{"id":164,"date":"2016-03-02T19:27:29","date_gmt":"2016-03-02T19:27:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whiteflower1.wpengine.com\/?p=164"},"modified":"2020-05-14T19:53:33","modified_gmt":"2020-05-14T19:53:33","slug":"forcing-branches-for-a-preview-of-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.whiteflowerfarm.com\/blog\/2016\/03\/02\/forcing-branches-for-a-preview-of-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"Forcing Branches for a Preview of Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Cherry<\/a>
Even a single branch forced indoors can bring a welcome preview of spring. This twig from a Cherry tree blossomed after three weeks indoors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At this time of year, we\u2019re always reminded of the benefits of having a variety of spring-blooming shrubs and trees in the garden. We\u2019re midway through winter, and although it\u2019s been a remarkably mild one here in the Northeast, the landscape of browns, greys, and whites has begun to prey on our spirits. To introduce a bit of vibrant natural color and beauty to our indoor rooms, and to do it economically, we force branches. You don\u2019t need any special gear or know-how, just a pair of clean, sharp pruners and a few of the right trees and shrubs in your yard.<\/p>\n

\"Witch<\/a>
It’s been such a mild winter that the Witch Hazel had already bloomed outdoors before we went looking for cuttings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Among our favorites for forcing are Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)<\/a>, Magnolia<\/a>, Forsythia<\/a>, Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)<\/a>, Shadbush (Amelanchier), flowering Quince (Chaenomeles)<\/a>, crabapple (Malus), flowering pear (Pyrus), flowering Cherry (Prunus), Viburnum<\/a>, and Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas).<\/p>\n

Sometimes starting as early as January but more likely in February and March, we make regular forays into the garden. We choose days when the temperature is above freezing, and not only for ourselves. The milder temperatures help ease the transition the plants must make from outdoors to indoors. While enjoying the fresh air in our lungs and the physical exertion of wading through snow (if there is any), we cut our branches.<\/p>\n

\"cutting<\/a>
Using clean pruners, cut branches or twigs with plenty of buds on them. It’s best to do the cutting on a day when the temperature is above freezing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The guidelines are very simple, the trees and shrubs generally very forgiving, and the results well worth the effort. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n