Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus Differences

on left, christmas cactus (smooth edges) on right, thanksgiving cactus (horns on edges) (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

“Charlotte I love Christmas Cactuses but are Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactuses the same?” — Emily

Are Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus the Same?

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are both popular holiday plants known for their vibrant blooms and ease of care.

While they are similar in many ways, there are distinct differences between the two species:

1. Origin and Natural Habitat:

   • Christmas Cactus: Christmas cacti are native to the cloud forests of Brazil. They have flattened stems with scalloped edges and are known for their pendulous flowers, which bloom in a variety of colors including red, pink, orange, white, and purple.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: Thanksgiving cacti are native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil. They have pointed, claw-like projections on their stems and typically bloom in shades of pink, red, white, or purple.

2. Leaf Segments:

   • Christmas Cactus: The stem segments of Christmas cacti have rounded, scalloped edges.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: The stem segments of Thanksgiving cacti have pointed, claw-like projections.

3. Blooming Period:

   • Christmas Cactus: As the name suggests, Christmas cacti bloom in late fall to early winter, usually around December. The blooming period can extend into January.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: Thanksgiving cacti bloom slightly earlier, typically in late November to early December, around the Thanksgiving holiday, hence the name.

4. Leaf Segments:

   • Christmas Cactus: The stem segments of Christmas cacti have rounded, scalloped edges.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: The stem segments of Thanksgiving cacti have pointed, claw-like projections.

5. Flower Shape:

   • Christmas Cactus: Christmas cactus flowers have a more tubular shape, with pointed petals that often flare out at the tips.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: Thanksgiving cactus flowers are usually more symmetrical and have a more rounded, crab-claw shape.

6. Cultural Requirements:

   • Both plants require similar care, including well-draining soil, indirect light, and regular watering. They prefer slightly humid conditions and benefit from occasional misting. During the blooming season, they require cool temperatures and shorter daylight hours to encourage flowering.

7. Propagation:

   • Both Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Simply cut a healthy segment of the plant, allow it to callous for a few hours, then plant it in moist soil. Given the right conditions, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant.

Charlotte

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Norfolk Pine Christmas Trees

tiny norfolk pines are popular holiday gifts. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

“Charlotte, I’m torn between giving my family Amaryllis bulbs or tiny Norfolk Pine Christmas trees. Will the Norfolk Pines survive and get big enough to be a live (Christmas) tree?” — Ruth

Norfolk Pine Christmas Trees

Hi Ruth, I love giving growing gifts so either one will keep on giving long past the holidays.

In terms of the tiny Norfolk Pines, I have been blessed with a couple over the years and they are now my living Christmas trees.

Some people don’t like them because they get more spindly as they grow. I like the scarce look, makes hanging, and seeing, ornaments a lot easier.

Here’s a Norfolk Pine gift from maybe 10 years ago. They are slow growers so celebrate every inch!

solar powered bee lights keep this norfolk pine christmas tree glowing all year. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

When this tree was smaller, you bet I would decorate it with a few ornaments at Christmas. Today you can also find solar-powered lights and small string lights to add so you can enjoy them all year.

Norfolk Pines like indirect sunlight and being misted daily. They don’t like getting dry; they will start dropping branches. (Ask me how I know!)

The other Norfolk Pine Christmas tree I have is now almost 7 feet tall.

My cats like to nap under it.

Not sure what I am going to do when it outgrows the room but thankfully they are slow growers.

I had this Norfolk Pine tree out on my deck for a few summers. It seemed to like rain and just being outdoors. Now it’s too big for me to move so I’ll periodically bring it rain water.

So either Norfolk Pine trees or Amaryllis bulbs will make lovely gifts. The Amaryllis bulbs will take up less space and bloom within 6-8 weeks. The Norfolk Pine trees are slower to grow. Both can keep growing and giving enjoyment for many years to come.

I know, so helpful.

Charlotte

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Personalizing Quilts

“Charlotte, love your blogs, they are so much fun and helpful. I have a dilemma. Our family has six quilts Grandma made. We want to personalize them with her name without damaging the quilts. Any suggestions?” — Paul

Personalizing Quilts

Hi Paul,

That’s easy, get your local embroidery shop to make custom patches with what you want added to the back of the quilts.

