• Keeping your flowers in the best condition

 

• 1) Only use a clean vase, as it is bacteria which kills off the flowers.
• 2) Using either sharp scissors or a sharp knife remove a minimum of about 1 inch or 2-3 cms off the bottom of each stem, cutting in a diagonal way (This prevents the stem from sealing itself on the bottom of the vase). This will depend on the length of stem and size of vase you are using of course.
• 3) Fresh flowers may come with a sachet of flower preservative. If not then reputable florists have this for sale. Mix this up in approximately 1 litre of fresh lukewarm water, making sure that all the powder disolves. Any unused solution can be kept in a sealed container to top up the vase over the following week. The use of lukewarm water is because it contains less oxygen which blocks the flower stems from absorbing water. It also encourages some flowers to open up.
• 4) Remove any foliage that falls below the water line (leaves in water promotes bacterial growth).
• 5) Keep flowers in a cool and well ventilated atmosphere, away from direct sunlight, draughts or heat sources such as radiators or TV's.
• 6) Check the water level daily and top up as required. Using any water that has the flower preservative mixed in it first.
• 7) Remove fading flowers as they occur, this will also encourage any buds to open as well as stop bacteria.
• 8) When you only have a few flowers remaining tranfer them to a smaller vase, cutting the stems if required. The best length to keep the stems straight is where the height of the vase is between half and two thirds the length of the cut stem.
• 9) If given an arrangement in green (Oasis) foam, make sure that the water-retaining foam is wet, you gently pour clean water into the centre and back of the arrangement and the water level is checked daily. These arrangements will not last as long as flowers kept in water though.