Flower Advice

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There are a number of easy steps you can follow to ensure the longevity of your beautiful flowers

Cut Stems

On receipt of your flowers, unwrap carefully

Add your flower food to luke-warm water in a clean vase/container

Re-cut all the stems on an angle with a sharp knife or scissors, removing 2-3cm of stem

Remove any leaves that will be under the water level

Arrange your flowers and place the vase away from direct sunlight, radiators, draughts and your fruit bowl! The cooler the room the longer your flowers will last

Either change your water every few days or top up the level with fresh and re-cut your stems on an angle. Change the water at least once a week

Remove any faded blooms to encourage buds to open.

Hand Tied Bouquets & Aqua Packs

Flowers can be left in an aqua pack overnight as long as all the stems are submerged. The aqua pack will need to be in an upright position at all times otherwise the water will escape between the flowers.

If your hand tied bouquet is packed with water in the base, snip the water bag over the sink to release the wate

Unwrap the flowers carefully, unless you wish to keep the wrapping on

Do not untie the flowers - keeping the flowers bound will hold the design of the bouquet particularly if some of the stems are shorter.

If your stems are the same length and you would like a more relaxed effect then untie the stems once they are in the vase.

Arrangements in Floral Foam

For some flower arrangements you may want to utilise a brick of floral foam to hold flowers in place (soak the foam in water containing floral food solution - allow the foam to soak up the water at its own rate - cut to fit the shape of your container, leave room for water - foam cuts easier when wet).

TIPS

Knife, Scissors or Secateurs?

Cutting with a knife as opposed to secateurs or scissors will create a larger surface area ensuring maximum uptake of water. Also you are less likely to crush the stem cells. However, if you are uncomfortable with a knife use scissors - health & safety first!

The Fruit Bowl!

Keep your flower arrangement away from your fruit bowl. Fruit, particularly oranges and bananas, gives off gasses which causes flowers to die prematurely.

Clean Vase & Clean Water!

It is very important that the flowers are placed into a clean vase to prevent bacteria affecting the flowers. Bacteria blocks the cells preventing water uptake.

Gerberas and roses in particular will last longer if their water is frequently changed and their stems re-cut.

Your Vase

The height of your vase should be approx 1/3 of the overall height of your flower arrangement

To assist you in arranging your flowers create a grid on the top of your vase with clear tape. This will aid the placement of your stems

If your flowers are too short for your favourite vase carefully add some pebbles or glass stones to the bottom of your vase for the stems to stand on.

Lily Pollen is Poisonous to Cats & Dogs

All parts of a lily are highly toxic to cats & can cause death if ingested.

Certain varieties of Lily, including Peace Lily, Calla Lily, Amaryllis, Lily of the Valley, Autumn Crocus, the house plant Dracena, are also dangerous to cats & dogs. As well as Daffodills, Azalea, Begonia, Tulips, Tomato Plants, Ivy,  Hosta, Cyclamen & Chrysanthemum

Lily Pollen Stains!

If you get any pollen on your clothes gently lift it off with sellotape. Be very careful not to rub the pollen in as it will stain. Also, do not add water as this will make the stain worse.

As the lily heads open try removing the pollen sacs by gently sliding them off the filaments. If you do this as soon as the head opens it is less likely to cause staining.