Posted in Projects to Make, Branches/Twigs, Cottage Style |
March is going out like a lamb, and leaving some bloomin’ branches behind!
March 31st, 2006
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For all the creating, decorating, crafting and gardening I do, it really surprised me when I realized that I had never “forced” branches before. I had “forced” bulbs, but not branches. For those not knowing what “forcing” means, it’s an easy process done to branches (or bulbs) to get them to bloom earlier.
Early this month, I decided to give “branch forcing” a try. I headed outside to my forsythia bush with my clippers in hand. Not wanting to cut too many branches from the bush - in case it didn’t “work” (why ruin perfectly good forsythia branches!), I cut two branches, about pencil-sized in diameter, and plopped them in a glass of water.
At that time they looked like this (click on the picture to get a bigger view)- BTW, the branches you see in the larger, taller vase are of the silk variety. My bush’s branches are in the front, smaller vase:
I did nothing else to them, except stare at them at least once a day, sort of trying to will them to bloom (I’m now pretty sure the staring was not required, though). Well, they have rewarded me! They are in the beginning stages of bloom today and look like this (click on the picture to get a bigger view):
But, what a SIMPLE project! Next year I want to try cherry branches. I may buy another good “forcer” some time this year to try as well.
Have you ever done this? I am going to attempt to repurpose my branches, by getting them to root so I can plant them outside. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes.
Your Frugal Decorating Diva,
Nancy
Sue on 3 May 2006 at 4:49 pm: 1
Nancy,
Dear you do not have to root forsythia branches. In the fall,trim the desired branches from your bush/es and simply push the cut ends into the ground where you want another bush/es. I usually push mine in to ground at least 3-4 inches. These also make a great hedge at side of yard or even privacy fence!
I have done this with the cut forsythia branches several times since I was first given some clippings.
Enjoy!!!!
nancy on 4 May 2006 at 5:45 am: 2
Thank you so much for sharing that! I plan on doing just what you said this fall. Do you live where it is cold, and these little babies make it through the winter ok? Will any ‘ole branch do, or does it need to have a “v’ in it like some roses do to take root?
Sue on 16 May 2006 at 9:43 pm: 3
Just any ole branch will do, no “v” needed. I live in south-central KY. We have some pretty cold winters and the clippings do fine. I have even staggered the lengths of clippings so that the longer ones are centered and smaller around those so that they “look” like a bush from day 1.
I have done some clipping in late spring and during summer when my forsythia gets out of control and still use those clippings too,right then.They have done well too. The couple who gave me my first clippings had a 7′ forsythia hedge at the side of their property. The hedge was from the road to the very rear property line(about 125′)–cheapest privacy fence I know of!
nancy on 17 May 2006 at 5:45 pm: 4
Excellent! I will be starting my privacy fence IMMEDIATELY! Thank you again for sharing these details!