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keeping flowers
alive longer
by Wesley Berry
Celebrity personality Anna Nicole Smith is known for many
things, and while there's no question that she has had
notable successes in her life, let's face it-she's not known
for her intelligence. In fact, for many people, her dizzy
blonde personality is part of her appeal. Does that mean
she'd have trouble with simple tasks like keeping fresh
flowers alive longer? Not if she follows some simple tips
for keeping floral arrangements fresher longer.
In general, flower arrangements will stay fresh for
somewhere between four and seven days. That, of course,
depends on what kinds of flowers are used and how they are
cared for. The care they'll need will depend on whether
they're a part of an arrangement or loose flowers. Below are
some care tips for both.
Floral Arrangements
* If the arrangement is in a vase, keep it filled with water
that has flower food in it. Many florists include a packet
of flower food with their deliveries, but if not, your local
florist should have some available for purchase.
* If the arrangement is in a floral foam, keep the foam
soaked with water containing flower food.
* Be sure to precisely follow the mixing instructions on the
flower food package. Do not dilute the solution to make it
last longer.
* If the water and food solution gets cloudy, promptly
replace it with fresh solution. If possible, trim one to two
inches from each stem using a utensil that will not crush
the stems.
* Place the arrangement in a cool place that is not subject
to direct sunshine. You should also avoid drafts from fans
and heat from vents or appliances.
Loose or Boxed Flowers
* Flowers should be kept cool until they can be placed in a
water and flower food solution.
* Precisely follow the mixing instructions for the water and
food solution.
* Make sure the vase you place the flowers in has been
cleaned with a mild detergent or antibacterial cleaning
solution. Thoroughly rinse the vase.
* Take off any leaves that will be below the water line.
* Trim one to two inches from the stems.
Many people purchase loose flowers to create their own
arrangements. When you purchase loose flowers, it's
important to look for a few things to make certain you're
getting good quality flowers that will last as long as
possible. In general, look for flowers that have firm,
upright petals and a few buds that are just beginning to
open. Avoid flowers that are yellowish, droopy, or have
brown spots. If you're making an arrangement of flowers with
woody stems, like lilacs or forsythia, use a sharp shears to
cut the stems and avoid crushing them. Crushed stems will
limit water flow to the blossom and cause them to fade
faster.
You see, there's really no big secret to keeping flowers
alive longer. Just follow these ideas and consult with your
florist should you have any questions or problems. He or she
will be happy to help you get the most out of your flowers.
Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers,
a successful multi-million dollar business that was
established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the
Professional Florists' Institute, a floral design school
located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the
web at http://www.800wesleys.com
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