flowerbouquet

Spring Flower Arrangement Ideas

Contemporary Flower Arrangement

Do you wish those fresh cut flower arrangements would last just a little bit longer? After spending countless hours growing and nurturing your flower garden, you want your bouquets to last as long as possible. By following a few simple guidelines, you can keep flowers fresher longer.

Whether your flowers are home grown, or come from your local florist, you need to be sure to keep a check on the water level and give flowers fresh water daily. This keeps the stems from drying out, thus helping the flowers to last longer.

When you want to harvest some fresh flowers from your garden, it is best to do so early in the morning to help the stems retain moisture. Keeping the flowers at a temperature between forty and fifty degrees is ideal to help hold freshness. Since it is not ideal to keep your house at this temperature, try placing the flowers in the refrigerator at night.

When you place your cut flowers in a vase, be sure to remove all leaves from the stem that will be below water level. The stems need to be cut at an angle and cutting should be done underwater. By cutting them in water you prevent air from getting into the stem's veins.

Daily water changes and misting the flowers with water is important for the longevity of your bouquet. Apply one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water. This kills bacteria and keeps water smelling fresh.

For a decorative touch try placing a few drops of food coloring in the water. This is especially a nice touch for use with a clear glass vase. For a flower “pick-me-up” try adding one teaspoon of sugar to the water.

When exposed to direct sunlight, heat, or drafts, flowers will tend to wilt more quickly. If you have any broken or floppy stems, they can easily be fixed by using a popsicle stick, pipe cleaner, or a straw. Just use any of these items like a splint to correct the problem.

Timing the harvest of flowers is also important. Flowers that are picked while in full bloom will not last as long as those taken with open or partly open buds.

Fresh cut flowers are a great centerpiece for your table, and give off a nice scent. The time and work that you put into a flower garden can pay off well, especially if you can use these methods to make your flowers last longer.

Source:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/flowersavetips