At the sight of the colorful bouquet on my dining table, I cannot help but feel the happiness that fresh flowers bring to our homes. The gentle and colorful petals, the magical aromas, and the explosion of colors that can provoke immediate happiness in humans are only part of the deal. In a vase with water, just like a fly on a wall, they appear to be the most beautiful creatures ever to be discovered. But the cute flowers' beauty and lifespan are ensured by more than just devotion to your living space. This article is designed to let you know both from my personal experiences and know-how how to maintain the long life of your bouquet as well as its beauty.
Selecting the Right Flowers
The flight to the end of the day of a beautiful bouquet begins with the selection of flowers. I usually pick flowers that are barely opening when I shop for new blooms. Completely opened flowers may very well be visually appealing initially, but they will last only for a very short time. Also, I make sure that the stems are robust and green, without softness or discoloration. Do not go near flowers that have leaves or have been bruised by pests and diseases, they will most likely wither out quickly and your whole arrangement will simply die.
Preparing Your Flowers
Right after I have transported my flowers at home, I start the initial steps of the preparation process. First, I fill a clean vase with room temperature water. Prior to this, I get rid of any leaves under the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Resting at a 45-degree angle, I cut 1-2 inches off the bottom of each stem using sharp, clean scissors. This allows the stem to take in water more efficiently. Moreover, for the woody ones, the increased water levels are managed by cutting the tip vertically, a technique called the rind fringe.
Water Quality and Additives
The water used significantly affects the durability of the flowers. My favorite way of doing it is using lukewarm water which is absorbed easily. If the local water is hard, you should replace it with filtered or bottled water. Besides, for your flowers, you can top them with flower food provided by your florist. Once in a blue moon, I even make my own mix by mixing a teaspoon of sugar with a few drops of bleach (as a prevention of bacterial growth) and a teaspoon of vinegar in a quart of warm water.
Placement and Environment
Which is the best place to put your bouquet? It changes a lot that is the reason why the flowers stand in their bloom longer. I generally keep my flowers away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and drafts. All of those factors can cause the water to evaporate fairly quickly and stress the flowers out. I also make sure to keep them away from any ripening fruits or vegetables as these produce ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to wither. Any area that is cool and gets sunlight from the window is fine
Daily Care
Every morning, I check how much water is in the vase and top it up if necessary. After a few water changes and a stem recutting day I frequently wash away the bacteria that might build up and the fresh supply of nutrients to the flowers that this process releases. If any of the flowers have wilted, I also eliminate them because they can damage the rest of the flowers.
Specific Care for Different Flowers
The needs are different for each type of flower, with some even being specific for a particular species. It was during that time that I realized that roses could greatly benefit if I were to quickly dip their stem ends in hot water before putting them in the jar. Boiling water can then be sealed all over or so that it can absorb more effectively through the ends. On the other hand, tulips have been growing in the vase and because of this, they might need to be re-cut more regularly. As soon as the pollen is released, it can socially inconvenience and color both the clothing items and the environmental surfaces. To deal with that problem, I make a slight pinch, as the higher I move this part, the longer the flower stays.
Reviving Wilted Flowers
Why Trouble Them? I've been able to revive weak flowers many times simply by pruning the stems and putting the whole flower in lukewarm water for approximately one hour. This can actually give a new life to the flowers and make them look better again.
Extending the Life of Your Bouquet
The longest span of your flowers' life can be achieved by these means. Otherwise, the matter can continue beyond the acceptable life of the flowers. For instance, you are advised to stay away from flowers and fruits and vegetables, as suggested earlier. Although, when you will be absent for a day or two, you may put the whole bouquet in the refrigerator one night to delay the reduction process. Nonetheless, do remember to take out the fruits from the fridge first!
Conclusion
Caring for cut flowers can be looked at not only as a piece of art but also as a science. All these tips together with your interest in the care of the flowers will enable you to have the flowers in pleasant condition for quite a long time. You still have the best chance if you buy the best quality flowers, give them clean water, and nutrients, and you care for them at least once a day. Whether buying flowers has been a gift or a treat, these techniques will bring a lot of color to your life. Additionally, when you feel a little down or want to uplift someone else's soul, do not forget to check the flower delivery sydney. They can give you the freshest and most beautiful flowers, pre-packed and ready for you to maximize your joy.