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Print Did you know . . .
that the life of a flower is short and sweet, but there are ways to prolong their beauty and your enjoyment?
• Using a knife, cut the tips of the stems at an angle under running water.
• Before you arrange them, give them a good drink overnight in tepid water in a cool, dark place. Then, remove leaves that will be immersed in water.
• Add a drop of bleach (just a drop) to the vase to prevent the putrid smell caused by rotting stems. Fill the vase with tepid water.
• Each day, cut the stems at an angle under running water.
• Keep your flowers in a cool place away from bright light. Never put them on the TV. The heat generated by the set will suck the life out of them. Overnight, put the flowers (with vase) in the refrigerator.
Try some of these long-living flowers, individually or in combinations:
Lilies: look delicate, but live a long time if kept cool.
Carnations: inexpensive, hearty, and bring texture to bouquets.
Alstroemeria: lily-like flowers in a variety of colours.
Chrysanthemums: longevity is in their genes. If you want tons of mums, buy a potted plant for cutting.
