Our landscapes and gardens have numerous plants that are suitable for decorating our interior spaces. Granted, winter in Wisconsin often becomes a rather tedious white and all too often grays, browns and other earthy colors. One would think we would want to paint our houses bright colors, but this is rarely the case. So, we brighten up our days with bright interior colors, and for many of us, fresh flowers. I am rarely without some type of flowers in my home, commonly as potted flowering plants. Orchids, Kalanchoe, Chrysanthemum, forced tulips, daffodils and others, Calceolaria, Cineraria, Cyclamen, Gerbera, Poinsettia, Lilies, African Violets, to name but a few, have graced our homes.
Our flower shops are full of beautiful fresh cuts flowers such as: carnations, roses, mums, daisies, orchids, lilies, baby’s breath, and full vases of many other exotics. While many cut flowers are sold in bouquets, they are often just as beautiful as a single flower and, occasionally, with a spring of foliage, in a simple vase. You don’t need to buy 10 when one will do it.
Our gardens are also graced with numerous fresh cut options. Some you may never have thought of using to grace your interiors.

Typical care for nearly all cut flowers and foliage, remove any foliage that will be below the water level as it will otherwise rot. Recut stems and place them in water immediately. Although controversial, I prefer to recut them under water. Use floral preservative according to directions. Make sure the water level is kept at the desired depth. Pure water or rain water is preferred, but if unavailable regular, not artificially softened, tap water.
Most floral preservatives contain a:
Nutrient source for cut flowers and foliage
pH buffering chemical for desirable levels for maximum water intake
Bactericide to reduce harmful bacteria that clogs stems and keep the water clear
Fungicides to reduce their growth.
Some may also contain an ethylene reducing agent.

I use kenzans - pin flower frogs, for most of my arrangements. Floral foam also works, but kenzans are reusable, almost indefinitely. Purchase kenzans in an assortment of sizes and shapes, and use the largest your container permits. The nice thing about using a kenzan is, when pushing the cut stems onto the pins, you are prying open the base of the cut stems for improved water uptake. Therefore, I have the kenzan in the vase, covered with at least a ½” of water with floral preservative, before arranging the flowers and foliage.
Most flowers are very sensitive to Ethylene gas produced by maturing fruits, vegetables and greens. Avoid storing them together In a confined space, such as a home refrigerator.
For the following list of fresh cut flowers and foliage, all use typical care. Additional care is noted by the following codes.

1. = After cutting, place in warm water (warm to the touch) for 5 minutes to allow for the milky sap to stop flowing.
1a. = While controversial, I prefer to use a meat tenderizing mallet to slightly damage the lower inch or so of the woody stem. Never mash them! For some stems a pliers may work better, such as on a tree peony. When possible, I perform this while the stems are under water. Too much water and you may give yourself a bit of a splash.
2. = Best used by themselves.
3a. = Don’t use warm water.
3b. = Use warm water
4. = Use acidic water by adding some clear soda water.
5. = Poisonous
6. = Remain open only in very bright to sunny conditions.
7. = Only cut the flowers. Leave foliage unscathed.
7a. = Only cut the flower and maybe one leaf. Best floated in a low bowl with a kensan.
7b. = Maintain the leaves directly below the flower heads, as they will help bring water up to the flowers
8. = Avoid sugar as it encourages faster flowering
9. = Leave thorns
F = use Fresh                                    D = May be used Dried

The following is a listing of plants that you may encounter in your garden. Enjoy!