Starting annual begonias from seed can
be a challenge, but it can be done with a
little care. January is the month to start
wax begonias from seed. The seed is
almost dust-like and should be sown
using a soil mix like Hoffman seed starter.
Wax begonias grow slowly and they
should be started 5 to 6 months before
they go out into the garden. Wax begonias
don’t like cold temperatures and so should not be planted outside until the
end of May. When the seed is sown in a seed starter mix they should not be
covered. Light is needed for germination. After seed is sown, cover the seed
box with plastic cling wrap to keep the moisture around the seeds.
Place
seed box under artificial light, use a timer and run the lights for at least 14
hours. The soil temperature should be around 74ºF for optimal germination,
so a heating mat is also recommended. After the seeds have germinated
remove the plastic wrap. At this stage the soil medium should remain moist
at all times. When the tiny plants are large enough to handle they can be
transplanted into individual pots or cell packs. Wax begonia seed is available
in pellet form as well. Pellets make it easier to handle and can be worth
the little added expense.
Simply Roses Votive Twist
These silver shimmer votive holders act as a
perfect centerpiece, buffet or counter accent. Shape
into a circle, semi-circle or s-curve and use for Thanksgiving dinners,
holiday parties or New Year’s. I’ve dropped a single rose in each votive
holder, along with Italian pittosporum. Feel free to change the flower variety
or color to match your décor/party theme.
Holiday Trimmings Vase
An easy way to get in the spirit of the season is to fill a clear vase two-thirds
full with miniature glass ball ornaments. In the center, drop in three Simply
Roses and accent with Italian pittosporum (or another green). Fill with water.
Roses should be in the same color family as ornaments. Alternative:
replace roses with an LED candle and curls of ribbon.
Poinsettia Pedestal
Red poinsettias are in high demand at this time of year.
They adorn living rooms, fireplaces and entrances. To add
those vibrant Christmas reds to your counters and tables,
try this idea. You’ll need a pedestal vase, clear plastic bags,
one small poinsettia and a string of beaded garland. Wrap a
plastic bag around the poinsettia pot (until you can no longer
see the pot). Fill the base of the pedestal with plastic bags
and place the poinsettia inside. Finish by tucking the string
of garland into the top of the vase (on all sides). It’s fun and
festive with a little attitude.
Cedar Hot Plates
Invite a subtle scent of cedar to your dinner table by laying cedar
planks in the middle of the buffet table and placing warm food
platters on the planks.
Create-Your-Own Wreath Centerpiece
A handmade wreath centerpiece (that looks great!) is as easy as 1-2-3.
Step 1: Start with an undecorated wreath (silk). Step 2: Place a 6” berry
wreath on top and connect to wreath with wire. Step 3: Insert fresh cedar
and lemon leaves on all sides and drop an LED candle in the center.
As an alternative, place a wreath on the table with a low glass bowl in the
middle. Fill the bowl with apples, pears and stem-on grapes. Tuck some
fruit in and around the wreath and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar
for a winter look. Our resident home & garden expert, Larry Pfarr, also
seen on KSTP TV, recommends this idea because it’s stylish,
decorative and edible!
Cranberry Ice Lanterns
Ice lanterns are a great accessory for indoors or out. Take a luminary ice
form mold (available at Bachman’s) and place fresh pine or spruce in the
bottom. Add cranberries. Fill with water (to about half inch from top) and
freeze. Once the lantern is three-fourths frozen, carefully remove from the
mold and dump out excess water. Place your candle inside. If you use the
lantern indoors, place a bowl underneath to collect melting water. Be
creative by adding glitter, flowers, fruit or nuts.
For a unique twist on this idea we recommend placing a bowl in the
center of the lantern and filling with cocktail sauce, veggie dip or shrimp.
Christmas Ornament Favors
For a fun and easy holiday favor, start with inexpensive
round glass ornaments and remove the wire hangers.
Take a hot glue gun and make a round circle on the
bottom (serves as a base for stability). Place on a
paper plate or sheet of aluminum foil until the glue
dries. Fill the hole with water and add flowers. Place
one ornament at each place setting and let
the fun begin.
Christmas Card Ornaments
This is the perfect craft for kids of all ages. Using last year’s Christmas
cards, take a cookie cutter (e.g., deer, bell, angel, gingerbread boy/girl)
and trace the inside of the front cover. Then cut it out. Punch a hole in the
top, add string, and hang from your tree, wreath or garland. It’s easy,
fun and a great way to reuse.
Kid’s GelGems® Creations
As you can see, this is a fun project for adults too! Find a
clear vase from around the house or buy a new one. Pick
up any color combination of GelGems from Bachman’s
and decorate the outside of the vase. Pour artificial
snow or ice crystals in the bottom of the vase (about
a quarter full), and place a candle ring and LED candle
inside (matching the GelGems design, of course).
Keep for yourself or give to friends
and family as gifts from the kids.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
