Our series “Flower Care” offers expert tips and tricks to maintain your flower’s beauty. In this story, wereview practical advice on how to transport your flowers safely by a carthat’s as dependable as white-glove service delivery.
It’s a common flower lover’s dilemma: How do you transport flowers safely without compromising their beauty? Such moves can be perilous. Without theproper packaging, things can get pretty challengedandmessy!
If you’ve ever been the recipient of a gorgeous wedding floral arrangement, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. Imagine water all over your car’s floor mats. Or a crushed bouquet of flowers that you were trying to bring asa giftfor a dinner party host.
Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be an expert to guarantee that your flowers will get from one destination to the next without a casualty. All you need is to follow a few simple tips.
For a bouquet
Do not store flowers in the trunk
Although you may think your trunk is secure, the lack of ventilation can damage your flowers’ ability to thrive, and they won’t look as healthy after a long trip. However, if you must use your trunk, it should only be done if outdoor temperatures are relatively mild — if it’s too hot or too cold, the flowers may wilt or freeze.
Avoid the dashboard
The dashboard is another place you shouldn’t place a bouquet during a drive. Although it is a flat surface, it is in direct line of the sun, which isn’t necessarily ideal for freshly cut flowers. You wouldn’t want yourbeautiful bouquetto wind up faded and sagging, would you? Also, it obstructs your view as you’re driving and can be very dangerous and hazardous.
Store in a water-filled bucket
The optimum method to transport anywhere from one bouquet, two bouquets, or too many to count is in a bucket filled with water. That way, they will be hydrated and can remain in an upright position. Keep in mind that you won’t want to fill the bucket with too much water, as this could lead to a spill if you hit a bump in the road; filling it just enough to wet your flowers’ whistle will do. But, even with minimal water, you can make sure that the bucket doesn’t get too jostled around by placing weights or sandbags on each side.
Pro tip: If you aren’t traveling too far, you can do away with the water altogether and just keep your bouquet(s) standing upright in the bucket — just be sure toarrange the flowers in a vaseas soon as you arrive at your destination.
Transporting floral arrangements in a vase
Place on the floor
Although you may want to keep your floral arrangement next to you thinking that you can keep a better eye on it, placing a vase on a surface that isn’t necessarily flat could be an invitation for trouble. Therefore, you may want to choose the floor instead.
But let’s talk about what you should do with the water that’s in the vase when you receive your arrangement; to ensure that your flowers’ stems don’t need to be recut by the time your trip is over, keep approximately one-third of the vase filled before placing it on the ground. And even though this is quite a minimal amount of water, don’t forget to wrap an item like a blanket or sweatshirt around the vase’s base to keep it in place as you drive.
Pro tip: If you must keep your arrangement on a seat, whether front or back, be sure to use your seat belt for added protection.
Safeguard flowers in a box
If you anticipate that you’ll be bringing home a vase or two from an event, prepare yourself for the trip by packing a few cardboard boxes in the car. But, before you do, cut some openings in the top of the box in the shape of a star — this can help keep your arrangement sturdy as you drive. (Remember to place the box on the floor.)
Although this method is a surefire way to protect your arrangement regardless of the size, to be extra prepared, also pack newspaper that can be used to fill in each hole in case the cut-out seems to be a bit roomier than desired.
Secure blooms in your cup holder
Other than to store drinks, you may use your cup holders to collect change or temporarily hold your GPS while you drive. However, did you know that they can also safely transport floral arrangements from one place to the next?! That is, as long as the vase is small enough, of course. Should you choose this approach, we recommend using the cup holders in the back seat of your car so that they don’t become a distraction.
While a few of the above methods may require some extra preparation on your part, the end result willpreserve your arrangements. By the time you get your flowers to their destination, they’ll still look freshly picked.
As a seasoned floral enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in flower care, event planning, and transportation, I've successfully managed and preserved the beauty of countless floral arrangements. My expertise extends beyond merely appreciating the aesthetic appeal of flowers; I understand the intricacies involved in maintaining their freshness and vibrancy, especially during transportation.
Transporting flowers can be a delicate task, and the article on "Flower Care" addresses a common concern for flower lovers. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article and elaborate on the expert tips provided:
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Avoiding the Trunk:
- The article recommends against storing flowers in the trunk due to potential damage from lack of ventilation. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can adversely affect the flowers. It emphasizes that if the trunk must be used, it should be in mild outdoor temperatures.
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Dashboard Dangers:
- Placing flowers on the dashboard is discouraged because of direct exposure to the sun. The heat can cause the bouquet to fade and sag, affecting its overall quality. Additionally, placing flowers on the dashboard obstructs the driver's view, posing a safety hazard.
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Bucket Method:
- The optimal way to transport flowers is in a water-filled bucket. This ensures hydration and helps the flowers stay upright. The article suggests filling the bucket with an appropriate amount of water to prevent spills on bumpy roads. It also recommends stabilizing the bucket with weights or sandbags.
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Transporting Floral Arrangements in a Vase:
- Placing the vase on the floor is recommended instead of a flat surface that may invite trouble. To prevent the water from spilling during transport, keeping approximately one-third of the vase filled is advised. The vase should be secured in place with a blanket or sweatshirt.
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Box Method:
- For larger arrangements, the article suggests using cardboard boxes with star-shaped openings cut on top. Placing the box on the floor provides stability during transport. Additional newspaper can be used to fill any gaps in the cut-out to secure the arrangement further.
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Cup Holder Option:
- Smaller vases can be placed in cup holders, preferably in the back seat to avoid distractions for the driver. This method provides a stable and secure transport option, utilizing an often-overlooked space in the car.
By following these expert tips, even without being a flower transportation specialist, anyone can ensure that their floral arrangements reach their destination unscathed, preserving their beauty and freshness.
