.... Flower Related Tips to help you get the most from your flowers

The following are a few simple steps that we are able to recommend to help prolong the life of your flowers:

Cut Flowers

• Ensure that the containers you use for your flowers are clean as any bacteria will kill flowers.
• If arranging flowers in a vase use lukewarm water, there is less oxygen in it and it helps prevent air bubbles in the stem which will block the water uptake to the flower head. The only exception is spring bulb flowers: daffodis and tulips which prefer cold water. Do add commercial flower food to the water, but not if using a metal container as it can neutralise the food’s beneficial factors.
• Remove any fronds and leaves that will be below the water level as these will decompose and kill your flowers.
• Cut at least one inch (3cms) off all stems before putting them in the water. It is advisable to make a slanted cut with either a sharp clean blade or scissors.
• Do not place your flowers in direct sunlight, by heat sources or in a draught as all these factors can shorten the life of the flowers.
• Keep flowers away from ripening fruit.
• Remove faded flowers as they occur.
• Add fresh water daily.

Arrangements in wet floral foam

• Do not let the oasis dry out or become water logged.
• Once floral foam has dried out it cannot be successfully re-used as it will not soak the up enough water for the flowers to drink, it is therefore best, once used, to be thrown away.