The Care and Keeping of Flowers

I have learned a few things over the years. A little bit from my hubby that used to work at a florist’s shop, delivering flowers in high school. But also as a homeschool Mom! WHAT? you ask?

Well, being a homeschool Mom has forced many of us to learn new things with our kids. 2 years ago Ladybug was in a Keepers of the Home group. In earning their badges they needed a lesson on flower arranging.

So, I just happened to have a wedding photographer assistant who also assisted her florist friend for weddings as well. {multi-talented lady!}

I invited her to come and teach the girls about flower care and arranging. She did a fabulous job, the girls and us Mom’s learned a lot. And the best part was I had about 5 BEAUTIFUL, fresh flower arrangements all over my house for a few weeks! The house smelled delicious!

So, using the info I have learned, it has completely changed my home.

BEFORE- my hubby would bring home a bouquet of flowers, or I would get them as a gift from someone or I would buy them on sale myself. I would take them out of the plastic wrapper, fill a vase with water (maybe add the flower food packet that came with them), and PLOP them in. We would enjoy them for as long as they lasted, MAYBE adding more water to them if I noticed it was low. But most of the time they would be drooping before then.

NOW- My flowers last almost 2 weeks! Sometimes a bit longer!

How you ask?

Well, Using these SIMPLE techniques.

#1 Always use the plant food but NOT the whole packet at once!

So, when I get flowers I open the food packet and sprinkle 1/3 of the packet in the cool water.

#2 Cut the stems under running water!

#3 Cut the stems at an angle. This allows the surface area for them to drink to be larger, than if you cut them straight across.

#4 REMOVE any leaves that would be touching the water AT ALL! Only stems go in the water. The leaves will create mold and make the water slimy.

#5 Arrange the flowers in a criss-cross pattern to allow the stems to balance on each other. Make some tall and some short for a more pleasing look. (You can also cut them shorter for the bottom areas)

The most important thing is to once a week, redo the WHOLE process!!! Re-cutting the stems allows for a fresh drinking surface. Remove any leaves or flowers that are drooping. Fresh water and food and a new looking arrangement! It really only takes a few minutes and is so worth the extra steps!

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The flowers pictured are 2 weeks OLD, and they are the “cheap” grocery store bunch! I even had a carnation bouquet before this one last for 3 weeks, and a friend commented on them looking like the last ones I had, and when I said they WERE the ones she saw last time…she didn’t believe me!