Winter Florals: Try Dogwood Stems

I love the beauty of branches in Wintertime

The starkness holds it own special beauty that the leaves of summer hide.  When I pull down my last Christmas decoration, I see my house with the same view as that stark branch…and I love it.   I don’t want clutter now.  I want to see the bones of my house that have been hidden under Christmas decor and garland for 6 weeks.

This is right where I was 3 1/2 weeks ago.  My house was stripped bare, yet I needed some flowers- or something- for my large clear glass vases on my mantel and on a table in my front room.   I went to Import Flowers and looked around.  I saw some Red Twig Dogwood branches.  Perfect.  I filled up the three tall vases for a combined $76.  They are modern, fresh, alive, and yet not fussy.  They are my January mood.

The branches are starting to turn green and bud with leaves and tiny flowers.  My kids love to see the progress of the branches coming to life.  As a preliminary celebration of our impending Spring, these dogwood branches have been perfect on all counts.  I fully expect to have them for another 3 weeks.  $76 and 6 weeks of life in my vases – a good deal.  And, perfect for my mood and the season.

Are branches the match for your Winter mood?

Import Flowers is located on Murphy Road past the Bowling Avenue intersection. Owner, Lou Farrell, advises that while the Red Twig Dogwood are near the end of their season, there are many other branches to choose from. I saw some Quince- both white and peach that are coming into season. Pussy Willow, native to TN, was also on display.  And he gave a great tip to share with all our readers: Keep your Pussy Willow (I know- I hate the word, too) for a week in water and then spray them with a matte hairspray.  This will make the Willow (see I eliminated THAT word….) keep for at least 6 months in great shape.  He has some that have lasted three years with this technique!

The website also has a price list and weekly availability as well as great local designers.  Check out these pictures of the Quince as well as Lou holding some great West TN Curly Willow- available in red, green and brown!

-Liza

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