FLORGARD

Lilies make wonderful cut flowers. Choose lilies with buds that are just about to open, not tight and green, witha bit of the flower color showing. As soon as you get lilies inside, trim the stem ends an inch or so, making a diagonal cut with a sharp knife. If you worry that the orange pollen of lilies might cause stains, simply snip off the stamens in the flower's center. Before arranging in a vase, remove the lower leaves on the stems so that no foliage will be underwater.

Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers to the surface or carelessly mulching with organic matter, which may encourage rhizome rot. Keep rhizomes exposed. Unlike bulbs, which thrive deep underground, iris rhizomes need a bit of sun and air to dry them out. If they're covered with soil or crowded by other plants, they'll rot. Irises may benefit from shallow mulching in the spring. Don't trim iris leaves. Leaves carry on photosynthesis for next year's growth. Cut off brown tips—and cut the flower

Hydrangeas require a lot of water, but need well-drained soil. They don't like constantly wet areas. Hydrangeas thrive best in shady areas. They will grow in sun, but be prepared to provide lots of extra water. Hydrangeas benefit from winter protection or sheltered placement.

Put a 2– to 4–inch layer of mulch around your gladioli to keep your soil moist and help prevent weeds. If you get less than 1 inch of rain a week, water your plants regularly throughout the summer. Otherwise, water them moderately when in growth to keep the soil moist. Remove the faded/dead flowers to ensure continuous growth. Once all the flowers on a stalk have gone, cut off the stalk. Be sure to leave the plant intact so it can mature and rejuvenate the corms for the next season. If you live

Water in the morning so leaves can dry out during the day to lessen the risk of rot and fungal diseases. Gerbera daisy care can also be enhanced by using a micro-nutrient liquid fertilizer such as a seaweed or fish emulsion. Keep an eye out for caterpillars and leaf miners too. Spray, if needed, with an organic spray such as pyrethrum or neem oil.

Taking basal root cuttings involves nabbing some roots in the spring when the new shoots are just a few inches tall.

Carnations need some hours of full sun each day and should be kept moist. Avoid over-watering as this may tend to turn the foliage yellow. Spent flowers should be removed promptly to promote continued blooming. The quality of the bloom depends on the soil and irrigation aspects for growing carnations. Those who grow carnations should know the importance of pinching, stopping and disbudding. At the time of plucking carnations, leave three to four nodes at the base and remove the stem. The plant f

Don’t put them with apples and other fruit. Apples and bananas give off ethylene gas, which helps fruit ripen but kills the flower bud inside any bulbs. If you don’t have room in the fridge when taking care of tulips, don’t put tulip bulbs in the freezer.Ιt will kill them.