What is the best way to take care of a flower arrangement?
It depends on how they are packaged:
- If you receive
flowers in a container with floral foam, be certain the
container is full of water every day. The water should be
treated with the floral food provided by your florist.
Using your finger, feel under the greens for a place where water
can be added. Or you can pour water slowly into the center of
the arrangement, keeping a finger in the container to gauge the
water level.
- If you receive
flowers in a vase, check to be sure the water is always clear.
If the water turns cloudy, empty it and add fresh water mixed
with the floral food provided by your florist.
If possible, re-cut the stems with a sharp knife before placing
them in the fresh water.
- If you receive
flowers in a box or tissue, remove all of the foliage that falls
below the water line, then cut the stems with a sharp knife in a
sink full of warm water. Be sure to cut the stems under the
water and place them immediately into a vase of warm water mixed
with the floral food provided by your florist.
No matter what type of arrangement you have, it is important to
keep your flowers off of televisions, appliances and heating/cooling
units. You should also keep them away from hot or cold drafts and
out of direct sunlight.
What is wrong with the water in a vase when it turns yellow and
cloudy?
This is a natural sign that bacteria are growing in the water.
Bacteria can clog stems and shorten the vase life of flowers, so
keep the water clear at all times to ensure the longevity of your
blooms. If your water starts to turn cloudy, immediately empty the
vase and add fresh water, preferably mixed with the floral food
provided by your florist.
Re-cut the stems with a sharp knife under warm water before placing
them in the vase of fresh water.
Since flowers like sunshine, should I put my arrangement in the
sun when I get it?
No. Growing flowers require sunshine for maturation, but cut
flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct
sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, place them in a location
away from sun and drafts.
Is it possible to revive a wilted rose?
Sometimes. If a rose wilts prematurely, remove it from the
arrangement and try the following easy tip to perk it up. Fill a
sink with warm water. Lay the rose horizontally in the water bath
and cut the stem (about 1") with a sharp knife under the warm water.
Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water
cool. This process can work wonders, but if the rose is already past
its vase life it will not revive.
Ask your florist
about flower care. |
Plant Care Tips
Not only are green and flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or
office decor, they are also beneficial to your health. The results of a
study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show that
common houseplants are powerful, natural air cleaners -- all the more reason
why you want to keep your plants healthy with the proper care.
While they usually come with care instructions specified for the type of
plant, the Society of American Florists offers these general guidelines to
keep most green houseplants thriving:
Keep plants in medium-light locations. Natural light is best, however, some
plants also can thrive in office fluorescent light. Most flowering potted
plants should be placed in areas with the most light in order to maintain
good flower color and promote the maximum number of flowers to open. Foliage
plants will do well under lower light levels and can be placed in areas
providing reduced light.
Plant soil should be kept moist at all times. Plants should not be allowed
to dry out or wilt. However, avoid overwatering; do not allow plants to
stand in water. Avoid wetting leaves.
Avoid excessive heat or cold. Plants should be maintained between 65 to 72
degrees Fahrenheit for best performance.
Meaning of Flowers
Meanings of
Rose Colors:
Roses can be enjoyed just because you love the color and the scent. But
often roses can send a special meaning. Here are the traditional meanings of
certain roses.
Red Rose Love; I Love You; Respect; Courage
Pink Rose Perfect happiness; Gentility; Grace; Sincerity
Deep Pink Rose; Thank You
Light Pink Rose; Admiration
Yellow Rose; Friendship, Joy & Happiness
White Rose Innocence; Purity; Heavenly
Peach, Coral, or Orange Rose; Enthusiasm; Desire
White & Red Roses; Together Unity
A Single Rose Simplicity; In Full Bloom Means "I Love You"
Long Stemmed Rose; I Will Remember You Always
Short Stemmed Rose; Sweetheart; Girlhood
For longest
enjoyment, remember to cut rose stems daily and place deep in clean warm
water. You can revive a wilted rose by cutting the stem and submerging the
entire rose in warm water, allowing it to float in a sink or tub. To reduce
stem
blockage from air bubbles, always cut stems under water.
Flower of the month & their meanings
January:
Carnation or
Snowdrop Black, Dark Blue or Red Fascination; Devoted Love /
Consolation; A Friend in Adversity
February:
Violet or
Primrose Violet, Sky Blue or Yellow Modesty; Faithfulness; Virtue /
Young Love
March:
Daffodil or
Jonquil White or Light Blue Regard; Devotion / Affection Returned;
Sympathy
April:
Daisy or
Sweet Pea Yellow, Red and Colorless Innocence; Youth; Purity / Goodbye;
Blissful Pleasure; Departure
May:
Lily of the Valley or
Hawthorn Yellow, Red and Green Sweetness; Humility; Return of Happiness
/ Fertility; Hope
June:
Rose or
Honeysuckle Light Blue, White and Cream Love / Devoted Affection
July:
Larkspur or
Water Lily Green, Russet and Red Laughter / Purity of Heart
August:
Gladiolas or
Poppy Orange, Red and Light Green Strength of Character; Sincerity;
Generosity; Natural Grace / Eternal Sleep; Imagination; Oblivion
September:
Aster or
Morning Glory Brown, Deep Blue Symbol of Love; Daintiness / Talisman of
Love; Affection
October:
Calendula or
Cosmos White, Yellow and Varied Joy / Modesty
November:
Chrysanthemum Dark Blue, Red and Yellow Cheerfulness; You're a Wonderful
Friend; Rest; Lovliness; Abundance; Wealth
December:
Narcissus or
Holly Indigo, Green, Greenish-Blue Stay as Sweet as You Are; Egotism;
Formality / Foresight, Good Wishes
Wedding
