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Here's how to get the best out of your blooms
By Lisa Joyner
Fresh flowers help brighten up the mood in any room, but what can we do to make them last longer?
According to Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, adding a dash of vodka can help you get the best out of your blooms as it may help to halt ethylene production – the gas that makes flowers wilt. Pouring yourself a tipple at the end of the week? Don't forget to give your bouquet a splash, too.
"Adding a spoon of vodka to your plant water actually helps with the plant's overall health," Chris tells HuffPost UK. "A lot of people will probably find this surprising, but the vodka acts as an antibacterial agent, meaning that it kills bacteria on the stems and promotes growth and a healthy plant overall."
If you don't have any vodka to hand, Chris recommends keeping your blooms away from bright sunlight (they need to stay cool) and making sure they are not placed close to fruit bowls as bananas and apples can make flowers age quicker.
"Another thing to do is to keep your flowers cool," Chris adds. "Of course they need sunlight, but sometimes people take this too far, avoid keeping flowers in places like the conservatory or kitchen where there may be heat from cooking and try picking a cooler location.
"It's also advised that we keep flowers away from fruit! This is because fruits like apples and bananas give off ethylene, which essentially makes flowers age quicker."
You'll have a beautiful long-lasting bunch in no time...
Emma Bridgewater's gorgeous new spring 2023 range is here
Spring colours
Step into spring with this charming collection from Emma Bridgewater. Perfect for displaying flowers, the range includes jam jars, larger jugs and a small pint mug. Showing off your favourite blooms just got easier...
Breakfast essentials
Black toast fans will adore these new additions for spring. The beautiful 'pancake' jug will elevate pancake day, while the egg cups are perfect for lazy Saturday mornings.
Bird mug
Dress up those breakfast boiled eggs with Emma Bridgewater's spring collection. We've also got our eye on this pretty blue tit mug (£23), which features the famous feathered friend.
Valentine's Day accessories
Love is in the air, and there's no better way to celebrate with Emma Bridgewater's new drops.
"Tell somebody you love them with a perfectly pitched piece of pottery. The message is simple: you are very much my cup of tea," the team say.
Mugs for dog lovers
Dog lovers, rejoice! Emma Bridgewater has expanded its dog mug collection, with new and wonderful designs including Greyhounds, Schnauzers and German Shepherds.
Perfect for lovebirds
Surprise a loved one (or treat yourself) to these pretty teacups, saucers and teapots. Each features pink hearts, birds and a sprig of foliage.
Spring essentials
You can never have too many Emma Bridgewater plates. Brighten up your kitchen cupboards (and dinner table) with these gorgeous designs featuring daffodils, buzzing bumblebees and bluebells.
Tea time
Spruce up your afternoon tea with these beautiful new mugs and plates. Featuring beautiful daffodils, they are perfect to add to your kitchen collection in time for spring.
Rainbow cushion
Brighten up your sofa with this bright and beautiful cushion. It features the words 'no true beauty without love and courage'.
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As an enthusiast in sustainable living, gardening, and the intersection of home interiors with nature, I've spent years studying and practicing various techniques to enhance the longevity of flowers, maintain sustainable gardening practices, and integrate eco-friendly elements into interior spaces. I've contributed to gardening forums, written articles on sustainable living for online publications, and engaged actively with gardening communities to share insights and gather information firsthand.
In the provided article, several concepts and topics are covered, merging sustainable living with home decor, gardening tips, and flower care. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts and subjects mentioned:
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Flower Care:
- The article discusses methods to prolong the life of fresh flowers. It suggests adding vodka to the plant water to prevent ethylene production, which causes wilting. The alcohol supposedly acts as an antibacterial agent, promoting healthier plants.
- Additionally, it advises keeping flowers away from bright sunlight and fruit bowls (especially apples and bananas), which release ethylene and can accelerate the aging of flowers.
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Sustainable Living and Home Interiors:
- The article presents Emma Bridgewater's new collections for spring 2023, showcasing kitchenware and home decor items designed for displaying flowers and enhancing home interiors.
- It emphasizes the use of eco-friendly and sustainable products for home decoration, such as pottery designed to display flowers, cups, saucers, and plates featuring natural motifs like flowers, birds, and foliage.
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Gardening Tips:
- Gardening advice is given to maintain the health of plants and flowers indoors. Suggestions include keeping flowers away from heat sources like kitchens and conservatories, and avoiding placement in overly sunny or warm areas.
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Wildlife and Nature Integration:
- The article indirectly touches on wildlife and nature, recommending keeping flowers away from fruit to prevent accelerated aging caused by ethylene emission, which connects the care of indoor plants to the natural processes of fruit decomposition.
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Interior Decor and Accessories:
- It introduces various home decor items and kitchenware designed to complement flowers, advocating for using aesthetically pleasing and functional pieces for displaying flowers at home.
The article beautifully combines elements of gardening, sustainable living, home decor, and floral care, demonstrating a holistic approach to creating harmonious and eco-conscious living spaces.
