At this time of year, when I'm starting to get fed up with winter, it's wonderful to see some blooms inside. Forcing bulbs and flowering branches is an easy and inexpensive way to get the look of spring.
Cut a selection of branches off shrubs that flower from your yard. Larger branches will need to have their ends cut or hammered to help the water penetrate their thick stems.
Arrange the branches in vases with fresh water, changing the water every couple of days.
Arrange bulbs in glass containers with rocks on the bottom. Fill with water up to the root end. Add some small twigs from your shrubs with the bulbs.
Plant some bulbs in pots and add more twigs. You don't have to plant the bulbs as deep as you would in your gardens, the tips can be just reaching the top of the soil. Add moss or bark chips to the pot for a decorative touch.
The bulbs are starting to grow! And the branches have buds on them.
The forsythia are blooming in a vase I decorated with burlap and a yellow bow. The pussy willows have not bloomed yet, hopefully in time for Easter.
This hyacinth is actually purple.
A bit of Easter for the spring mantle.
Have you tried forcing bulbs and branches? Don't you love the look of spring when the snow is still piled up outside? I sure do!
I'm sharing with-
Pretty ! I love that pink Hyacinth ! Miggs and I went for a lovely long walk earlier this morning as the temps were mild and the sun was shining , it feels and smells like spring and all of nature is showing signs of spring but the weather is doing a dirty on us tomorrow . Winter storm on it's way from the states hope it misses us ! Thanks for sharing your lovely forced indoor spring ! Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteBrings pretty color to your house! I have never forced bulbs but it must help bring spring faster! Nancy
ReplyDeleteYes, it does, Nancy. You should try it next year! :)
DeleteInteresting you posted about this today. I was looking outside earlier on and thought I should get out and find some branches to cut and force.
ReplyDeleteLove the vase, Deb. Still haven't gone to pick the forsythia to force inside. I was looking at the magnolia yesterday and thinking that this weekend I'll cut some to force too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us some spring - you've inspired me to start getting out the Easter stuff.
Ahhh spring, please come soon!! Lovely blooms.
ReplyDeletexox
I love your burlap-wrapped forsythia!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! They look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy! :)
DeleteOh my Gosh you're so good Debbie - looks beautiful !!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a green thumb you have ( I know, I know it's your profession )
but still..................
XOX
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI've never cut branches and forced them into bloom, what an interesting post. Will try that this week. Your pictures are just gorgeous. Wish me luck as I try this out.
This post reminds me that my mom always brought in forsythia branches this time of year - so pretty! I may not actually get around to forcing bulbs, but I'm sure I can find some forsythia to add a touch of spring.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are everywhere! Try lilac and pussy willow, too, if you can find them. :)
DeleteI like the way you operate!
ReplyDeleteI agree, my skin is aching for a warm sushine. Beautiful flowers will difinitely try that too! ~ ilikesheds
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThe bulbs & floral branches look so beautiful! You are extremely creative! By the way, I just found this new widget that shows related stories/posts under each post of a blog called LinkWithin (http://www.linkwithin.com) & I thought you might find it useful.
Have a great day Debbie! :)
Good Morning Debbie, Yes I love to force my bulbs at this time of the year too.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the process of forcing Hyacinths. I must go clip some forsythia and see what happens. That's if I can make it through the snow......
Happy Sunday to you!!
Love this idea! I am so ready for Spring!
ReplyDeleteJenna @ http://rainonatinroof.com
I am so excited for spring. I have never tried this! Found you on the My Turn for us hop and am following you on Twitter! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.organizedisland.com
Found you through Let's get Social Sunday. Following you through GFC. I have two blogs.. http://thisandthatpictures.blogspot.com and http://marlys-thisandthat.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by. :)
ReplyDeleteI actually have a black thumb but I love to garden! I so want to try this out at home,and hopefully mine looks half as good as yours. Thanks so much for linking up to ITS PARTY TIME! Sharing your post on facebook tomorrow. Hugs, Clydia @ Three Mango Seeds
ReplyDeleteYou should try it, it's very easy! And thank you so much Clydia! :)
DeleteHi Debbie, Thanks for visiting and leaving such a nice comment about my 'Tricycle Diaper Cake'. I love the idea f forcing the branches for some spring touches around the house. I will have to give this a try.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
What awesome info! I really want to try this. Your photos are awesome, too! Thanks so much for sharing the inspiration at A Bouquet of Talent this week. I've missed you! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Kathy
Thanks so much for posting this. I didn't know that you could do that with branches and I have bulbs blooming in my yard (I live in So Cal) but doing them in the house is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteYou rock!
Ashley Rane Sparks
www.makeitrane.com
Why thank you, Ashley! With our winters so long, it is nice to bring a bit of spring indoors. :)
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