If you had to choose between dendrobium and cymbidiums, I would vote for the cymbidium. Cyms typically have the following advantages as single-flower decorations: 1. Longer staying power. They tend to stay fresh longer than dends. Perhaps because the flower itself has more mass that it is able to store more water and sugar to keep it "alive" longer compared to the flimsy dendrobium. 2. Bigger single flowers. Most, if not all commercial cymbidiums outsize a single dendrobium flower. 3. Color selection - from personal experience, commercial cutflower vendors have more color/variety selections for cyms than dends. Cattleyas are also an excellent candidate for corsages for the ladies. For the gentlemen, I would not go bigger than a cymbidium for the boutonnieres.

For a large quantity of blooms to cut, you will probably be better off with annuals than with perennials, especially if you're growing them from seed. I grow mostly perennials and woody plants, but do have a few thoughts for you. Zinnias will grow and bloom quickly, but I find the water turns very smelly after just one day; so if you're going to arrange them the day before the wedding, that's a consideration. Cosmos also grow quickly, make good cut flowers, and should give you masses of blooms in colors ranging from white through pinks to deep red. Snapdragon is another quick grower, blooming in late spring to early summer. I hope someone will chime in with more suggestions for you. If not, perhaps try the Cottage Garden forum - there are lots of very friendly and experienced gardeners there from all over the country ... there's bound to be someone who grows annuals in your climate. Don't forget fillers (like baby's breath, gypsophila) and greens - you can choose from solid or variegated leaves, smooth or rough textures, large & bold leaves or long and narrow, even trailers like ivy, whichever best suits your arrangements and your fancy. A trusted friend to help with the arrangements sounds like a good idea. Have a wonderful time with the preparations and best wishes on your wedding day.

Having lived in Keene, I was drawn to your post by the address, but then also by your "problem." My daughter is getting married in our garden this June 30th and I have the same worries .... what will be lush and in bloom by then? So I've done lots of winter research. I would take people's suggestions of planting some of the taller perennial varieties up against the barn. Then in front of these, you could place pots of plants that will get lush and full through the summer as you care for them (or the garden center cares for them). Finally try trailing, creeping annuals like Supertunia or white alyssum in the very front to spread along and up a little, covering the pots. One annual you might want to consider planting is Cosmos. I planted some a few years ago, both pink and white, and they exploded. Some were 4 feet tall and all of them threw out babies. They have very lacy leaves and daisy-like blossoms that hold up well and are striking with other plants... esp. Russian Sage and Yarrow, which come in many colors. Digitalis is a beautiful vertical plant and I agree with Japanese anemones, which are spectacular in the fall. If you do get a clematis, try planting it first right in the (clay, I hope) pot. Dig down deeper and wider than the pot, put small drainage stones under it, then place the potted clematis in the hole & fill in all around. I found this is a good way to ease my clematis into my yard. The worst thing to happen would be that your clematis wilts from the transplant. Next season you can take it out of the pot and plant it directly back into that same hole. Early Spring is a great time to scout around for information from the grower at your favorite garden centers. They have been a great source of tips and can even let you know when to come in and look at new arrivals. Good luck with your special day! Molie

Interesting Jane. I never saw empty spikes unless the buds, alfter almost complete growth, turn yellow and fall off. To much water ....... I guess. I have 2 species of hard canes Dendro. One is doing well, the other not. I learned that they need a month with no water during the growth of the Spikes, between the end of the growth of the new canes and bloom time. Then you can start water, but not as much as summertime. Am I right ? I am trying this now and it seems to do well so far. with the other one (Celadon and red wine), it's complicated because they seem to keep growing. The canes are still short. They feel they are in july. I try to stop them in order to restart them in the spring in the right time. If I can. I like the challange .. hours of fun !