How to keep fresh-cut flowers fresh

08 Wednesday Jun 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Flowers

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One of my favorite, relatively small, decorative touches is displaying fresh cut flowers in as many rooms as I possibly can.

Image via Brabourne Farms

This time of year (in most of North America) it is particularly easy to obtain beautiful flowers either from the garden or from the market or both.

via

Last Friday afternoon, Trader Joe’s had huge bundles of stocks, grouped by color, for only $3.99.

We were having dinner guests so I purchased the white bundle and by pairing it with my iceberg roses, ended up with flowers in 3 different rooms. One of our guests gave me a bouquet of simple white mums and hot pink daisies (which may have been dyed) so I ended up with 4 sizable bouquets. They make me smile when I enter the room.

To keep them looking fresh and to avoid the murky, mossy, smelly water that can quickly develop in a vase I had to do the following…

1) Cut the stems of all flowers on a slant with a very sharp knife or sharp pruning shears. Remove all leaves and foliage that will be below the water line in the vase, this foliage can increase the bacteria in the water once they (leaves) start to rot due to being submersed.

2) Every day, if at all possible (every other day if you’re really busy) take the bouquet to the kitchen sink and rinse the stems and replace the *water. On the 3^rd or 4^th day clip the ends of the stems to give them a fresh start for drinking the water.

via

*I have read that there are several things you can add to the water to prolong the life of the floral arrangement…I’ve tried most of these steps and find that fresh water daily works as well and/or better than any one of these: a drop of dish washing liquid; an aspirin; a copper penny; a drop of bleach; a packet of the preservative most bouquets come with; or 7-up…(we sometimes have an ant issue and I never want to tempt them by filling my flower vases with a sweet beverage).

via

Once you begin to lose a few blossoms, take the bouquet to the sink (if you have more than one vase of flowers this will be even easier) and remove the dead stems, rearrange and combine flowers from other bouquets until you have a pleasing arrangement. Voila! You’ll be so happy!

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{The above images noted with via are from one of my favorite floral blog sites, Small Stump + Studio Choo. Click on the link below and be amazed!

Small Stump + Studio Choo is an art studio and online shop based in the wee coastal town of Pacifica, California. The online shop is stocked with a collection of art and woodwork created by owners Jill and Matt Rizzo and a few vintage goodies.

What are your favorite flowers? Do you keep fresh flowers in your home?

The joy of spring

27 Friday May 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Gardens, Outdoor living

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my garden

I guess I’ve always loved spring…to be honest fall and spring is on equal footing for me. But spring, more than fall, is a favorite for so many reasons. 1) I love the Pacific Daylight Savings Time, which gives me time after work to work in the garden; 2) The garden is inspirational, even when it needs plenty of work, you can’t stop Mother Nature from doing her thing and in spring that means plants generally look good no matter what abuse they have endured over the winter; and 3) This season more than most holds promise of good things to come, new beginnings.

As I have mentioned, I’ve been working diligently in the garden to try to get it to look like I imagine it should…

Image via Content in a Cottage

This spring I’ve planted a few new (to me) plants in the garden and thought I’d show you pictures before I kill them or they rebel and turn ugly. Wait, that sounds too pessimistic, I just want to show you the pictures while they are fresh and new and putting their best blooms on.

Clematis Sunset Garden book states there are over 200 species available. The plant is deciduous here in sunny, Southern California, or at least the variety I purchased (I confess I can’t remember what it’s called…the tag was accidentally tossed). I found out about the Willow Obelisk Trellises HERE

Oriental Poppy papaver hybridum ‘Lavender Breadseed’ I found this plant thanks to Trouvais HERE. It is supposed to reseed easily and I love the benefit of that…buy 3 plants and over time end up with 30!

Daisy ‘Silver’ Double I think daisies are sweet and I enjoy them in certain table settings or as a simple spring/summer floral arrangement, but I ordinarily wouldn’t plant them, but this one reminded me a bit of a pincushion flower. I grow a lavender pincushion without a problem, but I’ve wanted a white pincushion for years now and when I finally saw one at Rogers Gardens for a mere $10 for a 1 gallon plant I splurged only to have it shrivel up and die 6 weeks later!

