Flowers have been proven to have positive effects on our moods, and typically bring a lot of happiness and appreciation from the receiver (hence the popularity of flower shops on Valentines Day)! And adding flowers to the centre of your table is one of the easiest ways to not only to brighten your day, but to decorate your room, adding color and freshness as well. Here are a few basic tips to take the best care of those beautiful blooms:
• Start with warm, clean water. Not using clean water will cut short the lifespan of your flowers. Sodium (in soft water) is toxic to roses and carnations. Flouride is awful for gerbera, gladiolus and freesia. Microorganisms block water intake.
• Re-Cut the Stems on a slant. Always use a sharp knife or clippers to avoid simply crushing the stems. The slant allows for the flower base to not rest directly on the bottom of the vase, stopping water flow.
• Remove leaves below the water line. Be gentle in doing it, and DO leave some leaves on. But leaves left in the water will rot and cause bacteria.
• Don’t use homemade substitutes for flower food. Always use the package that comes with the flowers, it is specially formulated for optimum display time. Do NOT use flower food in a crystal or metal container.
• Don’t place flowers near fresh fruit. It produces ethylene gas which shortens flower life.
Whether the flowers are fresh from your own garden or come from the local florist, ensure you and your guests are able to enjoy the beauty of them as long as possible. And when you are having to spend less on flowers, that’s another reason to smile.
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