Are you into bike riding? I ride my bicycle all of the time. I’m kind of addicted to the feeling of the breeze in my face. The tightness in my abs lets me know that I’m also getting my daily dose of exercise but in a fun way. The burn in my legs drives the feeling home. I never knew that flowers and bike riding had anything to do with each other, but biking with the honey showed me how the two come together seamlessly.

We were biking together at a local state park in June (and every weekend since then) when it just suddenly dawned on me. They may not be cut fresh flowers, but the flowers scattered all over the sides of the path were absolutely gorgeous. We rode a bit farther than we would have otherwise because we were admiring the nature around us. That’s not really like him so I was quite impressed that our surrounding caught him like that also. After all, we’ve been there dozens of times before. It wasn’t until we began biking the paths that we’d walked together before that we discovered just how pretty flowers are whether in a vase or in the woods.

I hope to have a similar experience when I do my other favorite outdoor activity next weekend–kayaking. Even if I don’t, I’ll always have that surreal moment when he and I noticed together that something that we love (biking) was always surrounded by something we take for granted (wildflowers).

Ask the Expert: Have a lace-cap hydrangea but no blooms. Help? My lace-cap hydrangea looks healthy with lots of deep green leaves but no flowers. Should I be fertilizing it? Elizabeth

Plant expert Reply:
There are 2 major reasons Lacecap Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) cold damage or improper pruning. Since they form their buds August through September, the Lacecap hydrangea bloom buds are susceptible to frost damage. There is very little  you can do about this type of blooming problem except to use a variety that is a little more hardy.  However if pruning is the cause for lack of blooms, you have all the control over this problem.  Lacecap hydrangeas should be deheaded immediately after blooming and very little true pruning needs to take place.  If you must prune your hydrangea, follow the fantastic pruning instructions I found at Hydrangeas! Hydrangeas.

2 minor reasons hydranges don’t bloom: Not enough sunlight and insufficient nutrients.  Hydrangeas love morning sun and afternoon shade.  Also they will grow in shaier conditions, it does inhibit blooming.  make sure your hydrangeas get half a day of sun.  Fertlize your hydrangeas will a balanced slow-release fertilizer once or twice a summer.  May and july are good months to fertilize your hydrangeas.  Don not fertlize after August.

Hopefully the reason your hydrangea isn’t blooming will become clear and you will be able to correct the problem.

Ask the Expert: what kind of insecticide should I use ?
what kind of insecticide should I use for scale and aphids on my peace lily and how do I apply it? Is there anyway to keep this from happening again? Carol

Plant Expert Reply:

For Aphids and mealybugs I usually recommend a Resmethrin based insecticide. Fertilome makes one called Whitefly & mealybug killer that works well on most houseplants. This product comes in a ready to use (RTU) form and you can spray it directly on the plant. For peace lilies I would begin with a very light misting. Peace lilies are sensitive to many chemicals and any application should be done lightly to minimize any phototoxcity. Keeping the moist level of your peace lily constant and nutrient happy will help reduce insect infestation. Diligence is the key. Keep an eye out for any indication that the insects have come back and treat appropriately.

"Fall Flirtations" July Anniversary Flowers

Escape the traditional. While roses are pretty, there are a lot of ways to make it unique and special. A dozen roses? Sweet but doesn’t quite cut it. First, consider her favorite flowers. Does she like daisies? Is she more of a premium flower person (stargazer lilies, tulips, roses, etc)? This will help you narrow down the options to discuss with your florist.

If you’re not completely sure what she likes, contact your local florist. Some guys can find out her favorite flower in really covert ways. Others aren’t so sneaky. If subterfuge isn’t on your resume, go to your local florist instead. They’re awesome with figuring out what’s best for YOUR sweetheart.

Next, consider that it’s July. Summer flowers are in full bloom. Not really sure which flowers are summer flowers? Examples of summer flowers are amaranthus, aster, carnations (year-round bloomers), gladiolus, freesia, heather, hydrangea and iris. Your local florist will know which flowers are readily available and which are available at a premium price. All you have to do is ask!

