Friday, March 11, 2011

Have you tried forcing yet?

A couple weeks ago I cut a few branches from a magnolia tree and now we have blooms!


Forcing branches is really easy to do. After you bring your branches of choice inside, get your container ready and fill with cool water.


Give them another clean cut and create a slit in the cut end of your branches about three inches long to make sure they take in enough water.


Depending on how close they are to their natural bloom time will determine how long it might take for them to bloom. I cut mine early so I had to wait a while.


This is what they looked like when I first brought them in.


The last thing you need to do is change the water every few days and enjoy. I hope you have a fabulous weekend, spring is on its way!
Posted by Sixty-Fifth Avenue at 8:21 PM

20 comments:

  1. Blondie's JournalMarch 11, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    I saw a small tree in my yard today that had little flower buds on it and I thought maybe I would cut a few branches. I think it may be something that blew into my yard and took root, because I don't remember planting it! lol! I'll wait for it to get warmer and follow your directions. Your branches and blooms are lovely!

    XO,
    Janie

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  2. Benn's WifeMarch 11, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    As soon as I begin to see buds, I want to try it. Thanks for telling us how.

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  3. Simply LKJMarch 11, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I have done this before, however this year our blooms came waaay too early! Just hoping we don't get another cold snap before spring is here to stay for good.

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  4. Megan // Honey We're HomeMarch 11, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Oh that is awesome! Love the blushing shade of pink!

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  5. Lisa @ Shine Your LightMarch 11, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    You are so lucky! We still have snow on the ground and no sign of life outside yet. I know it's coming and can't wait! Thanks for sharing your "forcing" tips - I look forward to trying it! Have a great weekend, Londen.
    -Lisa

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  6. StefMarch 11, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    So pretty! That reminds me, I better get out and prune my fruit trees this weekend. I think I'm kinda late. Blooming branches are so gorgeous indoors!!

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  7. The Pineapple RoomMarch 12, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Those are the prettiest magnolias i've ever seen...what a beautiful shade of pink. The only thing we have blooming here is POLLEN! When we went to Orlando last weekend Tommy stopped me from trying to cut branches from the trees in the park...they were so pretty! LOL So the only branches I have in the house are fake ones..(sigh) Yours are gorgeous...And the first picture, you could have framed it's so pretty!

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  8. Amy ChalmersMarch 12, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    Hm,I have a magnolia bush right out front, this is a great idea. YOurs looks so pretty and I love the graceful flower they have.

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  9. TaraMarch 12, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    thanks for the tips...I think I have to wait just a bit longer as I'm assuming you should at least have buds?

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  10. LiliMarch 12, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    oh theyre soo pretty!

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  11. Megandvd@Beauty in the AttemptMarch 12, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Great idea....now I just need to find some blooming branches to snip. Hmmm....my neighbors in this subdivision should have something...surely. :)

    Cheers~
    e

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  12. Seagrass InteriorsMarch 12, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Thank you for the tutorial! I had no idea you could do this!
    Melissa

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  13. Vintage HomeMarch 12, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    I am going to do this now!

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  14. Holyoke HomeMarch 12, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    I'm thinking about what in the HELL I can cut and bring into the house. I am DYING for green/color/anything other than grey and brown.

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  15. TammyMarch 13, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    I've never tried it but want to next spring. All of our stuff is blooming right now.
    You had left a comment on my post about selling our house next door to move to the current one. You asked why we moved..yes I loved that french eclectic house but it just did not work for us as it was. We wanted to add on the back but after meeting with 3 contractors who would not take the job because of it being in a historic district and they did not want to deal with the hoops one must jump through - the house next door came up for sale and it had all the room we needed and then some. So, we sold it. We loved living there and updating it like we did but we love it where we are more.
    tammy

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  16. Michelle @ Ten JuneMarch 14, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Great advice about the branches! I just brought in some cherry blossoms yesterday, so perfect timing!! : ) Hope you're doing well, Londen! xo

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  17. Living It At HomeMarch 17, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Hi! Sorry haven't been by in awhile! I love this post and have always wondered how to do this. I am going to give it a try! Cannot wait to see your hallway when it is done! Good luck!

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  18. Raine and SageMarch 29, 2011 at 5:20 PM

    These look stunning! What an excellent idea to have an arrangement with some longevity, and for free from your own garden. I like them even before they bloom, but oh those Magnolia flowers are truly stunning! You've arranged them beautifully.

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  19. SHERRY HARTMay 11, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    I love those branches!! Did not know u could do that!

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  20. MikeNovember 14, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    I like how you take something from nature and make it beautiful in your own home.

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