Unless your winters are particularly harsh and gloomy - don't store them in winter. That's when they grow - in time for spring. They often start late in autumn when the rains come more reliably. They will tolerate mild frost above -5C but if you expect more than that then grow them under cover in a warm place above freezing, with excellent light and drainage, and reliable water. You'll get better flowers if you can do so, and if you can provide some support for the stems. They are usually dormant over the summer dry. Leave them undisturbed for about three years and lift the clumps in autumn for selecting the bigger bulbs for growing on to flower. If you are in an area where you have to plant in mid spring - you'll also need to ensure there's enough water to see them through to flowering and set up for the following year's flowers before the dry spell sets in.

If you're intersted in this to know when to prune, here are some guidelines. If it will bloom in the spring, there are usually two different kinds of buds on it during the winter, flower buds and leaf buds. But it's sometimes hard to tell the difference. The easiest way is to wait until things bloom this year and make notes of timing. Then you can prune at the proper time. If it blooms in spring, prune right after blooming. If it blooms in summer or fall, prune during the dormant winter period. Of course, you can always ask at your local cooperative extension office. There are also books (keys) available to identify most shrubs and trees in the dormant season if you are trained and observant. Then you can look them up and find the right time to prune. Good luck. Patience and observation are probably your best teachers. Sandy

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.

My favorites- Helleborus orientalis in pink and purple, part shade, does need some water in summer Pulmonarias- cobalt blue, purple, pink, red, white, tough as nails in semi-shade variegated foliage the rest of the year, some reseeding Lunaria biennial- heart-shaped leaves, purple or white flowers in spring, silver dollar dried luminescent seedheads for decoration, grows in our wet spring, seeds, then comes up in fall to bloom again next spring. Very well adapted to our climate, doesn't need supplemental water Irises- succession of bloom with dwarf, miniature, intermediate, border, tall bearded Species Tulips- T. batalinii, Spring Beauty, praestans Unicum- large for a species, bright red, variegated foliage, and trying this year- wilsoniana, vvedenskyi Tangerine Beauty?, Daphne odora, D. collina, D. caucasius "Summer Ice" Symphytum grandiflorum- tough invasive groundcover comfrey for difficult areas like dry shade, banks, under orchard trees, flowers go from pink to blue to white in spring Native flowering currant- pink flowers on a shrub, completely adapted so doesn't need watering Columbines- can be grown from seed, nice foliage, flower in spring from dwarf to tall, reseed so can be a weed problem, don't seem to need supplemental water