Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Make Your Bouquets Last

By Mark Silva

Flowers are one of the meaningful gifts and liveliest decorations for nearly any occasion, all year 'round. Even homes and offices use them for decorations to make the place livelier and more comfortable. These gifts of nature look and smell fantastic, which makes them so great. They have unique shapes, bright colors, and they have the most wonderful smells only nature can give.

The only problem? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them right. Not everyone are florists and gardeners, here are some ways to extend the life of your arrangements:

- If you receive flowers that aren't in water, act as quick as you can. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be provided by your florist.

- If the flower food or floral foam solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. Same goes for those who are using only water; replacing it daily with fresh water is a must.

- No flower food or flower foam? You can make your own! Simply mix a teaspoon of bleach, a tablespoon of sugar, and a gallon of water. Mix well and you have flower food. Some gardening experts even say you can pour a 12-ounce can of non-diet 7-Up or Sprite in half a gallon of water The soda's acidity will slow down growth of bacteria in the water, while the sugar will "feed" the plant.

- Re-cut your flower stems at a 45-degree angle using a sharp cutting tool, such as a sharp knife, good pair of scissors, or pruning shears. Cut the stems underwater to allow more water absorption instead of air. A 45-degree angle stem cut can also improve the plants' liquid absorption.

- Some flowers actually last longer than others in the arrangement. Once they wilt, take them from the vase.

- Get rid of any leaves that go under the vase's waterline, because leaves in water tend to promote bacterial growth.

- Remember to place your flower arrangement in a cool, dry spot, away from heat. About 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature for flowers, away from heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, on top of televisions or radiators, and away from direct sunlight. Failing to do so will cause your flowers to dehydrate and make them wilt prematurely.

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