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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

DECORATING WITH JEANIE -- KEEPING CUT FLOWERS FRESH


Decorating editor Jeanie Sims is here today with a great tip for keeping cut flowers lasting longer. -- AP

Anastasia, nothing brightens up a room more than a vase of fresh flowers, but they don’t last very long, do they? So here a few handy hints for keeping the blooms fresh for a few more days.

1. Make sure you use a clean vase.

2. Use tepid water, not cold, to fill the vase.

3. Add flower preservative. This often comes with store-bought flowers, but if yours didn’t, you can make your own. Add a drop of bleach and a 1/2 cup of clear, non-diet soda for each quart of water.

4. Strip away any leaves that would be submerged in the water.

5. Holding each stem under water as you work, cut the stems at 45 degree angles and place immediately in vase.

6. Don’t overcrowd the flowers in the vase.

7. Place the vase in bright light but not in direct sunlight.

8. Keep vase away from radiators, heating vents, or air-conditioning.

9. Re-cut stems and replace water frequently.

Thanks, Jeanie! I just love fresh flowers, don't you, readers? -- AP

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Had no idea that tepid wate was better than cold. Thanks for the tip.

Kathy Nycz