Question
Hi,
This probably isn't the typical question you would get but I'm having a hard time getting any help or some answers on the subject..
I had the idea of drying and framing the provincial flowers of Ontario and B.C. Canada but am not sure of how to go about it or if it will work.
The "trillium grandiflorum" for Ontario and the "pacific dogwood" for B.C.. The trillium I am pretty sure I can get without out too much trouble, but since the dogwood is a tree I don't know where I could get say a branch or some flowers from. I am currently in Manitoba so I would have to get both shipped out but I was hoping that might not be a problem if I'm planning to dry them anyway.
Basically I'm wondering if you would have any tips/advice on both where/how to get a hold of these flowers, and then also any tips on drying them so they stay nice (if possible?).
I think I could get the trillium from a nursery in Ontario even right now, but the dogwood's main flowering is in the spring so I don't know where I could find that..
I know this might be a stretch to ask you but you sounded knowledgeable in the subject and if nothing else maybe could point in the right direction?

Thanks a lot for your time!
Ryan

Answer
Hi Ryan,
Thanx for your question.  Your idea of preserving provincial flowers sounds cool.  Here's what I would do.  If you live near a large city like Winnepeg, go to a large florist and ask them if they can order the flowers for you.  I will bet you that they can although it may cost a pretty penny and you may just have to take your lumps and order several.  I used to have a friend in the florist business and he used to go to a broker here in our city and get all kinds of different flowers and ornamental grasses, twigs, shrubs, etc.  The rarer ones can be kind of expensive though.  A recall heliconia and bird-of-paradise being rather prices like $10 or more per stem.  You'll probably have to pay something like that for the Pacific Dogwood.

Another Idea is the Gardenweb.  I love that forum and have been lurking/participating on it for a good 12 years or so.  Go to the Cutting Garden Forum.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/cutting/
You may even be able to get someone to send you the cuttings.  Don't offer to pay right off because I think there are restrictions on that website about soliciting for payment or offering to pay.  Just tell them about your project and ask if there is anyone who can help or who knows someone who can help.  There are lots of Canadians on the forum and I'm sure someone can help.

Let me know how it goes, ok?  I hope this helps.
Tom