The patches can easily be sewn on by hand and then can be removed later if necessary without damaging the quilts.

I like to add a border around my patches to make it easier to sew them one.

Charlotte

Keeping Poinsettias Alive

last year’s 50 cent on sale poinsettia is now getting ready to rebloom. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

“I can never keep mine alive. Any tips?” — Carrie J.

Keeping Poinsettias Alive

Hi Carrie, most people overwater these tropical plants so let the top once inch dry out in between watering.

Also make sure to take your poinsettia out of the plastic foil they usually come in, that foil doesn’t allow water to evaporate. Add a plant saucer to the bottom of the pot and monitor to make sure the poinsettia is not sitting in standing water.

I have mine getting indirect light all year. Some years I take them out over summer and place them in shade, then bring them in early fall.

Once the old colored leaves fall off, I give mine half the recommended dose of all purpose fertilizer through summer and stop early fall.

When inside, I keep them in my business office where they get exposed to darkness at night.

I started to see their bracts changing color about a month ago, one white and one red so this routine has served them well.

If well cared for, these can grow into small ornamental trees!

Charlotte

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Mumsettias

this is not a new holiday home decor plant but it is new for this us holiday season. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

“Charlotte, I saw a new holiday plant at a local home and garden center, have you seen Mumsettis? How do I care for one?” — Joy

Mumsettias

Hi Joy, I happened to see these in our local Menards as well. They are not a new plant variety but two favorites in the same pot: a chrysanthemum (white) and a red poinsettia.

If you like the combination keep them watered through the holiday season, then separate them into their own pots. You can keep the poinsettia indoors through winter - I love it when mine keep blooming through Valentine’s Day. With a little care, you can also keep poinsettias alive and reblooming.

The mum may be harder to keep alive inside but if you can give it sun and keep the roots hydrated the top flowers may die off but the plant itself will continue to grow. Here’s how to tell if your plant is still alive. Or you can place it in your garage, keep it watered and then plant it out in your garden in spring.

I would not place it out in a winter garden, the temperature difference will be too much of an adjustment.

Let me know what you decide to do and good luck!

Charlotte

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Good Plant Gift

“Hi, I want to give a friend a growing gift but don’t know what would be a good choice. What do you recommend?” — Vivian

Good Plant Gift

Hi Vivian, that’s easy, Amaryllis bulbs are fun, interesting and affordable gifts. I’ve seen them offered at grocery stores and home and garden centers this time of year.

If you buy them in boxes, open the box to make sure the bulb has a bud tip showing and getting ready to grow.

If you buy them as loose bulbs, add a container one inch larger than the bulb. Year ago when I gave Amaryllis bulbs as gifts I also added a ruler so people could see how much the bulb grows from day to day. They can literally grow a couple of inches a day.

Also add Amaryllis bulb growing and care instructions.

Amaryllis make wonderful winter gifts, too so pick them up when marked down at the end of the season. There are few things that have large gorgeous blooms inside during cold winters!

Maybe get one for yourself, too?

Charlotte

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Plants for Cut Flowers

Pink Spirea, left, and shrub roses, right, are long lasting cut flowers and easy to grow. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

“Charlotte I LOVE having fresh flowers in my house. I’m not a good gardener so I need some tips on what to plant. Any ideas?” — Sarah

Plants for Cut Flowers

Hi Sarah, gardening is easy if you remember to match the plants to the growing conditions you have.

1. If you don’t know your soil type, get a soil test through your local University Extension Office. Some Home and Garden centers also collect soil samples and send them off to the same soil lab for analysis. The soil test will tell you what plants will work best.

2. Another option is to determine native trees, shrubs and flowers. They’re already acclimated to your growing conditions. Purple Coneflowers, Black Eyed Susans and New England Asters are all native to North America and are pollinator favorites. They also make good cut flowers.

3. Also look for shrubs. Shrub roses are hardier than tea roses. Shrubs like Spirea have long lasting flowers that are excellent to fill out a bouquet.