As important as the type of flowers is the style of anniversary flowers you choose. Your sweetheart has a very unique personality which is why it’s important to discuss this with your local florist. If your sweetie is a modern woman with contemporary taste, opt for contemporary anniversary flowers arranged using the latest trendy design techniques. If she is traditional and simple, go with the flow. Opt for anniversary flowers of a more traditional nature.

Once you’ve figured out the style she’ll like and the type of flowers, you’re ready to talk to your local florist! Even if this information escapes you, there is no better place to turn for help. Anniversary flowers are special just like your relationship so make it a big deal with help from your local florist!

Ask the Expert: Is my peace lily diseased or dying? My peace lily has little dark bubbles all the way up and down the flower stem and the leaves have a sticky substance on them. Jeanne

Plant Expert Reply:
Have you noticed any tiny insects on the back side of the leaves? Aphids usually attach themselves to the back side of plant leaves and suck the life out of them. During this process the aphids secret “honeydew” a waste product that presents itself as a sticky substance on the top side of the leaves. The dark bubbles could be an infestation of an insect called scale. If you can pick the bubble off and turn them upside down, you should be able to see that it is an insect. Both of these pest can be eradicated with an insecticide. Once the insects have been eliminated your Spathiphyllum (peace lily) will make a full recovery.

Crocosmia - Montbretia

Ask the Expert: Do you know what this flower is?
This flower appeared in my mom’s garden in SW Virgina and is in bloom now. She does not remember planting it but we don’t think it is a wildflower either. Any ideas? Jerusha

Plant Expert Reply:

The plant is called Crocosmia aurea, commonly known as Montbretia.  It is a clump-forming cormous perennial that is often used as a cut flower.  I have a variety of this in my garden.  Mine is called ‘Lucifer’, but I’m not sure which type you have. I sometimes cut the blooms and use them with other flowers from my garden in an arrangement for my kitchen.  It is definitely a keeper.  In fact, Monbretia is one of the few perennials my husband says is a must in any garden.

Although Crocosmia will germinate from seed, the only way I have every started the plant in my garden is with the corms.  Crocosmia is nice perennial that comes up every year with out any extra care and the clump will increase slightly each year.  It will bloom off and on June through August. I make sure mine is mulched going into winter and fertilize it occasionally during the growing season.  I basically ignore this plant and it still performs for me year after year.  So enjoy this mysterious flower gift.

Ask the Expert: Help with my Schefflera, please!
Actually, I was told that my plant isn’t a traditional Schlefflera, but in the same genus.  It has a long, skinny trunk (I guess you could call it), and then the leaves bloom out at the top — like a tree.  Anyway, almost as soon as I took it home, it started losing leaves at a pretty alarming rate.  At first, it was close to the front door, so I moved it somewhere else to avoid the cold draft (but still in a place with plenty of light).  Then, I discovered (quite late) small moving black bugs on it that were later identified as aphids.  By this point, the plant had lost almost all its leaves.  But there were signs of growth, so I used an insecticide spray on it, and it seemed to come to life again.  However, I guess my plant is bug prone because I eventually found these white, fuzzy things on it that were identified as mealy bugs.  I used another lighter soap mixture/spray on it, and the bugs “seem” to have been contained (though I guess you can’t be sure).  But my plant is in rough shape again, and now, for some reason, all the new buds are not blooming into leaves like they did before.  Instead, they are drying out and turning black.  I should mention that I also never really got the watering thing down.  I have one of those soil moisture gages, and when I stick it in, it’s always moist.  As a result, I don’t water it at any kind of regular interval, but, rather, I wait until the gage says it’s dry — as I was told to do by the people I bought the plant from (though this sometimes takes up to two weeks or more).  Do you have any idea why this might be happening?  I would appreciate any suggestions.  Thank you! Scott

Plant Expect Reply:

Watering is a crucial element in keeping your Schefflera healthy.  When plants are under water stress (either too much or too little), they become susceptible to insect invasion, fungal problems and all around decline.  Don’t rely on your water gauge. Water guages are fine except sometimes they don’t always tell the whole picture.  The soil needs to be moist throughout not just the top inch.  Stick your finger in the soil up to your second knuckle in a coouple places. This will give you the best indicator as to the moist of the soil.  If the soil is dry, saturate the soil not just the top.  If it is wet wait a couple of days and check again.  Once you have the watering straightened out, treating the insects and other problems will be easier.

