"Rose Wednesday" ~ Freedom Red ~

Ahh Hump Day can only mean one thing...It's Rose Wednesday!! If you love all things rosy, you should visit Jan & Tom's Rose Haven to see how you can be a participant. Or if you would like to visit other blogs who have stopped to smell the roses on Wednesdays, there is a complete list of those who are participating there too.




Today I am introducing you to my favorite standard true red rose, "Freedom." This is the red rose that I have a standing order for every week. It is the perfect true red rose. Freedom has long straight sturdy stems, a high petal count, pretty dark green foliage, & is a long lasting vase rose. The only thing it is lacking is a wonderful fragrance to enhance it's beauty.




Here is is shown in a small massed style arrangement with cedar, white pine tips, & Carolina Sapphire. A very soft red aluminum wire was wrapped around the vase to bring a bit of interest to the otherwise plain frosted cylinder vase. It also brings just a bit of red coloring downward out of the arrangement. To add a bit of sparkle some fine iridescent glitter was sprinkled on top of the entire bouquet.

With the stems cut short, this arrangement will probably have a vase life of at least 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. Just be sure to change out your water, add new floral preservative, & put a fresh cut on the stems. I don't know if I have mentioned it before, but when you cut the stems of roses (or all flowers for that matter)you should ALWAYS cut the stem on an angle. This will allow for a surface of the stem to be exposed for the water to be absorbed up the stem. If you cut the flower stem flat, it will sit on the bottom of the vase & the stem cannot absorb the water. Therefore it cannot take the water to the head of the flower & it will wilt. Or get what we call "Bent Neck Syndrome."



This arrangement is another one that was made to sit on the counter at a chiropractors office. It is in a rectangular glass container with the bottom layered with red gemmies, mini pine cones, & artificial snow. The left side of the container has another small liner inside to hold the floral foam. The arrangement is Freedom Roses, Red berries, cedar, white pine & curly willow.



On the right side of the container I created a nest for a cardinal out of Spanish moss & nestled the cardinal inside. Another cardinal perched on the branch of the curly willow. A ribbon was tied around the line of the glass where the top of the gems, pine cones etc. end, to hide the line. A couple of artificial berries were glued in the middle of the bow.

Again as long as the floral foam is kept hydrated, this arrangement should last 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.

I love to design with roses in unique ways instead of the typical dozen arranged in a vase with Baby breath....Boring!! (this is just this flower lady's opinion) LOL...LOL

Let me know what you think! I love your comments!