Breaking Bud

Winter days can become long.

This gardener loves her leafy greens!

Branches from flowering shrubs are easy to force indoors, and provide that winter color.

1. Gather your branches.  Select healthy, young branches with plenty of buds.
2. Practice good pruning technique by cutting the branches about 1/4 ” above a side bud or branch.
3. Cut the stems again and place in cool water; no higher then 3″ high on the stems.  Place the branches in a cool location out of the sun.
4. When the buds began to show, place in decorative vases and a sunny location.
5. Change water frequently or add a floral preservative to the water.
6. If you branches develop roots, the branches can be trimmed to 6″ and potted individually.  Keep moist until permanent roots form.  Move outdoors when the warm weather returns.

Try Honeysuckle, Forsythia, Flowering Almond, Wisteria, Lilac, Pussy Willow,

Privet, Dogwood, Rhododendron.