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