I really like shades of blue in the garden. Lobelia is a favorite and I found this columbine that had a trace of blue to it. I’ve planted some delphiniums which were pretty small so it may take them awhile.

Sweet Peas I purchased this armillary in Rosarito Beach, Mexico years ago. This year I planted some sweet pea seeds at its base and am happy to report that thanks to the unseasonably cool weather we’ve had this spring they are actually growing and there are a few blooms. (See, I can find a silver lining most any place!)

I talked about planting the wine box HERE. My dear friend Carla gave me the box and suggested herbs. I planted them last year and this year the chives have bloomed. I like the blooms as much as I like the ease of cutting a few chives when a recipe calls for it.

I didn’t take a picture of my hydrangea garden but the Endless Summer I planted it just about to pop. I’ll take pictures later.

What are you growing this spring…I know some of my blog friends in other parts of the country are blessed with peonies and lilacs, lucky you!

Your wish is my command

25 Wednesday May 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Gardens, Maintenance, Misc, Outdoor living, Renovating

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renovating

Hubby and I have been married a very long time. I consider this a good thing and sometimes scary the way we will inadvertently dress alike without seeing the color shirt/blouse the other one is putting on; or thinking we’re hungry for the exact same thing once one of us has mentioned a menu option.

An example of our being in sync occurred recently and I thought I’d share the story with you…am I desperate for post ideas, or what?

A few weeks back I posted about a new storage container I was fond of…this was a surprise to me because I had fought the notion of having storage containers cluttering up my ever so small pantry for years. Anyway, I blogged about the OXO pop storage container HERE in part because I like to share information with my readers on products that are all they are advertised to be and then some, I’m generous that way.

Hubby read the post, which in and of itself pleases me no end. I can’t tell you how sweet I think it is that he takes time out of his busy day to read my ramblings, but I digress.

So, along comes Mother’s Day and he tells me he has a gift for me. I had asked that he give me my usual hand-picked pound of See’s candy and that was more than enough. Alas, he had my requested See’s and a large box which contains a set of OXO pop-up storage containers. I was a little concerned at first that our smallish pantry wouldn’t be able to accommodate the set but low and behold, we managed. Thank you sweetie, for being such a thoughtful guy.

This is the best (IMHO) and I keep my list of favorite specifics.

To that end I thought I’d blog about some other items on my wish list…hey this just might work!

Our back yard is in desperate need of new grass…specifically Marathon sod, with sprinklers. We have never put sprinklers in the back yard and have gotten by without them up until now. We sometimes travel in the warmer months and it would be wonderful to have auto timer sprinklers taking care of business while we’re gone.

Our guest bathroom is a fright. When we purchased the house 29 years ago the previous owner had installed chocolate brown Kohler tub, toilet and sink. Some time about 15 years ago the brown, much like a black car, showed every scratch and scrape that it had endured and we had a company come and coat the tub and sink with white enamel. We replaced the toilet. This lasted us until about 2 years ago…the coating has begun to chip…we now have a tub that resembles the Gateway computer box (except it’s brown and white) and the sink is brown (since the coating came off in nearly one piece there).

Finally, our patio set is from Costco and is made from “tropical hardwood” which is meant to look like teak and mostly does. It has grayed with age (something I like) and is well designed. Here is the catch, the chairs weigh a ton and will not slide on the concrete. No matter what we try, including fancy “guaranteed to slide” feet. So when we entertain al fresco we must warn our guests to move the chair in a certain way lest the chair collapse on them. *I forgot to mention the chairs have a couple of settings and can fold. So I would like to replace them with the Kooboo chair from Cost Plus. You can read about them in detail (and compare them to the Pottery Barn chair) HERE.

So, just in case we hit the lottery and you are looking for gift ideas, honey, here you go. {giggle}

Birthday Dinner ~ 2011

18 Wednesday May 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Flowers, Food, Party Planning, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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Spring birthday dinner 2011

As I’ve mentioned before, we’re part of a 5-couple “birthday” group. Four couples (we are close friends with) started a dinner group where we celebrate birthdays honoring each of us (usually 2 at a time) throughout the year. I have posted about it HERE and HERE.

This year it is my turn to celebrate the birthday of our baker extraordinaire of the group, Joyce.

