'Fairest of months;
ripe Summer's Queen
The hey-day of the year
With robes that gleam with sunny sheen,
Sweet August doth appear.'
- R. Combe Miller
The signs of August lie near...
the dog days of summer are here!
AND with that... brings an abundance
of bounty among the hydrangeas,
zinnia's & the STRONG,
towering sunflowers!
Throughout the past weeks,
there have been days here in Kentucky
JUST too hot for outdoor duties!
Therefore... my thoughts & hands
have turned to sketching
with NEW designs being spit out two-fold!
Sunflowers being a staple
for years here at the farm... I couldn't
pass up the desire to add one OR two
to this season's series!
Look for HAND-PAINTED...
sunflower, home decor at
ALL the up-coming...
autumn/fall shows & events!
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| NOW... back to these DELIGHTFUL variety of hydrangeas, 'Limelight'! There's OFTEN the question... 'When is the right time to harvest hydrangeas to obtain the BEST finished product'? Well... even though I've grown hydrangeas for years offering them as potted goods, fresh cuts & dried bundles... I STILL find myself guessing myself! When harvesting this one particular hydrangea... 'Limelight', you are looking for a couple of things! FIRST... timing is the ultimate key, it's
better to allow the blossom to dry slightly
while still on the shrub.
Depending on what state/garden zone
experiment on harvesting from
August through October!
The blossoms will sometimes
pick up a beautiful shade of pink
when left on, especially in the south region!
PER: Phyllis Harris, a phenomenal,
floral designer in the Nashville area...
states, 'If 'Limelight' Hydrangeas are still
white, they will collapse into almost
nothing, they have to remain green,
for several weeks before harvesting!
Dry them in a cool place to prevent
discoloration...
I, personally like to strip my leaves as
I harvest to save on a shredded mess later!
BUT, I have been known to leave the
leaves for MORE interest & fullness!
The time to harvest is AFTER
the morning dew has resided,
trying your best NOT to harvest during
the hottest hours of the day! |
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| Here... you'll notice I harvest them by the box full, it JUST helps me on saving time, by placing them heads-up as I go from hydrangea to hydrangea! They will remain in the box as positioned for at least 5-7 days, until dried to a ruffle feel! And JUST one more tip... REALLY a personal one for me! I absolutely LOVE harvesting them leaving long stems attached, that way the possibilities are ENDLESS in decorating! Hoping this gives YOU an insight of how to harvest THOSE magnificent blossoms, in order to ENJOY a growing gift that JUST keeps on giving! BLESSED evening... & Happy Harvesting... from my garden to YOURS! |
