| 15 June 2005
[flickr photo=3634965760 align=right vspace=10 hspace=10]Fresh cut flowers can add beauty to your décor, but with their short life span, they can become a costly decoration. There are a few things you can do to make your fresh flowers last longer.
First, buy the freshest flowers available. Look for tight, but not compacted, buds and shiny leaves; avoid nodding or browning blossoms. For a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife instead of scissors to trim the stems. Place the stems under running water, and cut them in a slant. Place the freshly cut flowers in a sink or container of tepid water with a floral preservative for 30 minutes before arranging. This will hydrate them. Remove all but the uppermost leaves, and any foliage that falls under the waterline once you have placed them in a vase. Extra foliage will only cause more rapid deterioration. [flickr photo=3635007574 align=left vspace=10 hspace=10]Use cool water in the vase, and use a floral preservative in the vase water. You can make your own by mixing a capful of bleach and two teaspoons of sugar in a gallon of water. This will slow down bacterial growth, and provide nutrients. Some people recommend putting wine, pennies, or aspirin in the water, however many floral professionals do not recommend this. Be sure to place the flowers in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, and change the water every other day. If any blooms die or become wilted, trim them off. These helpful hints should help your investment go a little further.
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