I decorated my concrete puti (that stands guard at the front door) with live ivy and star jasmine.

I began thinking about the table setting back in January and found a Ralph Lauren tablecloth at T.J. Maxx to help me set the color and theme.

Because I’ve been loving lanterns I picked up the white lanterns and decided to use them along with some spring flowers.

My mom gave me the depression glass plates (she had found them at a garage sale) and I’ve used them for salad and dessert. The dinner plates are Pottery Barn’s catering plates, perfectly plain and white.

The menu will include a favorite Pistachio Crusted Chicken, fresh asparagus and roasted potatoes. The dinner is a little rich but I’ll pass out Alka Seltzer after dinner and all will be fine!

I will post the recipe for the chicken later.

Happy Birthday, Joyce! May 2011 be the best year ever.

Rogers Gardens ~ Spring

02 Monday May 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Outdoor living

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Rogers Gardens, Spring

I posted about Rogers Gardens late last fall (HERE) and while my photography didn’t really do it justice I thought I’d give it another “college try”.

Besides, the light in spring seems to make everything look so much better.

When the seasons change I find Roger’s Gardens to be a wonderful source of inspiration. The nursery is so much more than plant materials and gardening supplies. There are 2 large gift galleries that offer everything from antiques to small gift items. Prices in the gift gallery are not overly expensive and its a great source for hostess and birthday gifts. Whoever they hire to stage the various vignettes in the gallery does an amazing job and I will often get ideas for decorative accessories and table settings.

Unlike the gift gallery, most of the live plants are relatively expensive so I usually visit for ideas and then search out alternate sources. I feel just a little guilty about doing this, but when you see the lines for the cash register I think you realize my paltry purchase wouldn’t make a bit of difference in their bottom line.

The buyers find some interesting antique reproduction pieces, like the slightly rusty, large clock. Roger’s carries a wonderful array of cement putis, plaques and planters.

See what I mean…there are so many beautiful and unique plants to get ideas from. The topiary with succulents planted at the base were tempting.

Bleeding heart has always been a favorite. Columbine is another beautiful spring and summer favorite.

Purple calla lily…so beautiful Astilbe, another delicate beauty.

I wanted some planting ideas for my secret garden (HERE) and Rogers truly finds some of the most unique specimens.

Thanks for joining me on this field trip to Roger’s Gardens. Do you have a favorite nursery for buying plants?

Fun in the sun

27 Wednesday Apr 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Gardening, Maintenance, Outdoor living, Renovating

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Outdoor living

As the weather warms I begin to focus more of my attention on life outdoors. I want to be in the garden, working or playing, and I look forward to meals on the patio.

This lovely outdoor seating space is Cote de Texas‘

Image via Country Living

Villa Saladino in Santa Barbara has a lovely outdoor seating area.

Image by Simon Upton ~ Jill Brinson Home

Our patio~teak, gray with age

Image via Velvet & Linen

As I’ve mentioned before, we have lived in our house since 1982. Each room, inside and out, has been renovated at least once, sometimes more. Our back yard is in need of new sod right now and a decision must be made about the 2 gigantic ficus benjamina trees growing there. Roots of these trees threaten to take over the world (beginning with our back yard). The trees do provide a canopy of shade that rivals an outdoor air conditioner on the hottest days.

I visualize this…

Image via French Kissed

I would love to create a gravel or decomposed granite pad where we could place some furniture, maybe dining furniture under the umbrella of the trees and living room furniture on the patio. Pictures like this (above) are my inspiration (Thank you Jermaine).

Image via 5th & State

When we replace our sod (which is now a combination of assorted green weeds and grass—fortunately when its mowed most people don’t realize it isn’t 100% Marathon sod.

Villa Saladino—nice vista, but the grass is lovely, so green.

I think there is something very soothing about green, whether it be grass or plant, it cools me down in the summer months and cheers me up on a gray day.

Image via House Beautiful (Edmund Barr photo)

Image via 5th & State

Vines are another benefit to a yard with cinder block fencing or overly plain wood-fencing. They can soften the space and add interest. Our back fence is cinder block and it’s completely covered in vines so its very soothing and makes a lovely backdrop for the other shrubs and flowers.

