Q: What flowers are available this time of year? I’d like to make a fall arrangement in reds and oranges.
A: Although many flowers are available year-round, in-season blooms are the freshest, most economical choice for cut-flower arrangements. Look for the following popular varieties at your local florist or nursery. (Their availability differs from region to region.)
Dahlias and chrysanthemums are pretty foundations for red and orange compositions. There are several hundred dahlia varieties available. Try a mix of orange cultivars, with some unopened buds for contrast. Or for an elegant swath of red, look for round “Paul Smith,” scarlet “Arabian Night” and flame-colored “Fire Magic.” You also might add another type of tall, red bloom for height and texture, such as statuesque “Strawberry Fields” globe amaranth (Gomphrena haageana).
At this time of year, chrysanthemums are also plentiful. Large double chrysanthemums, such as those classified as pompon flower heads, are perfect for a showy, intense monochromatic arrangement. Small Santini chrysanthemums, such as “Reagan Orange” or ruby “Tigerrag,” make lovely accompaniments to larger flowers.
You also can add texture with clusters of bright-red viburnum or skimmia berries. Tuck sprigs of berries into a bouquet of rich copper-colored Sedum “Autumn Joy” and russet dahlias, or surround a mass of burgundy astilbe, bronze “Pamela” dahlias and red roses with a border of berries.
Q: I have an authentic Turkish rug. What is the best way to protect it from dirt and sun damage?
A: Rugs made in Turkish village workshops tend to have a primary-color palette and are often geometric and simple in design. Those from workshops in and around Istanbul are usually more curvilinear and finely woven.
A rug expert can help you ascertain the origin, age and value of your rug. That in turn will help you determine how to use and care for it. As a general rule, even authentic rugs (as opposed to factory-made copies) can be laid on your floors without suffering damage. Nevertheless, the following tips will help protect your rug from wear and tear.
It is very important to vacuum rugs weekly. Dirt acts as an abrasive that slowly grinds away at the fibers of the rug when it is stepped on. Avoid using a vacuum with a power brush, which will beat the surface of the rug and weaken the fibers. Also steer clear of steam cleaners, which can be too harsh. Rugs should be water-cleaned by a professional only when dirt becomes visible.
A good rubber pad beneath the rug will help it grip the floor and minimize sliding, which can also abrade and damage the wool. Solid rubber pads no more than 1/8 inch thick are ideal.
Sunlight isn’t as serious a concern as you might think. Most fading occurs in the first 10 to 15 years of a rug’s life. If your rug is older, it already has undergone most of its major color changes. Rugs made from around 1930 to 1980 are typically the most susceptible to fading, because the synthetic dyes used during that time were of poor quality. Before the ’30s, rug makers usually used vegetable dyes, which tend to be more stable than synthetics. Today, most rugs again are being made with colorfast vegetable dyes.
You might want to consult with an expert about applying a fiber-protection coating to your rug. These petroleum-based products (which are sprayed on by a professional) coat the individual fibers to protect them from soiling. They can be effective, but periodic reapplication is necessary. However, the long-term effects of such sprays are unknown, because they have been in use only 10 to 15 years.
