If the extreme temperatures we experienced this winter have turned your heather plants into a large gnarled mat of brown, take heart. Not only will most of the plants put out some new growth, the damaged branches can be turned into very attractive filler for ornamental floral work. The gold and brown branches in this arrangement were cut from a large planting of heather a year ago in the spring. These branches were clearly dead and were not going to be sprouting new foliage or flowers; but they were surprisingly flexible and wiry, not the least bit brittle, and they had a nice delicate, feathery look. I mixed some house paints I had left over from other jobs in a wide flat container and dipped the branches. For places that were not getting adequately covered with paint, I used a ladle to pour the paint. I made two different shades of gold paint, and I left some of the branches their natural brown color. The heather plants sprouted new green growth at the soil level, and I have an attractive arrangement that will withstand the winter and colder spring and autumn weather. | |
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AuthorBarbara Eaton, M.Ed. is a Master Gardener, a garden designer and an artist. She works as a professional gardener caring for the gardens of several regular clients. She is a published author, retired educator and a fool for flowers. Archives
January 2019
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