Oh wait, how did this get in? Well, you have to admit, Mr. Darcy walking in your yard would be exciting!

Have you started any landscape improvements this year?

A new recipe for a spring BBQ

25 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Flowers, Food, Outdoor living, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 4 Comments

Image via Graphics Fairy

I’m eager for spring to show its sunny self and present us with an opportunity to dine al fresco and enjoy a yummy burger. We’ve had a few days that have hinted at it’s permanent arrival…only to be followed by overcast, gray skies! (I know, stop whining. It could be worse!)

Image via French Essence

I’m normally a beef burger kind of gal but this recipe enticed me with the seasonings used and I thought maybe I could eat one healthy burger every now and then, I mean what’s the harm, right?

I mentioned Epicurious a couple of weeks ago and this “Best of Epicurious” recipe site (within their site) is chock full of deliciousness. If you like tasty recipes that are tested by lots of readers who send in glowing reviews I urge you to link HERE. If you’d like to print a clean copy of this recipe, click HERE.

Grilled Turkey Burgers with Cheddar & Smoky Aioli

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INGREDIENTS:

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 pound ground dark-meat turkey
4 1/3 -inch-thick red onion slices
1 large or 2 small red bell peppers, quartered
4 slices white cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
4 sesame-seed hamburger buns
Arugula
Pickle wedges
Corn chips

INSTRUCTIONS:

Toast cumin seeds and coriander seeds in small skillet over medium-high heat until aromatic and slightly darker in color, shaking skillet often, about 1 1/2 minutes. Cool. Finely grind toasted seeds in spice grinder or in mortar with pestle. Whisk mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, and ground spices in small bowl. Season aioli to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Aioli can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

Place turkey in medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons aioli; mix gently. Using damp hands, divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, then form each into scant 3/4-inch thick patty, about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Using thumb, make small indentation in center of each burger. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Sprinkle burgers with salt and pepper. Brush onion slices and bell pepper pieces with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill onions and bell peppers until soft and charred, about 4 minutes per side.

Grill turkey burgers 5 minutes. Turn over; grill until almost cooked through, about 4 minutes. Top each burger with 1 cheese slice and grill until meat is cooked through and cheese melts, about 1 minute longer. Place 1 turkey burger on each of 4 bun bottoms. Arrange grilled red pepper pieces, then grilled red onion slices over. Top each with dollop of aioli and some arugula. Cover burgers with bun tops and serve with pickle wedges and corn chips.

Have you barbecued your first burger of the season yet? If so, what’s your favorite?

Easter and other thoughts of spring

11 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Flowers, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Party Planning

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spring decor

Spring fever has temporarily stymied the creative juices in me but I did come across some very pretty centerpiece ideas over at Martha’s (Martha Stewart dot com).

Image (above) via Small Stump + Studio

Image (above) via Martha Stewart

Images (above and below) via Martha Stewart

The wonderful thing about this time of year is that you can find flowers for a song (well, maybe not a song but truly affordable) and with the help of some warm weather and a sunny day, you can set a festive table and serve almost any meal and you, family and/or guests will be happy.

♥

It’s pretty universal; the advent of spring gives everyone’s spirits a boost. I try to capitalize on that feeling and the energy rush it provides, and clean, plan, and entertain.

Where decorating is concerned there are some rooms that seem like the very definition of spring…like these rooms recently featured in House Beautiful. Designed by Doug Davis of Tracery Interiors, this Alabama home speaks “spring”…in part because of the pink accents. I am not usually a huge fan of pink in décor for the home, but the subtle splashes in this instance have me hooked.

Images below via House Beautiful

I think this is home feels light and airy (very spring-like), in spite of the hints of formal living. It’s got to be the pink touches. To read more about this house, including the interview Mimi Read conducted with Paige Schnell and Doug Davis click HERE

What are your thoughts this spring? Have you come down with a case of Spring Fever?

The Secret Garden

06 Wednesday Apr 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Maintenance

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Secret Garden

Aside from the fact that I loved the book “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, I always loved the idea of having a space in my yard that would be unexpected, a bit self-contained and hopefully pique curiosity.

Peter comes out in the spring. This is my side yard garden.

