I missed this year, but in the past; I have taken budded peonies-just as they show color. I cut with a knife and dip the end in the melted beeswax from the candle I carry with me. I strip leaves, wrap in damp newspaper and saran wrap, twist tie and put in the veggie holder in the fridge. I was able to save some for my nephews wedding on July 10 of one year. At 6 weeks this was really stretching the keeping..but my NIL was Lovely, that by happenstance her new auntie had some of her favorite flowers available.
Peonies-keep them longer
Valuable tip. You are a very determined flower cutter, must be the Midwestern air.
Hi Marcia, Just wondered if your wax method would work with Hydrangea?
HI, I don't know; probably would depend on whether the stem is similiar. I figure if you have plenty, it couldn't hurt to experiment. It is such fun to smell the peonies for a longer season.
I haven't done any treating of buds yet. We had have had so much rain, that it is difficult to get into the garden. It was under 4" of rain last week-end. Having more rain today, has continued with the massive flooding ,with some villages north of here being evacuated. The volunteer firemen came and sandbagged our shoreline this AM.
There is no beach left, but one of the firemen asked me if it was ok to lay bags over my daylilies! :) I was so charmed with that. I sent the group off with an armful of peonies and promises of cookies next week. I am going to be baking for the UpperMidwest Round-up on Sat. I am concerned that some of the folk literally will not be able to travel down this way.
I do plan on getting those last buds treated and in the crisper. It is supposed to stop raining tonight. XXXX Keeping fingers crossed.
Thanks Marcia, Sorry to hear you are still having troubles with the weather!
Hope your get together works out, save me a cake please!!