CUTTING FLOWERS

      -  Keep cutting flowers underwaterr.
      -  Or  cutting the stems and immediately placing them in a vase of water.
      - Then cut the stems on an angle to alllow the largest possible area to soak up water.
      - Strip any of the leaves that are beloow the water line, as they will cause bacteria to grow, which in turn will affect the life of the flowers.

LOCATIONS

       - To keep the flowers fresh longer, plaace them in a dark, cool place such as a refrigerator => slow the maturing process.
       - Or, if you want the flowers to open qquickly, place them in warm water and in a warm location for a few hours.
       - Do not place them in direct sunlight or near any heat sources. This will causes them to wilt prematurely.

KEEPING FRESH

       - To keep bouquets looking fresh longerr, re-cut the stems and fresh water daily. For arrangements, add water daily to the container. Also, spray bouquets and arrangements daily with a cool mist, more often in hot weather.

        - Flowers that have prominent stamens, such as lilies will last longer if the stamen is removed. you can remove the stamen by pinching the ends with your fingers or by cutting them off with sharp scissors. This technique also prevents any falling stamens from staining your furniture or table cloths.

ROSES

        Sometimes roses do not open, but the heads just bend over. To straighten them out again :
            - Give them a fresh cut on an angle, unnder water preferably
            - Then lay the complete flower, includiing stem, in a tub of water. Leave them there for about an hour or so and then remove them and turn the flower upside down to drain any water out of the head. Following this place them immediately in a vase of fresh water. By doing this, the stems will soak up more water without having to fight the effects of gravity.

ETHYLENE GAS

        Ethylene gas is an odourless gas emitted by such things as garbage, exhaust fumes, fungi and even ripening fruit. It accelerates the rate at which some flowers mature, which can cause the flowers not to open, or drop the buds and can cause the leaves to yellow. Roses, carnations, freesia and alstromeria are particularly susceptible to ethylene gases. Try to keep the flowers away form sources of ethylene gas to keep them fresher longer. Remember this when using fruit in a flower arrangement. Removal of old wilted flowers from bouquets and arrangements will help to preserve the remaining flowers and keep them looking nice longer.