Mar 17, 2009

Forcing forsythias










Come the end of January, many of us New Englander's are desperate for spring. We are sick of the long, dark, cold days and deeply ache for signs of spring. I spotted robins in town shortly after Princess Mercy arrived home...surely it was a sign that winter was soon to end.

While visiting me mum on her little patch of heaven, she graciously offered me some of her forsythia branches that grew in the field near the cows pasture. Her grandbabies all ran outside, happy for the visit to the cow pasture, to see some of their favorite cow friends. I grabbed my camera and shot a few moments of outside, as they are rare for me here in winter. (brrrrr)

Me mum clipped a good armful and then I carted them home in Katrinka our tank. I placed them into a vase filled with fresh water and patiently awaited their lovely yellow show that they'd soon offer us. Every few days I refreshed their water and then brilliantly their show began.

I guess I am sharing this because 3 of my girlfriends came over, they were all surprised that they were 'REAL' forsythias in full bloom. None of them knew you could cut them, bring them in, and force them to bloom. Silly me, I thought all mums taught such things. I forget that not everyones mum is a Master Gardener.

So, give it a try...you can force other spring blooming branches too, some require a longer wait, but apple blossoms and crab apple blossoms can really display their beauty magnificently too. I haven't tried my pink weigela, but that might be worth the go, while I wait for them to come into bloom outdoors.

Only 3 more days until spring officially arrives...awwhhh, I am going to SHouT for JOY!

9 comments:

Ron & Maria said...

for real? REAL FORSYTHIAS IN BLOOM! IM ACHING FOR SOME SPRING - and I do so love the winter though!

a real New Englander - maybe it's the ADD - need change often!

beautiful pics.

Shonni said...

Those are such great pictures...here in Colorado, I am also ready for the first "green"!

Erin said...

So nice to meet you too. You are more than welcome to move into Anthropologie with me! Also, I'm sure I will have many questions as I begin my homeschooling journey, so please stay in touch. :)

Many blessings over your gorgeous family,

Erin

BittersweetPunkin said...

Oh how I miss the forsythias.....sigh. I had the largest bush of them in my backyard when I lived in CT. ....and Bittersweet...how I miss the bittersweet!

Bobbie-Jo said...

I will have to try that with our apple tree. I love May when our front yard is a shower of blossoms. Maybe this will perk things up around here! (Not that I'm complaining about winter - it's mucky spring I dislike!)

Anonymous said...

I did this last year with apple blossoms and loved it. It was amazing to look at the green leaves in my house and then outside at the brown bare trees.
Amy F.

Renata said...

They are beautiful!!
I didn't realise your seasons didn't change when ours do. I imagine that spring is just beautiful there!
You are blessed to have a mother who taught you gardening - my mother never gardened, so I had never planted a plant until I was married for a few years - you can imagine how little I know about gardening.

Anonymous said...

I will have to try that. I'm itching for some Spring too!

angie {the arthur clan} said...

Absolutely beautiful Kimmie! I am anxiously awaiting the first signs of spring here in Ohio...

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