4. Finally for the easiest annuals to grow, try Zinnias. These heat-loving flowers grow fast and are bright and cheery in flower vases.

   Charlotte

Best Cat Gifts

James A Mess, front, and his sister Ettagirl love these tunnels. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

“Charlotte, I love your posts about James A Mess and Etta. I just adopted an older cat and was wondering what do you recommend as good cat gifts?” — Simone

Best Cat Gifts

Hi Simone, thanks for adopting an older cat, there’s a kitten still inside, I assure you!

Glad you enjoy the adventures of James A Mess and his sister Ettagirl Fierce Mess. I found them abandoned on a county road two years ago this Memorial Day weekend. They were about 4 weeks ago. It was heart breaking to realize James was in the same spot on the road for 3 days waiting for his previous human to come back from him.

On my last pass by them, it started to rain and I just couldn’t leave him there. I got out of the car, called “here kitty kitty” and he came running and snuggled into my neck. He was not exactly feral. He weighed 17 ounces.

Tucking him into my bee suit, I saw a grey and white kitten across the road. Ettagirl was harder to catch but I didn’t give up. She was 7 ounces when she was weighed at the vet, very sick with poor odds of surviving.

Since Ettagirl’s recovery, they have been nothing but a daily delight. James has adopted me so I have his constant supervision.

If there is one piece of advice I will offer is that cats, like dogs, like routines. Set a time where you can play and stick to it. Here are my must have cat gifts: a cardboard box, a brown bag, a laser light, a basket and a wide ribbon, things most of us already have around the house. Bring them out every day for playtime. The basket may work to hold toys but don’t be surprised if your new cat loves the basket for napping. I keep baskets in sunny window spots.

And as far as other best cat gifts, besides your time - try a tunnel. My cats love theirs and wait for me to deploy them at play time. We have several. They can race through them, hide, usually jump out through the center hole. Oh, yes, make sure it has a center hole when buying.

Of all of the toys they have, the tunnels are the one thing they use every day. Besides me!

Charlotte

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What is that Bee in the Daffodils?

Hand blown bee from a St. Louis blown glass art studio. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

“Charlotte is that a bee in your flower arrangements? What is that bee in the daffodils?” - Clara

What is that Bee in the Daffodils?

Hi Clara, that is indeed a handmade glass bee in my small desk flower arrangements.

I purchased it for $10 at a St. Louis glass institute. It was the only one they had. At the time I was making the rounds of St. Louis with visiting family and didn’t know what I would do with the delicate, 1-inch piece. Other people collect baseball caps, t-shirts, spoons - but I though the bee was a great memento of a family vacation.

The glass bee is about an inch long. It has a wire attached underneath so I added more wire that I can bend to the appropriate height so the bee seems to be flying over the flowers.

I also have some handblown clear glass bees made in my hometown. I use them as Christmas tree decorations. I have also used them hanging from a basket handle for some custom gift baskets we’ve put together over the years.

Glad you spotted her.

The glass bee in one of my writing desk flower bases. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

My flower arrangements are not complete unless there is at least one bee!

Charlotte

Do Amaryllis Re-Bloom?

These Red Lion Amaryllis bulbs have re-bloomed for several years. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

“Charlotte, I see your lovely Amaryllis pictures on Facebook. Are those Amaryllis bulbs you purchased or bulbs you’ve made re-bloom? I’m going to be sick if they re-bloom, I’ve tossed far too many away….” — Sally

Do Amaryllis Re-Bloom?

Hi Sally,

Amaryllis do certainly re-bloom but they do need a little time and patience. Some people have given me Amaryllis bulbs they were about to toss because they buy new ones the following year. Sorry you missed out on trying this with your previous bulbs but here’s how to care for your Amaryllis bulbs so they re-bloom.

Keep an eye out for new buds, they can show up in the middle of blooms. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins phto)

First, once they do bloom, or you find spent bulbs on sale, get them in pots and let the leaves grow. Do keep an eye on the bulbs because they can throw a second bud without you knowing it, especially if you have a lot of leaves.

