May flowers
Originally published May 01, 2009
By Beth McLane
News-Post Staff
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Photo by Travis Pratt
These flowers are from A’bloom Ltd. in Walkersville.
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It's that time again -- April showers are giving way to much-anticipated May flowers. With prom season and Mother's Day quickly approaching, flowers are in the limelight more than ever. Our guide will give you tips and tricks to enjoy those great beauties of spring, and show you where to see them in person at area gardens. Lori Himes, owner of A'bloom Ltd. in Walkersville , shares some of her experience with floral designing. After 17 years with A'bloom, she knows the ins and outs of Mother's Day and wedding and prom season. Mother's day The most popular choice for Mother's Day at A'bloom is a mixed bouquet of classic flowers. "This year is interesting," Himes said. "People are buying differently." Customers are also waiting longer to order their flowers. Wedding season: May is in the peak of wedding season. It also coincides with proms, senior nights, banquets and other end-of-the-school-year events. Calla lilies are a wedding favorite this year, along with the classic rose. Gerber daisies are popular for the "under-30 crowd," Himes said. Bright, unusual colors are becoming more popular for the season. People are trying out new color combinations, and orange is big this year, along with greens and bright yellows. Purple remains a favorite color, and peach and buttercream yellow are a new favorite for weddings, Himes said. Gardens to visit: These gardens are within a short day's drive, and well worth the trip. Ladew Topiary Gardens in Baltimore County is a well-known garden created by a self-taught gardener, Harvey S. Ladew. There are 15 "garden rooms" on 22 acres of his 250-acre property. According to the website, in May apples, dogwood, iris, viburnum, lilac, tradescantia, azaleas, peony and rhododendron are blooming. 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton 410-557-9466, www.ladewgardens.com Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County is an award-winning 50-acre public display garden in Wheaton Regional Park. There are several areas: the azalea garden, rose garden, children's garden, formal garden, fragrance garden, Japanese-style garden and trial garden, according to its website. Admission is free.1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton 301-962-1400, www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/brookside The Beyond the Garden Gates garden tour will be in downtown Frederick and Baker Park from 1 to 5 p.m. May 16 and May 17. Tickets are available today at the Tourism Council of Frederick County, 19 E. Church St., 301-600-4047. The popular tour features seven of Frederick 's private gardens and three public gardens.Ways to extend the life of your cut flowers: Himes' biggest advice is "keep the water clean." Bacteria in the water is the No. 1 reason flowers begin to wilt early. Use flower food (which comes in small packets) to improve the cleanliness of the water and give the flowers a long vase life. Buy your flowers from a reputable florist. The treatment of flowers during their early lives affects their vase life, Himes said. Tips for Choosing flowers: "Color is the No. 1 reason people pick something out," Himes said. For Mother's Day, try a uniquely colored bloom, like bright yellow or orange. If you have a flower in mind, run it by the florist. For example, a hibiscus flower has just a 24-hour life after it is cut from the plant, so it may not be the best pick for an arrangement or bouquet, Himes said. "Trust the professional opinion," Himes said. Keep in mind what the flower will be used for. A white flower may show bruising more easily than a darker-colored bloom -- something to consider for corsages.Tips, tricks and stories from Lori: To make sure perennials or annuals are appropriate for the area, find out where they were grown. Plants grown locally will already be acclimated and will be easier to grow. Himes has seen everything, from corsages for dogs to flower arrangements in the shape of dogs. A soldier in Kuwait recently called, wanting to surprise his girlfriend with a hand-tied bouquet of roses for prom while he was away. Himes created the bouquet and delivered the flowers to the soldier's girlfriend's home. Funerals are a big part of Himes' business, but not a downside. "I love to do funeral work," she said. "It's the last tribute." Flowers are a way to make the day a little easier, Himes said. Tips for prom season: Order early, especially if prom is the same weekend as Mother's Day. Florists have many orders coming in this time of year. Bring in a color sample of your date's dress. This will help guide the florist to the right color for the corsage. Go to a professional florist for your prom flowers. Listen to their suggestions, Himes said, because they have lots of experience in this area. There are many new options for prom -- ribbons, wires and other decorative pieces that can add a special touch to your corsage and boutonnieres. "It's not just traditional roses and carnations anymore," Himes said. "It's a whole new prom world." If you and a date want to coordinate your colors, come in together and discuss the options with the florist. Or, send one person to make the order for both prom-goers.
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