Timing is Everything

Timing plays a key role in the success of your arrangements. Pick your flowers early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are at their coolest, picking in the midday sun will only make your flowers wilt. Next is patience, let your dahlias fully open up. Even if those tight buds are tempting, waiting until the petals unfurl and the colours pop will ensure your arrangements have that wow factor. Picked buds don’t open in the vase, unlike many other cut flowers, so you need to cut them when they’re at their best.

Tools of the Trade

Clean and sharp pruners or garden scissors are your best friends here. Dull tools can make a mess of things, add to debris in the vase and reduce the life of your flowers, so a little sharpening beforehand goes a long way.

The Art of Snipping

When it's time to harvest, precision matters. Snip the stem at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. It might sound a bit technical, but this encourages more growth down the line. Don't worry about cutting the stems a bit longer than you think – it's easier to trim them down later than to wish they were longer.

Stay hydrated!

Imagine the stems as straws eager for a drink – that's your dahlias' relationship with water. Right after cutting, pop those stems straight into a bucket of water. This prevents air bubbles from messing with the water flow, giving your blooms a longer life.

Getting Leafy

Let's chat about leaves. While they're lovely on the plant, they can be a bit of a hindrance in a vase. Remove any leaves that will be underwater in your arrangement. It keeps things cleaner and prevents those submerged leaves from turning into a wilted mess.

Let Your Creativity Bloom

Now comes the fun part – arranging your dahlias! There's no one-size-fits-all approach here. Mix and match colors, heights, and textures to find what speaks to you. You can even toss in some other foliage or complementary flowers for extra flair. The goal is to let your creativity shine.

Water Works

As a seasoned gardener, you know the drill – change the water every few days. This helps your arrangements stay fresh. While you're at it, give the stems a little trim to keep them happy and hydrated.

Appreciate the Journey

Pause and take in the beauty of your cut flowers in the home. From planting and growing them on, to patiently cutting and arranging, each step tells a story of your dedication to creating something truly beautiful of your own.

Gardening is all about experimenting and enjoying the process, so keep refining your skills and letting your arrangements bloom!