This is an old-fashioned Red Lion Amaryllis, popular at Christmas. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

The showy flowers — and they are stunning — will have leaves following the blooms. The leaves are solar collectors, gathering sunshine to store as energy in the bulbs. The leaves can remain on the bulb for many months so that’s where patience comes in. You have to wait for the leaves to die off on their own. I still have a large pot of Amaryllis bulbs growing leaves from last year so I won’t see those blooming for awhile longer.

Once the flowers fade, cut the flowers off at the top of the bulb. Leave the growing leaves and keep them watered and fertilized. I use half the strength the fertilizer recommends; any multi-purpose fertilizer will work.

Amaryllis bulbs sometimes extend the bloom by budding at different times. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

Once the danger of frost is over, I move my Amaryllis bulbs still in their pots outside to a shady area so that they can continue to grow and collect energy from the sun.

When the Amaryllis leaves die off on their own, here’s the second key step: don’t water them for a couple of months.

I have removed the bulbs out of their pots and saved them in a brown bag. I have also just left them sit in their pots without getting watered so do whatever fits your schedule, and your space.

If you bag the bulbs, you can then re-pot and water for when you want them to bloom. It takes 4-6 weeks from when they start budding at the tip of bulb to when they bloom.

Regardless of whether in a bag or pot, check them periodically for any signs of growth. Once you see a little green tip showing up at the top end of the bulb, that’s the sign the bulb is ready to start growing again.

Now they may start showing green and not have a bud. If you look closely, you can tell the difference between a flower bud where the tip is thicker and leaves, where the green tip is thin. If its just leaves growing, that means the bulb did not collect enough sunshine to re-bloom. Don’t toss it out, just let the leaves grow and collect more energy.

If you leave them in pots, start watering again after 8 weeks of a dry spell.

I find it easier to leave mine in their pots. I may remove the bulbs and either repot in new soil or add soil to existing potted bulbs to refresh their growing medium. Make sure only their roots are covered. You want the bulb to be sitting on top of the soil, not covered in soil.

I usually have to tie up the flowers and leaves to keep them from taking over. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

It helps to keep a few long thin sticks around to tie up the 2-3 feet high top heavy flower stems. If you have the space, let the leaves drape, they are quite lovely when they do. I happen to have cats who would take draping leaves as an invitation to wrestle so I have them tied up.

If you happen to break a stem, don’t worry. Amaryllis make lovely cut flowers.

Hope this helps, let me know how your next Amaryllis bulb does when you try to help it re-bloom!

Charlotte

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Vintage Quilt Animals

“Hi do you happen to have other vintage quilt animals? I’m shopping for Christmas…” - Elaine

Vintage Quilt Animals

Hi Elaine, we sure have, I have been collecting favorite animals from estate sales over the years.

We have both animals as collectibles as well as home decor. The featured cats, for example, will be charming additions to a sofa or chair. You will find other cutter quilt cats here.

I also have some in our collectibles section because I know some people collect cutter quilt animals. Cutter quilt is the term for the well-loved quilts that fall apart and are often made into smaller pillows and animals.

Nice little collection of cutter quilt ducks and heart pillows. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

To no one who knows me surprise, I collected a variety of animals from cutter quilts starting with cats. And ducks. And maybe the charming vintage quilt pig with the cutest tail.

And did you see our cutter quilt Santas? They aren’t animals per se but they do repurpose cutter quilts into fun home decor.

Happy shopping!

Charlotte

How Fast Do We Ship

“Hi Charlotte, how fast do you ship your items? With the holidays I want to make sure what I buy will get here in time….” — Amanda

How Fast Do We Ship

Hi Amanda,

All items in stock ship within a day of being ordered. Quilts are shipped with a custom quilt care guide in our signature blue ribbon and tissue paper, and we include a free gift card if this is being shipped directly to the gift recipient.

We can also gift-wrap and ship quickly if you provide what you want on the free gift card. Frankly some of our shipments get delayed because the buyer is struggling with what to write on the gift card.

