Daytime Gardeners Create Unique Rose Blossoms

Members of the Daytime Gardeners of North Haven, and guests, participated in a “make and take” workshop that involved study of the vascular system of flowers. Members Helen Nado, Barbara Feinberg, and Mary Ellen Proto, explained that the stems contain tiny tubes called xylem that transport water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and flowers. When the stems are immersed in colored water, the colored water travels through the xylem and appears in the white petals of the flower. The presenters demonstrated how to create custom rose blossoms by splitting the stems and using 2 different colors of water. Each stem piece was put into a vial with colored water. Participants chose the colors they wanted to use to create their own unique blossoms. During the next day or so, the colored water was transported through the stems and it began to show in the petals of the roses. Portions of the petals took on different colors corresponding to the colored water in the vials. This is a gradual process as the water moves slowly through one part of the petal to the next.

When the colored petals are examined closely, it is fascinating to see how differently the colored water appeared in the petals. The red color appears to highlight the tiny veins in the petals, while the blue color appears as tiny dots within the petals. Club members and guests enjoyed creating their own, unique blooms.

The Daytime Gardeners of North Haven is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT, Inc, the New England Garden Clubs, Inc., and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. New members are always welcome. Please contact Daytime Gardeners for more information at (203) 239-1557.

Visit us on Facebook!