Cut foliage holds up well when the stems get a fresh cut every day.
For vase arrangements, simply lift out the entire bouquet, and hold the stem ends under running tap water.
An intricate arrangement is best refreshed with a daily water change and removal of decaying material.
Using a sharp pair of pruners, snip off half an inch from the bottom of each stem. Hold your shears at a 45-degree angle to maximize the surface area for the stem to draw liquid.
Intricate container arrangements in florist’s foam are best left intact.
You may be able to refresh simpler ones by carefully removing individual stems, trimming as above, and gently pushing each stem back into the foam brick.
5. Change Water Every Day
Vases should be rinsed with mild detergent and water, taking care to wipe away any residue that may harbor bacteria.
If you have a packet of flower food, pour it into the vase and add enough tap water to dissolve it.
Return your trimmed bouquet to the clean vase. Add water to a height just beneath the first leaves.
For a container with florist’s foam, carefully tip it to pour out the old water. If the inside is accessible, wipe around it with a moist paper towel.
Use a watering can to dissolve a packet of flower food in tap water, and add this to the container until the florist’s foam is thoroughly saturated.
Though the contents of these packets seem to be somewhat of an industry secret, they typically contain a combination of citric acid, sucrose, and powdered bleach.
Different varieties of cut foliage age at different rates. Watch for signs of deterioration, and address them during your daily trim and water change.
Deadhead blossoms that are dropping petals, and snip off leaves that are turning yellow or withering. Carefully pinch off floppy outer rose petals to reveal tighter inner folds.
The daisies have begun to decline so it is time to deadhead.
If the majority of a bouquet is ready to be tossed, entire stems may be removed from a vase arrangement, and the healthy remainder transferred to a smaller vessel.
For containers with florist’s foam, the removal of entire stems may leave large gaps.
Replace these with new material, like the oh-so-versatile evergreens we often take for granted in our yards.
Give their stems a 45-degree angle cut under running tap water before insertion.
7. Spritz Foliage
Cumbersome floral and foliage pieces that are not in vases or containers also need some moisture to remain attractive.
I often use a water-filled spritz bottle to moisten holiday evergreen swags, wreaths, garlands, and orchid garnishes.
There’s a commercial product you may find useful called Crowning Glory, and it’s available on Amazon.
It not only hydrates, but retards decay. However, it is not to be used on floral material that will be placed on or near food.
Fabulous Flowers for Every Day
Try these seven tips the next time you bring a gorgeous bunch of blossoms into your home, and you can feel good about making them last.
I love when the doorbell rings, two hands hold out a stunning arrangement, and I ask, “For me?” I know you do, too.
Why not make fresh flowers a regular part of your indoor decor?
It’s a gorgeous option that’s fun to explore whether you’re decorating for a holiday, or looking to add a touch of color to the dinner table.
An inexpensive way to do this is by growing them yourself. If you’re interested, check out our article, “Grow Your Own Cut Flower Garden,” for tips on getting started.
Do you have any additional tips to share? Tell us in the comments section below.
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You are looking for an awesome pharmacy technician design? Then is this funny health care, pharmacy tech or technician design the right one. It’s a great idea for pharmacists who love their job. Wear it proudly to work or in your free time. Get this now. This funny pharmacy technician design for women and men who love their technician or pharmacy tech job. Show that you are a proud pharmacist. On the pharmacy technician motive is the quote A Short Story I Am A Proud Pharmacy Technician End. You are looking for an awesome pharmacy technician design? Then is this funny health care, pharmacy tech or technician design the right one. It’s a great idea for pharmacists who love their job. Wear it proudly to work or in your free time. Get this now. This funny pharmacy technician design for women and men who love their technician or pharmacy tech job. Show that you are a proud pharmacist. On the pharmacy technician motive is the quote A Short Story I Am A Proud Pharmacy Technician End. 11-ounce ceramic mug is dishwasher and microwave-safe, lead and BPA free Features glossy finish with accent colors on interior, handle, and rim of two-tone designs
Spring arrived on our calendars a couple of months ago, but spring arrives in our gardens at all different times. For some of us spring starts showing its color at the very start of the year, while others are just starting to see their most vibrant displays emerge. For Marty Whalen in Backus, Minnesota (Zone 4) spring color really came to life this month. Marty first shared some spectacular blooms from her northern garden a couple of years ago (Marty’s Minnesota Garden), and today she returns to share some pastel blooms from May.
My garden is in northern Minnesota. I have been creating this for 28 years. Here are a few things blooming now in May.
Marty has a superb selection of spring bulbs, which finally made their grand entrance this month. These ‘Tahiti’ double daffodil (Narcissus ‘Tahiti’, Zones 4–8) are a ruffled delight.
