How to make the most of fresh flowers

Cutting flowers

Carry a bucket into the garden with several inches of water in the bottom; as soon as you cut the flowers, put them in the bucket. If it is going to be several hours between when you cut the flowers until you arrange them, the flowers should be stored in water and kept in a cool, dark room.

Light and temperature

Cut flowers should not be placed in direct sunlight. Diffused light is better. It is also best to put your vase or container in the coolest room. If the area where you want to display your flowers is warm or in direct sun, display them only when the room is occupied.

Water

Lukewarm water is better than either extreme. Once the flowers are cut, they lose their food source. It is important to provide a replacement source in the water. Sugar gives nourishment to the flowers. A good rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of sugar per quart of water. Adding aspirin will also help with the acidity. Two aspirin per quart of water is suggested.

Standing water containing plant matter can develop bacteria; a few drops of bleach will help eliminate this problem. Removing heavy leafy material below the water line will also minimize bacteria. If the water becomes cloudy, it should be replaced. When replacing the water, it is best to trim ½ inch to ¾ inch off of the stems. Water levels should be maintained.

How and when to cut flowers

Using sharp tools to give the best cut and cutting in the morning is ideal. Flowers have the longest useful life if they are cut when the flowers are in bud. Once cut, put the flowers in water as soon as possible. If there is a significant difference in temperature between your garden to where the arrangement is going to be placed, the flowers should be allowed to adjust to the different temperature slowly — perhaps sitting in water in a garage or on a porch.

Arranging

The stems should be cut at a 45-degree angle when placing them in your vase or container. A flat cut will not allow the most water to be drawn up into the stem because the stems will rest flush on the bottom of the container. The cut should be made under water to keep air from getting into the stem, causing an embolism and preventing water from filling the stem.

If using floral foam oasis in your arrangements, soak the foam until saturated. The foam should be soaked in water with sugar or a commercial preservative added. The stems should not go completely to the bottom of the foam to ensure maximum absorption in the stems.

Woody and thick branches, like lilacs, should have some of the bark split at the bottom of the stems below the water level. This exposes more soft tissue, allowing better water absorption. Hollow-stemmed flowers, like Gerber daisies and delphiniums, are the biggest challenge to prevent an embolism. Turn the hollow stems upside down and fill the stems with water. Plug with a small piece of cotton in the bottom of the stem.

Flowers with milky extracts, like poppies and hollyhocks, should have the stem sealed with a flame prior to arranging. The sealing will prevent the water from clouding up and will prevent an adverse effect on the other flowers in your arrangement.

Daffodils and narcissus should not be in a vase with other flowers; there is a substance in their stems that adversely affects other flowers.

Lilies should have the stamens removed when arranging. The pollen on the stamens can stain fabrics, wood and countertops.

Carnations should be cut between the nodes. Cutting on the nodes will not allow water to be absorbed into the stems.

Greens, woody stems and a variety of seed pods can also add interest to your arrangements.

Your imagination is not limited to the combination of colors or type of containers. Many flowers have sentiments attached with them. Red roses are linked to true love and romance. Lilacs have the sentiment of “first love”; dandelions, “wishes come true”; zinnias, “thoughts of friends”; cattails, “peace and prosperity.”

From a simple stem in a bud vase to an elaborate arrangement on a dining room table to a Mason jar with daisies and a bow, flowers can fit into every room, bringing some of your hard work from your garden inside.