One of my favorite things each spring is bringing beautifully evolving branches into my home. While these branches have been bare and grey all winter, they are about to burst forth into the summer flush of leafy shade. Some flower first, others just quietly open into their chartreuse-green early foliage. Both types are magnificent when brought inside and forced into this early growth. Here’s how:
- Look for a nicely shaped branch on either a bush or tree. Snip it (this is an early pruning so don’t worry about the tree/bush) at about 3-4′, where it branches into another twig.
2. Fill a vessel large and sturdy enough to handle the branch with fresh water. Bush branches much lighter and can be accommodated in smaller vessels. Tree branches require something much heavier and larger.
3. Place the branch on a sturdy surface, with a cutting board under its cut end.
4. Gently hammer the cut end to splay the base, and plunge directly into water in the waiting vessel.
5. Place your branch(es) where they’ll make a great statement – your entryway, dining room, kitchen island. They deserve pride of place as the harbingers of Spring that they are.
If you grab those branches this week, and set them in a sunny place, they’ll be spectacular for your Easter celebrations!
Thanks for reading,
Virginia