Bring home spring

Lilac or skunk currant are great and quick options; their freshly green leaves arrive in just a few days. Forsythia, chaenomeles and apple branches take about a week or two to blossom.

Select branches that contain several plump buds. Cut the branches above the node using sharp, clean pruners to prevent a stub from forming. Prune the tree or shrub evenly by picking out branches here and there.

Cut the ends off the branches to create a fresh surface for water absorption and put the branches in warm water. Change the water every couple of days to keep it clear and clean. Buds are sensitive to drying out, so misting and showering them is a good idea.

If the air is very dry, you can wrap branches in moist newspaper after bringing them in. The buds enjoy a cool and moist environment that imitates spring weather, so don’t place your vase next to a radiator or sunny window.

Then just wait for the small green leaves and first flowers to appear and enjoy the spring feeling when the blossoming begins!