Spectacular Spring Flower Haul - Peonies, Lilac, Delphinium, Solomon Seal, Pearlbush and more!

The best flowers of spring are starting to arrive in my shop. Watch me dive into my newly delivered buckets of peonies, lilac, solomon's seal, allium, pearlbush, delphinium and more! I talk about harvest timing, stem length and trimming foliage. We're getting serious about local flowers.
If you don’t know me - my name is Ellen and my dream is to build a community of flower nerds who have an endless appetite for learning and experiencing all things flowers! Join me on this channel as we learn about sustainable floral design, life as a florist and how you can make a difference in the world through flowers.
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[@vynedvyne59]

Flower nerds unite 🎉

[@ellenfrostflowers]

YES!!! Working on a new project to bring flower nerds together online. Stay tuned!

[@sharoncalatayud6410]

I love Bells of Ireland- very fun shape and adds so much brightness to a design

[@ellenfrostflowers]

I agree. They always get people talking when we include them in arrangements.

[@petefredrick3784]

'What a great video!

[@ellenfrostflowers]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@davedowling7492]

Great info. Love the smell of Bells of Ireland. And of course, Lilac too.

[@ellenfrostflowers]

Thanks Dave! When you sold Bells of Ireland to florists, did you trim the leaves or leave them on?

[@Wyldheatherfarm]

Bells of Ireland smell like apple mint to me, which I like 💚

[@ellenfrostflowers]

OOOH! I never thought of that. Apple mint does have a similarly fresh scent.

[@dianawilliams2827]

Great video! What other peony varieties are you looking forward to seeing this spring? I'm also wondering if your customers ask for specific peony varieties or do they choose based on color alone? TIA!

[@ellenfrostflowers]

My peony I look forward to the most is Etched Salmon although there are so many other varieties which i get excited for including coral charm, red charm, krinkle white, cheddar surprise, lemon chiffon, sunny girl and more. Mostly people choose based on color. I do try to point out variety names so people can get acquainted with the special varieties.

[@tammiloving1729]

Thank you for the great video! How do you prolong the vase life of lilac, Ellen, do you split the stems? Thanks

[@ellenfrostflowers]

Lilac notoriously has a short vase life. I do split the stems by cutting an X up into the bottom of each stem. I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes, but I do it. Lilac are one of those flowers that I just accept will only live a short time in the vase. I love it so much I'll enjoy anytime i can. Do you grow alot of lilac? I think fewer and fewer people here are having good luck growing it because our winters are getting warmer and warmer and they really like that cold spell.

[@user-qv2nw7oh6e]

Thanks for the great intel! You’ve inspired me to go bigger with Solomon’s Seal. I love growing Bells of Ireland, but as a grower i cant seem to make money on them if ive spent the time stripping its leaves. Do you prefer them pre-stripped or do you buy as is and remove them yourself?

[@ellenfrostflowers]

YES! Go bigger with Solomon's Seal! but only the varigated! The plain green is boring and not a big seller. I saw Delaware Valley was selling the varigated this week from a local grower in PA so i know there is interest from the florist community if a big wholesaler is buying/selling. For Bells of Ireland, I don't mind stripping the leaves as long as the grower lets me know that's what's happening before I buy it. If you are sending out an availability list, make a note that it comes with the leaves on. You could also do a tiered offering- one price for leaves on and one price for leaves off. That way the florist can figure out if they have time to clean or they would rather pay a higher price to get them cleaned.