Use The Force
February 17, 2010
I know many of you are blanketed in snow, and part of me wants to be frolicking in a big pile of it right now. Yet out here on the west coast, we’ve been blessed with a hint of spring. I was in a euphoric trance this morning as I walked through Lowe’s garden department. Rows and rows of tulips and daffodils. Oodles of fresh new plants budding for spring !
It’s still cold around here, but the cherry blossom trees have just started to bud. Just two days ago, I clipped a few branches off our mature cherry blossom tree, then I brought some branches indoors to force them to bloom.
I’ve never had real cherry blossoms budding in my house – I’ve always enjoyed the fakes from Pier One. But these beautiful pink blossoms are making me smile today.
“They’re real, and they’re spectacular.”
I simply followed these steps by Better Homes & Gardens.
1) Clip pencil size branches that have small buds with a pruner; 2) Strip buds and small branches from bottom where lower part will be in water; 3) Peel away a bit of bark from the base to assist in water absorption, and place in a warm spot in your home. That would be the kitchen window in my house.
Isn’t it amazing what a few blooms can do to chase away the winter blues ?
Here’s a few more photos of forced branches just to get you even more excited for the arrival of spring.
House Beautiful
Vogue
Via Habitually Chic
Ah, spring. It just can’t come fast enough, can it ?
Have you ever used the force ?
Do you know, I didn’t even know one could do this? What a great idea. My neighbor has a cherry tree, so I’m planning a late night mission.
This is definitely one I will try. I am a sucker for any blooming branch! Thanks for the how-to! Marija
The quote cracked me up. Classic!
Yes, it’s gorgeous in Sonoma County right now! I went for a nice long morning walk through Petaluma yesterday morning and was noticing the blossoms. Yours are beautiful, Kate!
How beautiful! I adore cherry blossoms. Those would make me smile every time I see them!
LOVE the Seinfeld quote-that totally took me by suprise and had me laughing!
I love cherry blossoms sooooooo much! I wish I had someone I could get a clipping from. They look gorgeous! I am still enjoying the purple lilies my husband sent me for V-Day but will need to be on the look out for my next vase filler…thanks!! Also, thanks for the Pier1 tip in case I need it!
So pretty. I’m a little jealous–snow here today.
Love cherry blossoms! those you got are gorgeous… we don’t get them in Florida… have a nice one!
Oh they are beautiful! I am jealous…I don’t even have a tree (or grass) in my yard to snip a few branches from. Soon…sigh:)
I’ve always thought about trying this and every time I go out to the one thing I could use (a forsythia) it is already in bloom and then I don’t want to cut it, haha! I suppose that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Oh, these are just stunning. I love cherry blossoms! Great title for this post, too. :)
Now I’ve just got to find a cherry blossom tree somewhere here in Los Angeles! What a great idea. Actually if I think about it, because it is warmer here, I’ve already seen one or two in bloom.
xo
COCOCOZY