Ephemerals are also excellent for early season color, and Marty’s ‘Pagoda’ trout lily (Erythronium ‘Pagoda’, Zones 4–9) adds more pops of yellow to her landscape.
For some glowing white blooms, ‘Lingerie’ daffodils (Narcissus ‘Lingerie’, Zones 4–8) also delectably double blooms.
Many tulips will not make repeat appearances in Martys Zone 4 garden, but ‘Pink Impression’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Pink Impression’, Zones 3–8) is made of tougher stuff. This vigorous bloomer will also mature into a brighter pink as the blooms unfurl.
‘Candy Princess’ (Narcissus ‘Candy Princess’, Zones 3–8) is another double daffodil with serious star power. These look orange in this photo, but in real life they are a delicious shade of salmon pink.
I absolutely adore Marty’s selection of out-of-the-norm bulbs. Classic grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum, Zones 4–8) are always beautiful clusters of purple, but the white variety (Muscari botryoides ‘Album’, Zones 4–8)—also known as white pearls of Spain—will make you do a double take.
For a lovely, buttery color and outstanding fragrance, primroses cannot be beat.
Lastly, Marty shows off how ‘Candy Princess’ daffodils and ‘Pink Impression’ tulip make for an incredible combination.
Thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous blooms with us, Marty! It is lovely to see the spring color your garden has produced this month.
What spring color are you enjoying in your garden this month? We would love to see what is blooming and about to bloom in your landscape. Follow the directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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I eat a lot of salads this time of year. Actually, I eat salads for most of the seasons! This Italian chopped salad skips the lettuce and adds Italian grinder flavors to chicken instead. It’s high in protein and my family can’t get enough!
Italian Grinder Chopped Salad
If you’ve ever been to a sub shop or Italian restaurant you’ve probably had an Italian grinder sandwich. They’re known for their salty, tangy flavor with satisfying fats and lots of crunch from veggies. And while I do eat some grains now, anytime I can load up on veggies or protein instead I’m all in.
An Italian chopped salad recipe is like all of the flavors of the sub sandwich, but without the bread. Some of the recipes I’ve seen add the meat, banana peppers, and dressing to chopped lettuce. While I’m all for veggies and eat lots of salads, I wanted to try something a little different.
The result is this spin on chicken salad. It still has a mayo base, but it has Italian flavors instead.
Making Italian Chopped Chicken Salad
At first glance the ingredients list might look a little long, but truly, this recipe comes together quickly. It does require a little knife work (it’s called chopped after all!), but this helps combine the flavors better. You’re not getting a big chunk of anything, but a variety of flavors packed throughout.
The shredded chicken absorbs the chicken really well to give this more of that classic chopped grinder texture.
Tweak to Taste
If you’re like me you might love pickled things and tangy tastes. Feel free to add an extra splash of banna pepper juice or red wine vinegar if you want more tang here. And if you don’t have salami, any similar meat will work. Ham, prosciutto, or spicy pepperoni are all great ideas.
I’ve also included two different types of cheeses. I recommend using both the feta and provolone because they offer subtly different flavors and textures that add to the overall flavor bomb here. Or you can just use one of the two and double the amount if preferred.
I also like to use freshly cracked black pepper for this. When peppercorns are freshly cracked they release their fragrance volatile oils that give dishes a major flavor boost. Sometimes I’ll also finish with Maldon flaky sea salt for more texture and enhanced flavor.
How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad
You could eat this by the forkful (it’s SO good!). However, it also works as a filling or dip. Serve it over chopped leafy greens or even iceberg lettuce for maximum crunch. It also works well as filling in a lettuce wrap or in a sandwich with sourdough bread.
Or just use it as a dip with some healthy crackers or fresh veggies like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, or celery sticks.
Here’s how to make it!
Italian Grinder Chopped Chicken Salad
This tastes just like an Italian grinder sandwich but without the bread! High in protein and full of flavor.
2cupsshredded cooked chicken
¼lbsalami or soppressata(diced)
¼lbpepperoni(diced)
¼cupprovolone cheese(thick-sliced and diced)
¼cupcrumbled feta cheese
⅔cupgrape tomatoes(diced)
⅓cupbanana peppers(diced)
½red onion(thinly sliced or diced)
In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
Taste and adjust as needed. The dressing should have a tangy kick.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, salami, pepperoni, provolone, feta, tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.
Pour most of the dressing over the salad and toss well to evenly coat. Add the remaining dressing if needed.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Italian Grinder Chopped Chicken Salad
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 442 Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 11g
Monounsaturated Fat 12g
Cholesterol 88mg29%
Sodium 1157mg50%
Potassium 332mg9%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 24g48%
Vitamin A 306IU6%
Vitamin C 9mg11%
Calcium 146mg15%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Shelf Life and Storage
The salad absorbs dressing as it sits. Stir and add a little extra dressing before serving if needed. It will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
More Chicken Salad Variations
What are some of your favorite recipes that reinvent classic foods? Share in the comments!