Having a small yard, for years I didn’t believe it was possible to realize my dream in this house. But after a home tour of a Balboa Peninsula home (where yards can be the size of postage stamps) and the homeowner had a lovely knot garden, I was inspired to try my hand at creating my dream, or a slightly modified version of my dream.

This is my friend, Carla’s beautiful secret garden. She has walls on 3 sides so her garden is truly more “secret” than mine.

When I embarked on this project I had my own landscape business, Blooming Borders, in partnership with my dear friend, Wendy. I knew I could get the plants wholesale and figured I could do most of the planting. Importing and installing the gravel as well as the 1” x 2” border boards was another story so I employed the help of a team from another self-employed landscaper who generously allowed his guys to do the backbreaking work of grass and root removal, installing the borders and gravel (all for a very affordable amount of $$$).

This image was taken last spring…Sally Holmes (climbing rose) is on the fence between my neighbors yard and since it blooms only once a year I’m considering moving it to a different spot in the yard and installing an espaliered tree of some kind. What do you think?

I completed this garden 10 years ago and I still enjoy this space in my yard, even if it isn’t truly “secret”. (There’s no hidden entrance and you clearly see all parts of the garden from the back yard, but it is unexpected and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it as a “room” in the backyard.

This is Pearl (a hybrid tea rose) and it’s never really done well, although this picture was taken at it’s best. I may put Mr. Lincoln in its place.

It is now in need of some renovating, that word is beginning to sound like a broken record around my house! I want to plant a line of hydrangea, replace a couple of the roses and work on removing the ever-invasive roots from my neighbor’s tree.

Here is the look I’m going for and a list of the work ahead of me…

I have a hybrid tea rose in each of the center planting areas of the knot. One of the roses isn’t very happy and I’m thinking of replacing it with Mr. Lincoln. Isn’t it a beautiful red.

This is an espaliered fruit tree, wouldn’t that be nice…visit the secret garden and pick an apple!

The main thing I will need to do in my “secret” garden will be to being to replace the border boards that have, after 10 years, finally started to break free of their restraint posts. I am thinking of trying my hand at placing a line of used brick in its place.

I realize this image is of some other kind of brick but you get the jest. I would make the border a single brick width. I will keep you posted on how this goes.

This is the formal knot garden from a wonderful blog site called Brabourne Farm

This little plaque was a gift when my grandmother passed away so many years ago and it resides in the secret garden.

Newton’s Winery, their knot garden is spectacular. We visited in 2008 with our dear friends Julie and Dave and it was a bit on the blustery side but still so beautiful. Truly inspirational for me.

So wish me luck. I’ve got some serious work to do, but maybe by this time next year I will have the row of hydrangeas and some of the other plants performing their best.

Spring has arrived…per the calendar

30 Wednesday Mar 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Outdoor living

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English gardens

Since spring is sure to arrive any minute now…it’s officially on the calendar but isn’t in full swing. Mother Nature has toyed with us and there’s been a couple of spring-like days but I’m still waiting for the real deal.

So while I wait I thought I’d dream of what I want my garden to look like.

No, I don’t have a thatched roof cottage but I wish I did!

Somehow the Brits just know how to grow flowers without them looking too contrived, almost as though they grow wild.

In case you imagine this entire post is a fantasy, I do have a white garden gate to the back yard…now I just need to tame the wildness that has occurred over the winter months.

Okay, this garden is being shown because wouldn’t we all love a tennis court in our back yard, especially a grass court!

I am going to work on my herb garden this spring. I want more herbs than I’ve had in the past, maybe even a pepper or two.

This image is not part of the Options 1st set, Flickr

If my yard had more sun I’d definitely be down for a few raised vegetable beds.

It seems that in England flowers even grow in baskets on bicycles!

The above images are via a website I discovered thanks to Rosemary at Content in a Cottage called Options 1st…enter at your own risk!

Via UGardeners, Flickr

I will work on my roses so that they bloom like these (above) and try my best to get rid of the sawfly that has plagued them every summer for the past 5 years!

And finally, I will tend to my sheep…oh wait, I don’t have any sheep. Sheep and chickens, I’d like them both but might have to move to be allowed any!