Once the box is in the mail, you get a tracking number so you can monitor where the item is. This time of year we suggest you plan to double the expecting shipping time so two-day priority mail is closer to 4 days and so forth.

We’ve had several customers thank us for packaging items simply “not wasting extra gift-wrapping” so if you want your item opened on a specific date we can also put that on the outside of the shipped box. No guarantee that the gift recipient won’t peek but we don’t make it easy.

Gift quilt wrapped in our signature blue tissue paper. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

If you have something specific you want included, let us know and I will do our best to help you.

Charlotte

Using Dried Hydrangeas

Dried hydrangeas hiding light strings on top of kitchen cabinets. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Charlotte I have several hydrangea bushes and love the idea of drying the flowers but how do you use them? I don’t have a lot of space…” — Sam

Using Dried Hydrangeas

Hi Sam,

If I had to pick only one dried flower to have, it would be hydrangeas. Not only are they sturdy after drying but with a little care you can save them in different colors from white to blue.

One of the best ways to use dried hydrangeas is in those room corners where you want something green and floral but there is no light to use something growing in a pot.

These dried hydrangeas brighten up a small bathroom corner. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

They also come in handy potted for a dash of color on a front porch; from a distance they look like fresh flowers.

Recently I had enough dried hydrangeas that I could use them to update my kitchen and cover light strings and electrical plug ins at the corner of my kitchen cabinets.

For years I had these silk grapevine arrangements at the kitchen cabinet corners to cover the plug-ins. They sure look dated, don’t they.

These silk grape leaves have been hiding cabinet lights on top of kitchen cabinets. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

They were okay for awhile until I found these baskets and had a better idea. No, the baskets don’t all match, the trick is to know the maximum height for the space. The trick will be fitting the dried hydrangeas into the baskets to allow for some clearance at the top.

Baskets don’t need to be exact, just the right height. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Once the hydrangea flowers were dry, I sprayed them lightly with a clear acrylic spray to cut down on dried hydrangea flowers dropping. As they continue to dry, the flowers become brittle and have a tendency to fall apart if they don’t get a little help to be preserved.

A light coating of a clear acrylic helps preserve the flowers. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Depending on the size of the basket, one large dried hydrangea flower head was enough so I gave them a try.

Dried hydrangeas in baskets at kitchen cabinet corners. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

I will trim the stems a little more to lower the flower heads into the baskets.

Now in two cabinet corners, the electrical plug-in sockets stick out from the kitchen cabinet. Don’t even get my handyman started on those outlets, the first time he saw those he said “who in their right mind would have put them there??”

Good question.

And an even better question was how do I hide them.

These electrical plug-ins should have been installed more to the left. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

I tried a number of options from larger lower baskets full of dried hydrangea flowers to suggesting to my handyman if he could move those. He will add it to his (very long so far) to do list.

In the meantime, I let one of the dried hydrangea flowers “fall” out of a basket.

A dried hydrangea out of the basket helps to nicely finish off this corner. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Now when I come into the kitchen and turn on the lights, I don’t see the light strings or those unsightly plug-ins.

Hope this inspires you to think of other ways to use dried hydrangeas around your home!

Charlotte

How Much Fabric for Queen Quilt

Cotton fabrics come in a variety of widths from 45 inches to 60 inches wide. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Hi, hope you can help me. How much fabric do I need for a queen size quilt I’m going to have someone make me?” - Caller from Cuba, Mo.

How Much Fabric for Queen Quilt

Hi, depends on what quilt pattern you are using, what type of fabric you plan to use and who is making your queen quilt.

In general, a standard queen size quilt is 90x90 inches. We make our custom handmade quilts a tad larger, 95x95 inches to make sure the sides of the mattresses are covered by the handmade quilt.

If you are just wanting a solid fabric queen handmade quilt, remember fabrics come in 45” and 60” widths. You also need an extra 4” around the edges to allow for machine quilting.

In addition, if you are using a printed fabric, any fabrics that have patterns need to be matched across the quilt and that will require additional fabric.

For example, if you are buying 45” solid fabric, you will need 8 yds.

If you want the binding to be the same color, or even if you want a different color, that will be 2 yds of 45 inch fabric.

