 |
  To think is to weave them into garlands~ ~Madage Swetchine~ 
Choose flowers that are almost mature as they will ensure a longer cut life.
Cut flowers in the morning or early evening when the plant's moisture and nutrient content are highest. 
Immerse the stems immediately in a deep container of very warm water. Flowers that grow from bulbs prefer cool water. 
Place flowers in a dark, cool spot before arranging in vase to allow time for conditioning.
Re-cut the stems about 2 inches underwater using a sharp knife. By cutting stems under water, the stem is sealed with water and air cannot clog the stem cells.
Cut stems diagonally to prevent them from resting flat on the bottom of the container.
If foam is used, make sure it is saturated with water.
Use a clean vase with fresh warm water.
Mix a floral preservative in the water.
No foliage should be below the water line in the vase.
Keep flowers away from excessive heat or cold, direct sunlight or draughts as will increase transpiration or wilting.
Refresh water every 2-3 days
Misting the flowers, helps to prolong their life.  Tidbits:
Stems of flowers like poppies and poinsettias exude a milky sap when cut. They should be dipped in boiling water for 30 seconds, or by plunging the stem into ice water as soon as it is cut or by searing the cut end with a flame.
Then place the stems in warm water.Spring bulbs have soft stems and should be arranged in shallow water.
Lilac, roses, forsythia, viburnum, wisteria, chrysanthemum have hard or woody stems. The ends should be crushed or split several times with a hard knife before hardening for 24 hours. Mashing woody stems does not increase water intake but makes it easier to insert such stems on a pinpoint.
Asters, snapdragons, dahlias, marigolds, calendulas, stocks foul water quickly and require frequent refreshing.
To ensure long life for your flower arrangement or display, cover the blooms with wax paper or loose plastic bags to reduce transpiration. Store the arrangement in a cool dark place out of drafts for 2 or 3 hours then unwrap and display.
    
to crawl into my web!
[intro] [about me] [language of flowers] [old wives tales] [drying foliage] [Malaysian flowers] [flower meanings & legends] [flower facts & trivia] [holiday flowers] [edible flowers(a)] [edible flowers(b)] [dreams & flowers] [Biblical plants(a)] [Biblical plants(b)] [secret names of flowers] [national & state flowers] [cut flower tips] [giant flowers] [lake garden] [wax flowers] [flower signs] [phenology] [poisonous plants] [flowers n color] [potpurri] [Apply for my Award!] [angels] [angel facts] [angel signs] [earth angels] [poems] [poems] [poems] [Lord is my shepherd] [Lord'resume] [Faith] [mom & dad] [christmas] [tree legends(a)] [tree legends(b)] [tree legends(c)] [tree symbolism] [herbs N fruits symbolism] [send a rose] [just roses(1)] [just roses(2)] [just roses(3)] [language of roses] [rose puzzle] [just roses(6)] [diva dedication] [Pinkies Message Board] 
  |
