Q&A: Lenten rose hellebores in bouquets and the yard

Originally published January 9, 2014 at 5:31 AM | Page modified January 9, 2014 at 3:21 PM

Gardening Events

Ciscoes Picks

Plant It And They Will Come: Hosting Wildlife In A (Mostly) Native Landscape: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 17. Part of the Snohomish County Master Gardener Foundation Sustainable Gardening Winter Speaker Series. Mukilteo Presbyterian Church Social Hall, 4514 84th St. S.W., Mukilteo; series tickets sold in advance but $20 individual tickets are available at the door on a first-come basis (425-357-6010 or http://www.gardenlectures.com).

The Many Benefits of Indoor Plants: 11 a.m.-noon Jan. 18. Jenn Dazey, naturopath and botanical expert from Bastyr University, will explain which indoor plants are most effective for cleaning the air, lowering health risks and helping us adapt to the changing seasons. Molbaks, 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville; free (www.molbaks.com).

Which Path to Take?: 11 a.m.-noon Jan. 18. Garden designer Dawn Chaplin will examine a variety of styles and materials commonly used to build attractive and functional walkways, paths and patios. Christiansons Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon; $8, reservations required (360-466-3821, 800-585-8200 or http://www.christiansonsnursery.com).

In the Garden

Q: I like to make winter-flower arrangements. I have seen the flowers of Lenten rose in flower arrangements, but when I cut them, they simply wilt.

A: Its quite difficult to prevent the flowers of Oriental hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus) from wilting when you cut them if you dont know the trick.

Experts recommend singeing the cut end of the stem with a match, or putting the cut end in boiling water, but those methods rarely work.

More:
Q&A: Lenten rose hellebores in bouquets and the yard