GIFTS FROM THE GARDEN
Your yard most likely harbors a wealth of landscape that’s ripe for the pruning. Trimming errant branches from flowering trees and bringing them indoors for forcing is a win-win. First, identify which flora you may have that’s suitable for spring forcing. (Not all plants take to indoor vase conditions.) Forsythia, quince and flowering cherry branches will bloom indoors. Next, choose where you plan to showcase your blooms. Keep in mind that when the branches come to life in a few weeks, they’ll fill out. Last, head to the garden with sharp, clean garden shears, and cut branches a few inches longer than you need.
Once inside, cut the branches again under running water at an angle to allow them to take in the most hydration. Some gardeners swear by smashing or scoring the bottoms of their branches.Wrap the bottom of a freshly cut branch in a dish towel or newspaper and gently smash
the bottom inch with a hammer. Or score the bottom of the branch by using a knife or vegetable peeler to remove the bark on the bottom. Ask kids to help to add an element of science. Try several methods, and ask young helpers to monitor and record the results to see what works best.
Finally, set branches in a vase filled with lukewarm water. Some gardeners start branches out of direct light in a cooler spot in the house to allow them to acclimate to the warmth of the indoors.
Let nature take its course, and watch the blooms appear over the next few weeks. Remember to refresh water weekly. This can be tricky when the delicate leaves and blossoms are emerging. One hack is to use a turkey baster to drain the dirty water from the vase. It’s a slower process, but it protects the new buds and only needs to be done weekly.
GOOD CHOICES
Regionally good options for forcing branches are magnolia, flowering quince, flowering cherry, dogwood and forsythia. Let color be your guide: Forsythia blooms in yellow, magnolia in creme to deep pink, quince in scarlet, pink and white, dogwood in blush to magenta and cherry from pale white to rose. But some branches bloom longer and create less mess, so do a bit of research to determine which fit your style. Forsythia yields a faster bloom but fades and drops with equal speed.
ONE-STOP SHOP
If you don’t want to trudge through the mud to cut your quince or cherry branches, local garden stores, nurseries and florists typically have branches available for immediate gratification. One of my favorite hidden sources is Cos Cob Farms at 63 East Putnam Avenue. This small gem of a grocer boasts a good supply of fresh flowers and seasonal branches.
FANTASTIC FAUX
If you’d prefer to avoid the mess that live branches will inevitably leave on your table, select faux floras. Welcome spring with elegant faux spring branches with Diane James arrangements. Consider the AERIN x Diane James blooming quince in the Mirabelle tall vase or any of the faux floral couture arrangements featuring plum, dogwood or magnolia branches. If you have something unique in mind, you can order a custom arrangement. The company is located in Norwalk. Hand-tied branches start at $450, and new designs are available regularly. dianejameshome.com
START A TRADITION
My family tradition is to decorate blooming spring branches with origami paper cranes. On Ash Wednesday, my branches go up, and out comes my crystal bowl brimming with colorful origami paper birds.
In Japanese culture, cranes symbolize peace. Crafty parents can include kids in the origami bird making with kits from Michael’s or local craft stores or using online tutorials. I purchase mine from Amazon and tie a simple ribbon to each.
Our family celebrates the Lenten season. The idea that what appears lifeless may hold hope and promise inspires me. Renewal and rebirth are the cornerstones of this season.
Celebrated in Christianity, Lent spans the 40 days leading up to Easter. When I was growing up, many families were encouraged to give something up. For years I used it as a time to cut calories, limit liquor or any habit. But with my own children, I moved us toward doing something versus giving something up. Doing good deeds, showing kindness to others, engaging in charitable acts or starting a good habit.
I realized that something everyone could benefit from was to make a wish. From manifesting to praying, it all starts with a clarity of thought. I embrace Lent as an opportunity for anyone passing through our home to take a moment, pick a beautiful bird from our bowl, say a wish and hang it on a branch. As the days go by, the branches explode with birds and blossoms. The cranes are recycled annually and carry a season of secret hopes and dreams from one year to the next.
