keep them fresh...

Receive flowers for Valentines Day? Lucky you!

here's a few tips to keep them fresh longer....

As soon as you receive a bouquet of flowers

Use a sharp garden shears, knife or scissors to cut about one inch off of each stem at a 45-degree angle. The key word is sharp, try not crush the stems.

Use lukewarm water for the vase.

Remove any leaves and foliage from the stems that will be below the water. Decomposing leaves can contaminate the water.

Adding a preservative to the water is one way  to keep it bacteria-free, and to provide the cut flowers with enough nutrients to hold out a bit longer than they might otherwise.
or
A few  DIY  preservatives

Add a few tablespoons of sugar  The sugar acts as the plant's food, long after the root supply has been cut off.

Add a bit of bleach to the water.  about 1/4 tablespoon of bleach per quart of water is more than enough. If used in moderation, the bleach helps purify the water and kill bacteria.
or
Add an aspirin and a penny The aspirin lowers the water's pH level, warding off bacteria, and the penny serves as a fungicide.

Some gardening experts say you can pour a 12-ounce can of non-diet Sprite or 7-Up into a half gallon of water. The acid in the soft drink will slow bacteria growth and the sugar will feed the plant.

Change the water daily and ENJOY!


 FYI 
You should also keep your flowers away from the fruit bowl. You can’t see it, but that fruit gives off ethylene gas, which will make the flowers deteriorate more quickly.

Daffodils and tulips don’t always get along! two of my favorite flowers!!  a little secret from  gardening expert Mary Robson.. Daffodil sap is toxic to tulips.

 here's to a house always filled with fresh flowers

sue

Happy Easter ... Happy Spring

I'm taking today off...to..

hunt easter eggs with my grandson

have a yummy brunch

 photo by lisa teso

take a lovely walk

look for the elusive easter bunny

and take some time to smell the flowers

I hope your enjoying a little of this beautiful spring day too!

Happy Easter...Happy Spring Everyone

Sue

Portland Farmers Market

No visit to Portland Oregon would be complete without visiting a farmers market.
We missed the big Saturday market in downtown. But true to the Portlander's fondness for their neighborhoods, satellite markets are held on different days in different neighborhoods. We were able to visit a smaller version in the Belmont section.
The market was a feast for the eyes and the spirit.
The fruits and vegetables were fresh and tasty. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of produce I could buy at reasonable prices.

My absolute favorites;
the music being played, giving the
market a festive feel.
Vendors with booths cooking and serving!
You could do your shopping, have a wonderful meal while enjoying the music and visiting with your neighbors!

Now that's a farmers market!

Have a sunny Tuesday
Sue
ps; visit your local farmers market today

Perspective

Traveling over 3000 miles
is a taxing experience. It turns into a wonderful experience
when it ends with family and amazing vista's.
Thought I'd share some of the sights & scenes
awaiting us in Portland Oregon.

Mt Hood

Multnomah Falls @ Columbia River Gorge

Lost Lake

Japanese Gardens

Rose Gardens @ Washington Park

The perfect spot Lost Lake

Have a perfect Monday
Sue

To Portland or Bust

I will have to interrupt my postings on Cape Cod for a few posts.
Today we leave for a trip to Portland Oregon.
Portland is quite the experience!
Wikipedia states "Portland is a city located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in Oregon. With a population of 568,380 it is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest.The city and region are noted for strong land-use planning and investment in public transit. "
It is attracting and capturing the hearts of our youth and families. A visit there gives a glimpse of the why. Portland is one beautiful city with an exciting blend of historic and modern architecture (I will have to do another post devoted to the architecture, it is wonderful). Vistas of Mt. Hood and the Willamette River, stately Douglas Fir trees, beautiful flowers and roses. It is a study in contrasts. Combined with great art, farmers markets, waterfront festivals and a diverse population, you have one very exciting city.

Some highlights, I experienced on a previous visit.
Some of the best small local dining establishments, I have ever had. The neighborhoods are more like small towns. You can walk (and most do, a wonderful site to see neighbors outside and greeting each other) to a cup of coffee, a grocery or one of the many quaint shops. Yet you are only a 10 minute drive to the city proper.
Did you think I would just mention the shops in passing ? No, no, no, that will be a post in itself. The shopping was just as exciting as the city.
Back soon, have a wonderful Tuesday.
Sue

Some parts taken from a previous post.