Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Willow Branches




I got a bunch of willow branches with catkins on them from the CT Flower Show earlier this year. I didnt know that catkins are the willow flowers in full bloom till the farmer told me. I put these branches in a container of water. And now the branches have grown roots, catkins fallen and developed into leaves. I am told each of these branches is a potential tree and can be sown in the ground after they develop roots. In a year the tree would grow to about 10 feet and bear catkins early next spring. I plan to grow them in a container (I saw a container with weeping willow at the grocery store) for a year before planting them.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Forcing Hyacinths


I tried forcing 5 Hyacinth bulbs indoors in a pot with potting soil. After watering I stashed them away in a closet in the garage for about 2 months.


I brought them into the living room early this month. And now they have fragrant blooms on them. Had the internet been smelling friendly, these photographs would be hyacinth scented.
So forcing bulbs is not tough. The key is to mimic dark and cold days of winter for these plants. I am going to try forcing paperwhites and tulips next spring, and maybe even some forsythia.