Selecting your flowers is as easy as choosing the freshest bunch. By following some simple steps and then caring correctly for your flowers at home you can make sure the flowers you buy, last as long as possible. Here are some tips for buying fresh flowers… Have a look..!!
Shop early
If you get to the markets or florist as early as possible you will have access to the freshest flowers possible and will have a variety for choice too. Generally supermarket bouquets are made up quickly and have been sitting on display for a while so for an extra special bunch head to your local florist, markets or even your own garden.
Plan colors ahead
Have an idea of what color pallet you want to use before you go shopping. That way it won’t be a sensory overload when you hit the flower markets. Try to stick to flowers in various shades of one color or several colors of one type of flower.
What’s in season?
Just like fruit and vegetables, flowers are best when in season. Some great options include tulips, water lilies and iris. For year round blooms you can turn to roses, gerbera, carnations and chrysanthemums.
Healthy buds
For long lasting blooms you want to look out for plenty of buds that are just starting to open rather than mostly open flowers. Gently feel the petals to make sure they are firm and healthy to ensure you get the most bangs for your money.
Add some greenery
Flowers alone can look a little plain but once you add some greenery, like geranium leaves or ferns, it will look like a professional arrangement. Make sure greenery looks healthy, free from speckles, holes from insects and browning.
Buy with your nose
Looks aren’t everything! Choose some blooms with a fragrance you love for a bouquet that looks and smells pretty.
Make them last longer
The key to make cut flowers last longer is to use room temperature water in a clean vase with flower food added. If you don’t have flower food, change the water daily for best results. Before adding your flowers, cut a few centimeters off the end of each stem at an angle using sharp scissors and remove any leaves that are under the water. Keep your blooms in a cool place away from direct sunlight and be sure to top up the water regularly. Enjoy!
Thoughtful display
The dining table is not the only place to plunk your lovely flowers. Think outside the box and consider other places in the home where your flowers will be enjoyed the most. It could be in your bedroom, bathroom, study, kitchen or entrance.
Floral occasion
If you are organizing flowers for a special event it pays off to be prepared. Try to buy your flowers one or two days before the event so they have a chance to soak up water and conditions and settle into their arrangement.
Caring for your fresh flowers
- Get your flowers home as quickly as possible, out of the sun and preferably in air conditioning.
- Have your clean vase ready, fill with water and add a sachet of flower preservative. Didn’t get a sachet? Try making your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of plain household bleach and 2 teaspoons of lemon or lime juice.
- If you have a pre-made arrangement or a bunch of fresh cut flowers, take it out of the wrapping paper, and roll the rubber band or ties away from the stem ends.
- Check your arrangement daily and remove any wilted flowers or ones that have gone limp. You can try re-cutting the limp flowers to see if they will freshen up. Check water levels and replenish it with the preservative mixture if necessary.
“Try to buy your flowers one or two days before the event…”
“Keep your blooms in a cool place away from direct sunlight and be sure to top up the water regularly.”
