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There’s no better time than spring and summer to brighten up your home with fresh flowers, but keeping your beautiful blooms looking their best takes work.
First, you’ll want to work with a local florist like Rose Hill Flowers to get high-quality, stunning arrangements with in-season blooms. A few of our favorites for spring and summer? Hydrangeas, tulips, dahlias, peonies, and calla lilies. Once you bring those blooms home, you’ll want to care for them properly to help them stay alive and thriving for as long as possible. Quality flowers are key, but there are still a few steps you can take to extend the life of your floral arrangements. (4821 Trousdale Dr., 615-833-8555; rosehillflowers.com)
Change the Water
Fresh blooms drink a lot of water. Your arrangement might soak up all the water in the vase within the first couple of days; be sure to refill the vase so your flowers don’t wilt or dry out. Change the water completely every two to three days. This will help keep bacteria from building up in the vase and ensure your florals stay healthier for longer.
Trim the Stems
Every time you change out your water, you will want to trim about half an inch off each of your floral stems, cutting them at an angle. This will allow your flowers to better absorb water. Make sure you use sharp scissors to avoid smashing or damaging the stems.
Feed your Flowers
Don’t skip the flower food! Make sure you use the packet that comes with your arrangement. Flower food helps ensure the water pH is balanced while decreasing the growth of bacteria.
Carefully Place Your Arrangement
Where you keep your flowers in your home can have a big impact on their health. You will want to keep your arrangement away from heat and bright light, which can cause the flowers to mature and die more quickly. You should also avoid placing them near ripe fruit or vegetables, which give off ethylene and can kill flowers.
Wash Your Vase
In between arrangements, be sure to thoroughly clean your vase with hot soapy water or run it through the dishwasher. This will ensure there is no remaining bacteria next time you add fresh blooms to your vase.