Picking Valentine Flowers

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

02 Feb 2008 04:18 PM

Flowers are so associated with love and Valentines Day that chances are that you will either receive or give some this Valentine's Day. This past week, I received an e-mail from my son's school. It was a document that contained a form to order pink, white and red carnations for Valentines Day. The school is using the sale as a fundraiser, and I can order some flowers in a convenient way. It got me thinking about choosing flowers and taking care of them.

Here are some tips to ensure that your blooms last long and strong.

Roses sure do make a statement, but for longer lasting and less expensive flowers, think about other types of blooms such as carnations or even a potted plant to show your affection.

To select the freshest flowers available, look for healthy stems with unblemished leaves and petals. A bouquet from the florist will be in better shape than one you might purchase at the convenience store. Flowers that are just beginning to bud will have more life than those that are already in full bloom. Cut your flower stems at an angle under running water. This will help prevent the stem end from closing up, and thereby ensure that more water reaches the flowers. If you can manage it, cut the flowers in the morning when it is coolest.

When placing your flowers in water, remove any leaves that fall below the waterline or dip into the water. The leaves can decay and contaminate the water.

Heavy stems should be split at the ends to help them soak up the water. Use a sharp knife to do this. Examples of flowers that could benefit from this treatment include roses, mums, gladiolus, pussy willows and forsythia.

Change the flower water every day. There are many mixtures to extend the life of the flowers. If you don't get a powder from the florist, try using a teaspoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice added to the water.

Happy Valentines!

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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