This week, we thought we'd give you some flower and plant care tips. Flowers and plants require a degree of care to keep them alive for longer. If you follow these practices you'll be able to improve their vase life. Each type can have individual requirements but we would generally recommend the following:
When flowers are delivered in a bouquet wrapped in cellophane in or out of water:
- Bouquets will normally be delivered in water so over the sink remove packaging and trim the stems.
- At an angle cut approximately 1cm from the end. This will help the flowers draw up the water.
- Fill a vase 3/4 full with fresh tap water and add the flower food.
- Flower food will prolong the life of your flowers so add this following the guidelines on the sachet.
- Remove any foliage beneath the water line. If you leave it on, it will cause bacteria to grow.
- Display your vase of flowers in a cool place away from drafts, direct sunlight and heat. You can refresh your flowers after 2-3 days re-cutting the stems, removing drooping flowers or foliage and replacing the water.
When your flowers are already arranged in container:
- You may need to add fresh water to your flowers. If so, do this over a sink or drainer.
- When placing the flower container onto furniture, put on a coaster. This is in case of stains or spillages.
- Repeat these steps every few days.
- As the buds deteriorate clip them away to allow others to open.
Caring for your plant:
- It is important to keep the compost moist.
- Avoid over-watering, putting in direct sunlight and keeping near drafts.
- To prolong flowering remove any faded flowers.
- Feed plants fortnightly with liquid plant fertilizer during the spring and summer.
- Protect non-hardy plants from frost.
Handle with care
- Lily pollen can stain. Remove stamen from newly opened flowers carefully and try to avoid direct contact.
- Top Tip - if you get pollen on your clothes do not rub this off! Use sellotape to remove the pollen. Simply place the sticky side on the stain and peel off.
- Flowers are for display and not for eating or playing with. Keep them out of reach around children and animals.
- It is best to keep your flowers on a protected surface.
If you follow all of the above, you can't go far wrong. They are generalised and some flowers or plants may have more specific instructions. If you ever have any questions or concerns we'll more than happy to deal with then. Call us at any time and we'll do our best to answer!!
Have a great day!