Spring Tip - Bring on the Spring Flowers

I don't know about you but I am SICK of this snow and weather. But I have found a wonderful way to get spring flowers in my house. This is the time of year that you can go out and cut branches off of your favorite flowering bush or tree, bring them in the house and force them to bloom.

All you have to do is put your boots on (if your snow is like mine, you may need hip boots), get your favorite small pruners and cut branches off of your favorite spring blooming bush or tree.

Bring the cuttings into the house. If you have a large utility sink, put some luke warm water into it and put the branches down into the water. If the branches are small enough, it is okay to completely cover them with water. If you do not have a large sink, still soak the bottom of the branches or stems. Let them soak for about 20 minutes. Then take your pruners and cut a little more off of the bottom of the branch. Keep it under the water as you are cutting it. Put the branch into a vase of water. A mixture of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water work great. Place the vase where you can see it. Change the water every 3 days. Within a couple of weeks you should have greenery and blooms. I have a double flowering Magnolia tree that I brought some cuttings in from. It took about 2 1/2 weeks, but I now have Magnolia flowers blooming. I also cut some pussy willows, Sour Cherry tree & Forsythia. I have been told that it will work for all spring flowering trees and bushes including Lilac.