning before the blooms get warm or in the evening after the temperature drops. Dahlias do not like to be out of water, so place cut stems directly into a vase/ bucket of water. Remove any leaves that fall below the water level in the vase and change the water every few days.
Calla lilies. Cut calla lily stalks at an angle and try not to crush the stem, as this will prevent water from entering and travelling up the stem.
Arranging. You don't have to be an expert to craft impressive arrangements. These guidelines will help you to transform your outdoor beauties into interior bouquets, Dube says.
Use one flower and one colour. Whether it's a single stem or a mass, the effect is greater, and it is easier to arrange.
Allow flowers to have a good drink of water for four to five hours, and preferably overnight, before arranging. This allows the stems to fill up with water and the flowers to become crisp. These flowers will last twice as long.
Work in odd numbers: one, three, five or seven stems
Cut flowers shorter to create a fuller effect.
Use tepid water, as flowers take up warm water more readily than cold. This will help the cut flower last a little longer.
