Flower Arranging

Tips:

• Always cut flower stems as soon as you get them home; then put flowers in a bucket of warm water and let them sit for two or three hours. This opens the capillaries so the water can flow to the flower heads.
• To arrange flowers in a container with a narrow neck, first weave the flowers in your fingers as you want them to appear in the container. Then, when you've carefully removed your fingers from the woven stems, the flowers will stay in place in the vase. Before putting them in the vase, however, cut all the stems the same length. You can adjust and arrange the heights when they're in the container.
• To arrange flowers in a container with a wide opening, first place strips of transparent tape over the opening in a grid pattern. This will hold the stems upright, and as you add more flowers, they will hide the tape.
• A ribbon tied in a bow about the neck of the container adds a color-coordinating touch to a flower arrangement.
• When buying irises, buy them at the bud stage. Irises open very quickly, and getting them in bud will give you maximum enjoyment from them.
• Change the water in your flowers every other day, or when it looks cloudy.
• Always remove leaves that will be below the water line. This keeps the bacteria down and helps the water stay clean longer.
• Flowers appreciate being spritzed with water often. Also, keep the water level in the container at a consistently high level to keep flowers fresh longer.