Cut Flowers - Give your blooms some staying power - #floweringnotes

Cutflowersbysuedavies

This time of year, your garden has a great array of foliage and flowers. But, until our spring bulbs show themselves we tend to buy a lot of cut flowers to brighten our homes. Whether you buy or hunt for your arrangement ingredients, here are a few ideas that I use to give flowers and foliage more staying power.

  • It may sound obvious, but start with a clean vessel. Wash with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly to kill any bacteria that will ruin your posy.

  • Always cut your stems. Before you put your new flowers in water, cut the stems this helps the flowers to take up water again. I always cut at different heights to give the arrangement interest.

  • Dip any strong stems like roses or hydrangeas in boiling water for a second before putting them in your vase.

  • Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline.

  • Just a spoonful of sugar stirred into the water gives your blooms the sugar rush to perk them up.

  • A little tipple; giving your blooms a shot of vodka stops any nasties from growing in the water.

  • Lastly position your flowers away from chilling drafts, direct sun spots and your fruit bowl.

A #floweringnotes blog post by Sue Davies | Flowers & Garden.