5 Ways to Preserve Valentine's Day Flowers
My husband was under strict orders not to buy me roses for Valentine's Day - it's just too expensive for something so fleeting. However, I fully expected a bouquet of flowers sometime this week, as they all go on clearance. Even at half price, I want to be sure they last so I can enjoy them for as long as possible.
I just love flowers - the beauty, the whimsy, the feeling that someone care enough about me to buy them, send them or pick them from the garden with their tiny hands. A vase of flowers is a sweet reminder of how much I'm loved. And, I want it to last forever! Because clearance flowers are a common gift around here, I have found several ways to keep them looking fresh. Here are my favorites:
Related: 12 edible flowers you can grow at home - and how to eat them!
Strip Leaves
The first thing you should do is strip the leaves from each flower. Without the leaves, the vascular system can focus on feeding the bloom you want.
Cut Stems
Keeping your flowers sufficiently watered will retain their beauty a little longer. Cut the stems to increase water uptake. Cutting at an angle will provide a larger area for water.
Related: 3 chic ways to decorate with fabric flowers
Use Flower Food
Most bouquets come with flower food, to keep the water fresh so your flowers last longer. You can also use crushed aspirin in place of traditional floral food. A little sugar & bleach will also keep the water from getting murky or growing bacteria.
Change Water Frequently
Changing the water and replenishing the flower food or floral solution can extend the life of your fresh flowers.
Keep Away from Direct Sun
Display your flowers away from direct sun, heat, and drafts. I prefer to have a little extra color for the interior of the house anyway.
For 3 more ways to preserve your Valentine's Day flowers, visit Babble
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