Then the backing is another place you will need fabric. You can find white fabric in 100” and 110” lengths specifically made for handmade quilt backing or you can add a different fabric on the back to make the custom quilt reversible. I personally like the idea of using something more than white fabric on the back so that one has two home decor looks with one custom handmade quilt.

If you are making this queen handmade quilt with a pattern, the pattern may require different lengths of various fabrics.

Finally, how much fabric is used also depends on the experience of the quilter. More experienced quilters have a better feel for working with the fabric lengths than beginning quilters do. My best advice is call the person who is going to make the quilt for you to get your fabric measurements.

Charlotte

Rose of Sharon Bouquets

This bouquet is from one of the Rose of Sharon trees I trimmed. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Charlotte, I LOVE your idea of trimming Rose of Sharon bushes into trees. I have several to trim. Can I use the flowers in bouquets?” - Marilyn

Rose of Sharon Bouquets

Hi Marilyn, glad you’re going to try to trim Rose of Sharon shrubs into trees. And yes, you can take those branch cuttings and bring them inside for cut flower bouquets. The already-blooming flowers will close and fall off so concentrate on branches with flower buds.

I also save stems with a lot of seed pods to add to outside wreaths, they add a lot of interest to a wreath.

If you have extra cut branches, share with a friend, there’s nothing more cheery than having blooming flowers around.

Let me know how your trimming project goes and have fun!

Charlotte

My Favorite Quilt

Etta Girl models my current favorite quilt, one with a beehive. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Charlotte you have so many beautiful quilts. May I ask what is currently on your bed?” - Alissa

My Favorite Quilt

Hi Alissa,

Thanks, adding a quilt to a bed is the easiest way to update the look of a room and I should have one of the best-dressed bedrooms around!

I do have several favorite handmade quilts depending on the season. And sometimes my mood at the time. A bright quilt can lift my spirits and a fun quilt can match my mood at the time.

Right now the handmade quilt on my bed is Bees in Garden quilt. This is a busy time for beekeepers so the quilt reminds me of the industrious girls outside working my garden.

I’ve also put this handmade quilt on my bed in the middle of winter to warm up my bedroom and remind me of the warmer days ahead.

The quilt model, by the way, is one of two rescues I found abandoned on a county road Memorial Day weekend 2020 when I was catching a bee swarm. The bees didn’t stay but the cats did!

Charlotte

Where to Put Flowers in Your House

One of my favorite spots for fresh flowers, the main level bathroom. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Charlotte I love all of your flower arrangement ideas but I’m not sure where to add them in my house. How do you decide where they should go??” — Tania

Where to Put Flowers in Your House

Hi Tania, glad you enjoy the flower arranging ideas, it’s one of the ways to keep enjoying a garden by bringing flowers inside.

Actually your question is a very good one. If you’ve never brought flowers regularly inside, there are several things to consider:

1. Do you have pets? You may want to keep the flowers away since some flowers can be toxic.

2. Do you have small children? Same thing here, you want to keep your breakable flower vases, and the flowers, away from little curious hands.

Now where do you spend most of your time in the house? Usually we all spend daily time in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. And for those of us who work from home, we also have an “office space” or somewhere in the house we use as a work space.

Most discussions about flower arranging center on those huge flower collections that sit in the center of a table. Lovely, to be sure, but not practical if you want to have them close to where you are spending time. As a matter of fact, I prefer lower sitting flowers on my dining room table for dinners so I can see the person on the other side.

So scope out where you would like to have flowers and then find a vase that will fit that space. You can find some lovely flower bases at thrift and consignment stores. I probably - well, not probably, I do have a lot of small vases. I change them out when I put in a new flower arrangement. I also like to have options on the flower vase shapes - long skinny ones for that one single rose or flower, short round vases when I make little bouquets.

If I have only one flower vase to add, I put it where I am working and can easily see it. Nothing quite cheers me up as a small bouquet of flowers.

These peonies have opened from buds in my main floor bathroom. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

And here I go showing you the exact opposite, a tall flower vase. Which only goes to show you that the vase needs to match the space.

