Help for Homeowners - Say it With Flowers

Coming at you with another in the "Help for Homeowners" series where Sonora, Twain Harte and Mother Lode area homeowners can find advice to help make their homes that much happier. (To read any of the first four posts in this series, click the following links: Showing Your Home, Decorating for Living Large, Gardening with Kids or Neighborhood Garage Sales.) In this article we're talking about how using flowers even in the simplest ways can lend to the ambience of any home...

Dear Homeowner,

Garden flowers can do more than just brighten your landscape — they can also brighten your home.

Arrangements of garden flowers don't have to be elaborate. The simple beauty of a single rose or peony blossom floating in a clear bowl can be an attractive centerpiece.

When combining different species, look for variety in flower form, size and texture. This can be a mix of spike-flowers; round, daisy-like flowers and dainty fillers like baby's-breath.

Arrange your garden flowers in clean containers or vases that will complement the flowers, without being overbearing. You do not want a container to compete with the flowers for attention.

Select a container that's in proportion to the size of the flowers, their stem length and the size of the arrangement you plan to make. For low containers, arrangements should be 1 to 1 1/2 times as tall as the container's width. For tall containers, arrangements should be 1 1/4 to 2 times the container's height.

When you're ready to arrange your flowers, re-cut the stems under water to the desired length. A flower preservative, available from florists and garden centers, added to the vase water, will help to keep the flowers fresh-looking longer.

Always use clean water for arrangements. If flowers are displayed in vases, it's a good idea to change the water daily to prevent early wilting and browning.

Display your vases or arrangements of garden flowers in a cool location and out of direct sunlight and drafts.

For more home decorating ideas, call Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC Real Estate at 209-533-4242 or EMAIL US HERE.