For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live. John 3:16 (NIV)

Fresh flowers have been shown to add both character and personality to many settings. They often add color and cheer to any room, and can take on a variety of artful arrangements. Unfortunately, they only last so long and must be replaced once they have wilted. Still, there are steps you can take to preserve them for as long as possible, in order to enjoy them for a longer period of time. These steps are outlined below.

The first step you can take to preserve fresh flowers is to place them in water as soon as possible. Once the stems have been cut, the life support system has been removed. While water will not reinstate that support system, it will help restore it for a limited amount of time.

Fill a plastic bucket about 1/3 to ½ full with warm water. Warm water should be used instead of cold because flowers use it more readily. Because flowers only drink through the ends of the stems, as opposed to the sides, the bucket should not be filled up to the top. If this happens, any foliage left on the stems below the water level will rot and pollute the water, which will also cause your flowers to die more quickly. It is also advisable to add a preservative to the water. Preservatives will be discussed further in this article.

Take the bucket into the garden with you. Use a sharp pair of secateurs to cut the flower stems at an angle. A slanted cut allows for a better intake of water. Remove all foliage from the lower portion of the stems that would stand under the water level. Then, immediately place the flowers into the water.

Avoid overcrowding flowers. You should always allow enough air to circulate between each flower, as too many flowers crowded together in a bucket can cause the petals to become squashed or bruised. Place the bucket in a cool, dark place and allow the flowers to have a long drink before arranging them. When you pick short-stemmed flowers, be sure to use a smaller container so the foliage will remain above the water level.

Allow your flowers to have a good drink, preferably overnight before arranging them. This step is called conditioning, and allows the stems to fill up with water, and the flowers to become crisp. When you do this, your flowers will last twice as long as those that have not been properly conditioned.

Use a flower preservative to destroy any bacteria that may be present in the water. Flower preservatives are available in garden centers or supermarkets. Another alternative is to use a capful of household bleach in the water. If you choose not to use a preservative, it will be necessary to change the water and cut the stems at an angle on a daily basis. If a preservative is used, the stems do not require re-cutting, and the water should be changed only about twice a week.

Award winning beautiful fresh flowers and arrangements for every occasion. Tusted worldwide for everyday and special occasion flower designs. Whether you are looking for a dozen roses, bouquets of fresh flowers, or gifts for a specific occasion, Fresh Flowers is your online florist and flower shop.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Web Flowers on the Net

A Guide to Buying Flowers Online by Stefan Rockhaus
Caring For Your Floral Gift by Eric C Chen
Celebrate With Flowers - Flower and Gift Delivery by Lulie Swanepoel
Cut Flower Care - Ensuring Your Cut Flowers Have a Long Life Span by Russ Phillip Jr.
Floral Color Selection Can Convey the Words You May Not Be Able To Camelia Smith
Floral Design - Basic Needs of Fresh Cut Flowers by Ellen Skiles and Wesley Skiles
Flower Arrangements - What to Pick? by Nathalie Fiset
Flower Care Tips - Florists' Guide For Flower Care by Lulie Swanepoel
Flower Meanings & History of Flowers by Josh Grossman
Flowers and Allergies by Amy Nutt
Flowers and Their Affect on Our Everyday Life by Les Morris
Flowers - The Meanings Behind Their Colors by D Bam
Gift Cards With Flower Delivery - How to Make Your Message Special by Matthew Harley
How Are the Fresh Flowers You Receive Upon Delivery Grown? Amy Nutt
Let's Talk About Flowers Of The Months by Linda E. Joy
Life Expectancy of Cut Flowers by Bill Brennan
Make Your Fresh Cut Roses Last Longer! by Willie Jones
Removing the Mystery of Sending Flowers by Rod Froseth
Say It With Flowers by Janice Jam
The Special Meaning of a Yellow Rose by Ken Bolt
Tips For Making Your Fresh Cut Flowers Last Longer by Jamie Jefferson
Types of Flowers and What They Mean by Bobbie McKee

< Home