Tulips Mean Spring - Even in Winter . . .

During cold winter days, a bowl of tulips is a reminder that spring will return soon.

         
​ You will need:
                 Bundle of Tulips
                 Round Glass Bubble Bowl
                 Clear Waterproof Tape
                 #22 Florist Wire
                 Light Green Floral Wrap Tape

​There are many stages of tulips available. Tulips that appear small with only a minimal amount of color showing, are still an excellent choice. Tulips continue to grow after the are cut. A tulip stem may grow as long as length of the bloom after it has been cut. 

To prepare the vase, take clear waterproof tape and make a crisscross on the top of the vase. Then, turn the vase sideways and tape close to the top of the rim, taping over the 4 ends of the crisscross. Allow the tape to double over the beginning of the tape. Then, I cut the ends of the crisscross to just below the tape on the rim of the vase. This helps to hold the tulips in place as you make the arrangement. Fill the vase with water treated with floral preservative.

Prepare tulips by removing any soil deposited in the lower leaves. Cut the tulip above the bottom leaves, saving the leaves for extra decoration in the arrangement.

Wire tulips by making a hook around the top of the stem with a wire wrapped in floral tape. Continue to wrap the wire around the stem to the bottom. Secure the wire to the bottom of the stem by turning the wire up. This helps support the stem. Wire all the tulips. I used light green floral wrap because it blends with the stems of the tulips.
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When arranging tulips, allow room for movement. Place a short stemmed tulip close to the rim of the vase. I start with about four blooms. Select the tallest tulip for the center of the arrangement. Place this tall tulip in the center of the vase. Place the remaining tulips lower than the center bloom, and spaced between the blooms on the rim of the vase.  Use the leaves reserved for the arrangement to fill in any blank spaces. Place your arrangement in a cool area away from direct sunlight.