Your plant probably had insects when you brought it home.  That happens occasionally.  You probably didn’t notice because the insect were in a different life stage - eggs, larvea etc. It often takes a couple of treatments to get rid of all the insects.  It sounds as if you have taken care of them.

The new problem may be insect damage just now presenting.  It could be a result of a fungal problem.  I would trim off any damaged or disease buds and then give the plant sometime.  It usually does take about two weeks for water damage to present itself. It usually takes a couple of weeks for the plant to recover from water problems.

In the meantime, take a magnifying glass and look for spider mites on the plant or thrips in the buds. If you see either, you will need to treat the plant. As for fungal issues, look for lesions on the leaves or on the stems of the plant. If you see either, the Schefflera will need to be treat with a funigicide.  However, most fungicides cause a phototoxicity in Schefflera so it will be a little more tricky to treat.

If you aren’t sure what is going on, send me some photos of the plant from diferent angles and parts of the schefflera and I will try to figure it out.

Ask The Expert: Can antherium be grown outside in summer (shade conditions).  I am landscaping a backyard pond. Linda

Plant Expert Reply:

You can use Anthurium (Flamingo Flower) in your landscape.  However, you will need the proper conditions for it to thrive.  Plant the Anthurium in filtered light (shade) with the crowns just above the humus-rich and moist soil surface. Cover the uppermost roots with sphagnum moss. You can use a light covering of mulch around the  rest of the plant.  You will need to provide a humid enviornment.  Misting the area around the plant daily in a dry climate.  Use a balance fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks.  I recommend a water soluable fertilizer.

So plant away and send a picture when you get the Anthurium planted.

Ask the Expert: November/December flowers
I’d really like a bouquet with blue hydrangea and a couple white cabbage roses mixed in, but I think hydrangea will be out of season in late Nov, early Dec. Is there another blue flower I could substitute?

Thank you!

Amy

Plant Expert Reply:

You’ll be glad to know hydrangeas are available to florists year round.  So you won’t need to subsititue another flower for hydrangea blooms in your wedding bouquet.

Although hydrangeas are used mostly in spring (March, April, May) and summer (June, July, August), we are seeing a rise in hydrangeas use in fall weddings (September, October, November).  Winter brides (December, January, February) often use hydrangea blooms when they want a large white bloom.  This beautiful bloom is a wonderful wedding flower choice.

If you still need ideas for blue wedding flowers let me know.

Ask the Expert: hydrangea in foam arrangement
Hydrangea does better in water but there is a time when you need to use foam for a design, I have been  putting them in tubes and then in foam should i be putting them directly into the foam, the few times that we used them in my design school they were put in tubes. Did a wedding shower very pretty hat box design nice brown and blue grogain ribbon on a inverted clear cylinder bride loved them look great for the  occassion but I am worried about them when the guest took them home please advise me
thank you jeanne

Expert Reply:

On the whole it is best not to use hydrangeas in floral foam.  However if you have no other choice, initial preparation of the hydrangea is essential.

Since hydrangeas are susceptible to water deprivation, you want to make sure you prep them carefully when they arrive.  Most commercial growers will send hydrangeas with a water source.  Carefully remove the water source.  Submerge the hydrangea heads under tepid water for 2 minutes and gently shake before you cut them.  Cut them about 2″ from the tip at a 45degree angle - because of the thickness of the stem you may need to make two cut on opposite sides.  You will now have a end that looks like an arrow.  Take your knife and gently make a cut up the center of this arrow -  this will create more area for hydration.  Now dip the stem in quick dip and then place in a vase with warm water and flower food.  You can also spray the heads with crown and glory. This will give the hydrangeas the best start for any type of design use.

For foam go through the same process of dipping the head in water, dipping the stem in quick dip and then you can place them in the floral foam.  FYI: you can soak your floral foam in a water and flower food solution - this will help extend the life of the flowers.  Try not to move the hydrangea stem once you have placed it in the foam.  If the hydrangea is not properly placed, take it out of the foam and repeat the process before you reinsert the stem into the foam.

Be sure to you send packets of flower food with the arrangements and encourage the recipients to use it when adding water to the arrangements.

Please keep me posted and let me know how these suggestion work for you.