Katsuras, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, grow in Zones 4 to 8. Mature dimensions are 40 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 25 to 60 feet, and they may have one or more main trunks.
These trees prefer full sun to partial shade and require well-draining soil. In the early years, they do best with consistent moisture.
The foliage is almost round with a slight teardrop shape and stunning yellow in the fall.
Lombardy poplars, Populus nigra ‘Italica,’ are suited to Zones 3 to 9. They have a columnar shape that makes an excellent privacy screen when multiple specimens are planted in a row.
Mature dimensions are 40 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. These hardy poplars prefer full sun, grow well in various soils, and are drought tolerant.
Niobe or golden weeping willows, Salix alba ‘Tristis,’ grow in Zones 4 to 8, reaching heights of 50 to 60 feet with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. They prefer full sun and moist soil of any variety.
Weeping willows have finely serrated narrow leaves with golden autumn hues and light, airy branches that cascade gracefully downward, often sweeping the ground with passing breezes.
Native paper birches, Betula papyrifera, grow in Zones 2 to 7.
Their statuesque trunks have highly ornamental white, peeling bark and a loosely pyramidal shape, making them attractive stand-alone or clumped focal points.
Heights reach 40 feet with a spread of 30 feet.
They prefer full sun to partial shade and grow in most soil types. They require moderate moisture and do not tolerate drought.
‘Patmore’ green ashes, Fraxinus pennsylvanica ‘Patmore,’ are suited to Zones 3 to 9.
They have a rounded, lollipop shape that makes them eye-catching stand-alone specimens. Mature heights are 50 to 70 feet with a spread of 35 to 40 feet.
Pest and disease resistant, they prefer full sun and moist soil but tolerate various soil types and some drought.
Note that if you live in a region where the emerald ash borer beetle is prevalent, you may wish to avoid new plantings, or follow a preventative integrated pest management program.
Fast-growing, green ashes put on approximately two feet per year through to maturity. The foliage consists of shiny, lance-shaped leaflets that turn a bright, sunny yellow hue in the fall.
Ashes generally produce “samaras,” narrow, tan, papery seed pods. But with the ‘Patmore’ cultivar, you’ll have no messy seeds to rake up.
River birches, Betula nigra, are stunning in Zones 3 to 9.
In addition to their brief but glorious fall display of buttery, serrated, diamond-shaped leaves and dangling reddish-green catkins, they sport cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark.
Mature heights are 25 to 50 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide. As they age, they transition from a pyramid to a rounded shape.
These trees prefer full sun to part shade and tolerate drought, various soils, and wind.
Shagbark hickories, Carya ovata, are suited to Zones 4 to 8. They are large shade trees with a rounded crown and an irregular shape that mature to 70 to 90 feet tall and 50 to 70 feet wide.
The foliage is lance shaped, slightly serrated, and golden yellow in the fall.
Mature specimens produce round nuts, have gray, exfoliating bark, and make impressive stand-alone trees in expansive settings.
They prefer full sun to part shade and organically-rich, well-draining soil. They tolerate clay and black walnut juglone toxicity and are not prone to pests or diseases.
Vase-shaped silver maples, Acer saccharinum, grow in Zones 3 to 9.
They reach heights of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 35 to 70 feet, adding approximately three feet per year to their landscape footprint until they reach maturity.
These trees prefer full sun to part shade and medium to wet soil. However, they tolerate drought well.
They have deeply lobed leaves that are characteristic of maple trees. Winged seed pods called “samaras” disperse in the spring. The fall color is pale lemon yellow.
The best placements are moist areas like streambeds and riverbanks away from buildings and cars, as silver maple limbs are susceptible to breakage in high winds and ice storms.
Fast-growing, native, thornless honey locusts, Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis, are suited to Zones 4 to 9.
They reach 50 to 70 feet tall with a spread of 40 to 50 feet, adding approximately two feet per year until maturity, and lack the long thorns found on the branches of the thorned variety.
These trees prefer full sun to part shade and moist, loamy soil. They will also tolerate other soils, dryness, wetness, and road salt.
Native tulip poplars Liriodendron tulipifera, grow in Zones 4 to 9. Mature dimensions are 60 to 90 feet tall and 30 to 50 feet wide. They require full sun with loose, loamy, well-draining soil.
Also called tulip trees, they are in the magnolia family and are unrelated to tulips or poplars.
They have tulip-like flowers that bloom high in the canopy in the spring in shades of orange, yellow, and green.
Tulip poplars show well in wooded, naturalistic settings where they are somewhat sheltered from potentially damaging winds.
