Flower Collection Etiquette - I always have a knife in my purse......
You never know just when you are going to need it. It could be that interesting blooming Roadsidia or, that lovely bit of ivy on the fence. Maybe the neighbor’s hydrangea needs a bit of pruning or the roses a good dead heading… I’m always there to help. Near my home, there is a gorgeous pink Andromeda. Of course, it will bloom even more profusely with a bit of helpful pruning.
If you are like me and can’t resist the call of flowering plants, there are just a few rules to follow and yes, I always do…..except for that one time in Queen Elizabeth Park in Canada many years ago…sorry Mom. Thank goodness we both could run faster than the gardener. I’d hate to be arrested as an international criminal over a plant cutting. But, I digress; back to the proper etiquette for flower collection.
Always ask first. Your neighbors will soon be on to you anyway so start off on the right foot and ask. In public areas I ask the parking lot attendant or security or most anybody that looks like they work there. Most just look at you funny and say “OK”. They can’t fathom why you covet that ivy.
Prune and clip carefully. Cutting from the back of the plant will leave the beauty up front for all to enjoy. Cut “just enough”. Never denude the plant of blooms.
If you live in the city like me, it is always best to clip above waist level. I won’t go into detail but remember, public bathrooms are few and far between.
Don’t cut from freeway plantings. There is a fine for this! Trust me, it is not worth it.
With spring just around the corner, you’ll find me out and about in the neighborhood, knife in hand… (MORE BLOGS)