Now that it is Fall it is time to cut the hydrangea bloom from your outside plant. They will dry nicely and will keep on giving & giving.

A hydrangea bloom is full of water and will need some time for it to dry out. You should hang it upside down in a well ventilated, dry area that does not freeze. You should treat it with a sealant. My favorite it Aqua Net. It has the perfect combination of water & glue.

The big blossoms of the hydrangea are beautiful and they come in many colors.

This bloom is a very thirsty member of the Macrophylla family. Your hydrangea will wilt easily, if you do not hang it while drying it.

After you have dried the flower you can use it in a variety of different ways. You can wire and tape a stem to the flower and use your creative side and design with them or you can take it to your local florist and let them weave their magic and create something for you.

You should not put the flower back in water or a water source, like floral foam.

This beautiful flower is cold temperature sensitive, so hold at proper temperatures.

Cleaning this flower after it has been added to a permanent botanical arrangement will take some care. This is cleaner that you can use to clean your hydrangea or any of your permanent botanical arrangements.

Make sure to ask your florist for the kind that product is best for your particular area. What you can use could be just a stop away from your local flower shop.

Put excitement into your life with dried hydrangea in permanent botanical bouquets designed in a container purchased from your florist or something that you already have.

Check us out on line at KSFY.com and link on to the In Bloom section and you ask questions, make comments or ask for future In Bloom topics.

Flowers – Plants and related items add so much to our lives – whether they are gifts to others or gifts to our self.

If you have questions or comments for Pat, email him at patgustaf@gustafsgreenery.com or visit http://www.gustafsgreenery.com.