Cut Flowers
Arrangements in wet floral foam
Fruit and Candles
The following are a few simple steps that we recommend to help prolong the life of your flowers:
Ensure that the containers you use for your flowers are clean, any bacteria left in the containers can kill your flowers.
If arranging flowers in a vase use lukewarm water, there is less oxygen in it and it helps prevent air bubbles in the stem which will block the water uptake to the flower head. The only exception is spring bulb flowers: daffodils and tulips which prefer cold water.
If a rose starts to droop at the head, re-cut the stem, wrap the head in paper so that it stands upright and plunge it into 5 cms of boiling water for 30 seconds. Re-cut the stem and place in deep cool water for about two hours.
Do add commercial flower food to the water, but not if using a metal container as it can neutralise the food’s beneficial factors.
Remove any fronds and leaves that will be below the water level as these will decompose and kill your flowers.
Cut at least one inch (3cms) off all stems before putting them in the water. It is advisable to make a slanted cut with either a sharp clean blade or scissors.
Do not place your flowers in direct sunlight, by heat sources or in a draught as all these factors can shorten their life.
Keep flowers away from ripening fruit.
Remove faded flowers as they occur.
Add fresh water daily.
Do not let the oasis dry out or become water logged.
Fruit and candles can be used in arrangements these are used for decorative purposes only, it is not intended that the fruit should be removed and eaten as it may have been attached with wood or plastic fittings. To avoid the risk of fire it is suggested that candles are left unlit.
