CARING FOR YOUR FLOWERS

Traditional and Handtied Bouquets

Take care when removing any packaging, especially cellophane.  This will sometimes contain water, which the florist has added to keep the flowers fresh (in which case you should pierce the packaging and drain the water).
If the flowers are presented as a handtied bouquet, be careful not to cut the tie as they have been arranged ready to go straight into a vase.

Cut the stems of the flowers using a sharp knife if possible (scissors may crush the stem) and at an angle, about 2-3cm from the end. Remove any leaves which submerge below the water level.

Place the flowers in deep water for an hour prior to placing them in a vase of clean water.  Fill the vase with tepid water and add flower food, then add your flowers.  They should be kept in a cool location, away from direct sunlight, heat or draughts.

Any discoloured water should be discarded daily and replaced with fresh lukewarm water.  To help your flowers last longer, re-cut the stems after a couple of days to increase water intake.  Remove any debris from the stems and flower heads.

Basket & Arrangements
Where the flowers are arranged in foam, remove any wilting flowers and top up the container daily with sufficient water to keep the foam moist.

Plants
Most plants enjoy light-but not direct sunlight.  They also enjoy a consistent temperature.  Keep them away from draughts, cold and direct heat.

Flowering plants need to be watered more regularly.  During flowering, you should water daily to keep the soil moist and feed every fortnight.

Planted bowls should be kept at a constant temperature with good sunlight.  Keep them moist and feed once a fortnight in Spring/Summer.