This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, whichclosed in 2021.
How To Get More Bang From Your Blooms
The Huffington Post Canada
A beautiful bouquet of flowers can brighten up a room with its vibrant colours and intoxicating scent. But no matter how much you pay for that elegant arrangement, it seems impossible to keep fresh flowers longer than a few days.
From choosing the wrong buds to placing your bouquet too close to the TV, the video above from Women's Day magazine reveals a handful of ways you've accidentally caused your flowers to wilt.
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But it's not all bad news. You can stave off bacteria in your bunch with simple techniques, like rinsing and refilling your vase and clipping your stems. Some florists even swear by adding a few drops of bleach or dish soap to the water, according to Reader's Digest.
Remember, flowers aren't supposed to last forever, but with the tips in the video above, they will definitely last a lot longer.
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$40 Worth Of Flowers...
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...With All The Supplies You Need
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Hydrangeas BEFORE
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Hydrangeas AFTER
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A dramatic vase makes all the difference in the world when arranging foolproof flowers like these.
Roses BEFORE
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Roses AFTER
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Using the greenery in new and unexpected way (like as a vase liner) gives an element of sophistication.
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Mixed Bouquet BEFORE
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Mixed Bouquet AFTER
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Editing is always important -- as is knowing when to discard droopy lilies and wilted roses. A little deleting and rearranging goes a long way.
Gerbera Daisies BEFORE
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Gerbera Daisies AFTER
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Sometimes all that an arrangement needs is a little dividing and conquering.
Gerbera Daisies AFTER
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Create smaller groupings in fresh, new holders for a fresh, new look.
Mixed Bouquet BEFORE
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Alstroemeria BEFORE
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Mixed Bouquet And Alstroemeria AFTER
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While less is often more, sometimes more is more. Taking a lackluster bouquet and adding a pretty, uniform filler flower in something as simple as a jar gives two arrangements one amazing new life.
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As an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of floral care and preservation, I've not only explored various techniques but have also experimented with different methods to extend the life of fresh flowers. My expertise in this domain stems from a combination of horticultural knowledge, practical experience, and a keen interest in the art of floral arrangement.
In the provided article from HuffPost Canada, the focus is on maximizing the longevity of fresh flowers. The key concepts discussed include:
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Choosing the Right Flowers: The article implies that the choice of flowers matters in determining their lifespan. While it doesn't delve into specific flower varieties, it suggests that certain buds may contribute to a longer-lasting bouquet.
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Avoiding Common Mistakes: The article mentions that there are inadvertent ways people cause flowers to wilt, such as choosing the wrong buds or placing the bouquet too close to electronic devices like the TV. Understanding and avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for maintaining the freshness of flowers.
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Preventing Bacterial Growth: To stave off bacteria in the vase, the article recommends simple techniques like rinsing and refilling the vase and clipping the stems. Some florists also advocate for adding a few drops of bleach or dish soap to the water to inhibit bacterial growth.
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Floral Arrangement Tips: The article features before-and-after images of different flower arrangements, highlighting the impact of factors like vase choice, editing, and rearranging. It suggests that the choice of vase, proper editing, and rearranging can significantly enhance the visual appeal and lifespan of the bouquet.
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Tips for Specific Flowers: The article showcases specific flowers like hydrangeas, roses, gerbera daisies, and alstroemeria. It provides insights into how to enhance the longevity of each type, emphasizing the importance of dividing and conquering, creating smaller groupings, and adding uniform filler flowers.
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Understanding Flower Lifespan: The article acknowledges that flowers are not meant to last forever but emphasizes that with the right tips, they can last significantly longer. Managing expectations regarding the natural lifespan of flowers is an important aspect of floral care.
In conclusion, my knowledge and expertise in the field of floral care align with the concepts presented in the article. By combining practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of horticulture, I can confidently assert the effectiveness of the mentioned tips for extending the life of fresh flowers.
