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The WaterWise Garden produces Gardening Software for WaterWise Xeriscape Drought Tolerant Plants and Organic Gardening

Extract from the Colourful WaterWise Gardening  
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Maintaining Cut Flowers in Floral Arrangements

Blossom can be very striking when used in Floral Arrangements
Chaenomeles. Japonica.
Blossom adds an interesting architectural quality to floral arrangements.

 

Roses as Cut Flowers are excellent for Floral Arrangements
Rosa. Rose.
Roses need special preparation to prolong their life in floral arrangements.

 There are several techniques that can be used to extend the life of cut flowers in floral arrangements. The way the flowers are prepared and the type of liquid used will both have an effect on how long the blooms last.

Water Preparation for Floral Arrangements
Cut flowers will keep longer in floral arrangements if the water is prepared as follows :

to 1 litre (USA=2pints, UK=1¾pints) of warm water add
1 teaspoon sugar to feed the blooms
1 teaspoon vinegar to open the base of the stem and allow the up-take of water
a couple of drops of household bleach to keep the water clean

If this all seems like a lot of  work, try adding a little sugar to the water or alternatively use flat lemonade instead of water. Replenish the water/lemonade daily.

Daisies in Floral Arrangements
As cut flowers, daisies, marigolds, achillea and other members of the Asteraceae family often give off a pungent odour. By adding a pinch of bicarbonate of soda (Baking Soda, Sodium bicarbonate) to the water this can be avoided.

Blossom in Floral Arrangements
Cut the stems of blossom as the buds are beginning to colour. Crush the base of the stem before placing in a vase to allow water to penetrate the woody stems. I have read that spraying the buds with hairspray as they open will prevent the petals falling prematurely. Whilst not an environmentally sound practice, and something I haven't tried, it apparently does the trick.

Roses in Floral Arrangements
As soon as roses have been cut place them up to their necks in a bucket of water. Recut the base of the stem whilst in the bucket and slit a small way up each stem. Leave them to stand for 1 hour before removing and arranging in a vase.

Gerberas in Floral Arrangements
Gerberas must be picked at the right time to prevent them from bending over and wilting in flower arrangements. A fluffiness at the base of the petals indicates that they are ready for picking, alternatively wait until the blooms have been open for 4 days before cutting.
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© Copyright Lyn Phillips 1999-2009
© Copyright Design The WaterWise Garden 1999-2009
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Last Updated 25 May 2009		 Suppliers of Gardening Software for WaterWise Xeriscape and
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