My second favorite spot may be a surprise but it’s my main floor bathroom. Especially if the flowers are scented, a bouquet will turn that small room into a lovely haven. But as you can see, to even see the flowers the vase needs to be tall and skinny so that it fits in the corner.

Next is my kitchen, where I keep a little space next to my center island for flowers. Since I sometimes use the island as a desk, I consider that an annex office.

Finally if I have extra flowers I will take a bouquet up to my bedroom, especially if I’m going to spend time reading or doing laundry. Since I have inquisitive cats, I have to be careful where I place them but it is a special treat when I do.

Now a few dont’s. Don’t place the flowers on top of a TV or a warm spot, that will dry them out. Don’t tear your flowers when picking them, cut them so you don’t damage the stems. And don’t bring in visitors, gently shake your flowers to dislodge any bugs that may be in them.

Once you scope out the spaces and have appropriate sized vases, the rest is the fun of cutting garden flowers and bringing them inside.

Remember to change the water every other day, that will help keep the flowers lasting longer in the vases and compost the dead flowers. The compost will keep giving you more flowers!

Charlotte

Mixing Daffodils with Other Flowers

“Charlotte I heard you’re not supposed to mix daffodils with other flowers so how do I mix them in a bouquet?” - Paula

Mixing Daffodils with Other Flowers

Hi Paula,

When I want to mix daffodils with other flowers, I leave the daffodils in a flower vase by themselves for a good day or so. That way the toxins daffodils have will leach out so they don’t impact the other flowers.

I also make flower bouquets without mixing the flowers. I keep each flower type in their own flower vase and group them together so I can still enjoy them mixed but without impacting each other. This is also an easier way to refresh the bouquets by removing those flowers that may die off sooner than other flowers. Iris, for example, may not bloom as long as some other cut flowers.

Charlotte

What Daffodils to Pick

“Charlotte, my first daffodils are in bloom this year. We planted them to add some color to our spring garden. I want to take a bouquet to my Mom. Which flowers do I pick?” — Monique

What Daffodils to Pick

Hi Monique,

Congratulations on getting your first daffodils, they add so much to a spring garden.

When picking daffodils out of a garden, don’t get the ones that are part of the landscape. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Since these are your first daffodils, you want to keep the majority for your daffodils that add to the landscape, especially those along paths and close to where you can see them.

When picking daffodils, pick those ones that are falling over. Those won’t stand back up once they fall over so you can clean up the landscape by removing them. While you are at it, also remove the spent daffodil blooms so the plant doesn’t spend energy making seeds.

Secondly, use an old paring knife or garden snips to remove the branches at the lowest point you can reach. Cutting will minimize the damage to the daffodil stems.

Any group of daffodils will make a pretty gift bouquet. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Finally place the daffodils in a jar full of water immediately after cutting them. Don’t worry if you have all of the same kind or not, I frankly think the mixed variety bouquets are more interesting.

If you plan to mix them with other flowers, let the daffodils sit in a separate jar of water for a good day or so. Daffodils have a toxic substance that will kill other mixed in flowers. After a day or so, you can pour out the water, give them fresh water and add other flowers to the daffodils.

Bet your Mom will love whatever bouquet you take her!

Charlotte

Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns

This is an excellent beginning quilting book with 101 classic patterns. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Hi Charlotte, I really enjoy your blogs. With COVID i’ve been inspired to try putting some quilts together but I don’t know where to start. What do you suggest?” — Sylvia

Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns

Hi Sylvia,

What a great way to spend your time at home but let me warn you, this can be addicting.

One of the best reference books I’ve come across is the Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns. The book includes 101 of the classic patchwork quilt patterns from ninepatch to double wedding rings.

As you consider your options, do not start with a double wedding ring quilt, that is one of the most difficult patterns to make.

Usually people starting to quilt start with the ninepatch, a block that you will be surprised can take on many different looks with just the change of fabric.

I would also start with a table runner or place mats instead of a quilt so you can familiarize yourself with the sewing process. And whatever you make, make sure to sign and date it.

Charlotte