Flower Care

Here are some useful tips and general advise on how to obtain the best from your Flowers whether they are a gift or you have treated yourself.

1. Make sure vases are very clean, place the flowers in a vase with fresh lukewarm water and use the flower food provided, Do Not use metal containers. Change the water every few days and keep topping it up inbetween,, this stops bacteria blocking the water vessels. 

2. Take at least 3 cm (1") off all stems, making a slanted cut with a sharp knife or very sharp scissors to create as much surface area for the flowers to suck up the water.
If you've a hand-tied design in water or an aqua-pack there is no need to remove the flowers from their wrapping and re-cut the stems, (don't forget to top up the water) unless you wish to arrange them yourself.

3. Remove all foliage which would be submerged under the water line so as not to foul the water.

4. Don't over crowd the vase / container, allow enough space for the flowers to develop and open allowing plenty of air to circulate around the arrangement.

5. Keep out of drafts.

6. Keep away from direct sunlight.

7. Keep away from any form of heating, fires, radiators ect;

8. Top up the water level on a daily basis, including aqua packs & hand-tied arrangements.

9. Spray with a cool mist, the beads of moisture look pretty too. 

10. If the water becomes cloudy or murky change it for clean water.

11. Check and remove any decaying or dying heads or leaves.

12. The sap of Daffodils and Narcisi is poisonous to other flowers, either display them seperately or keep them in water on their own for at least 12 hours before mixing them with other flowers.

13. Some flowers such as Lilies have prominent stamens (the central pollen making stalk), Lily pollen can stain clothing, furniture or worktops -you can remove the stamens, to avoid staining, by snipping the stamens with scissors or your finger nails this will increase the flowers life and avoids pollen stains.

14. Flowers are sensitive to a natural chemical called ethylene, keep them away from fruit, fungus and rubbish. Because flowers themselves release ethylene they also need air circulation (But thy don't like drafts)

 Following these few simple steps will help your flowers achieve the longest possible vase life allowing you to enjoy their beauty and fragrance for longer.

Special Instructions for;

Carnations
Carnations are normally sent out whilst very young and still in bud, ready to open at home for maximum longevity, never cut on the joints of the stems.

Freesia
To encourage extra flowering, pinch off dead or dying flower blooms, just as you would in your garden. Freesia need lots of water so keep topping up the vases.

Lilies
Lilies are usualy sent out in bud, ready to open at home for maximum longevity. Lilies require a tall vase to support their weight. Lily pollen can stain clothing, furniture or worktops,if polen does fall onto a surface it is best removed delicately with selotape. Lily pollen can be dangerous to cats and other household pets.

Rose Care
To stop the roses from drooping, after cutting the stems, stand them in a one inch of boiling water for 30 seconds before placing them in in a vase of fresh lukewarm water. 
A characteristic on some roses is a dark tinge on the outer protective petals, this occures naturaly during transit and is not a flaw.Simply remove these petals to enjoy the full beauty of the rose!

Oriental Dendrobium Orchids

These tropical flowers will stay at their best when you follow the instructions below;

If your Orchids are look  wilted on arrival simply submerge the whole Orchid sprays for a maximum  10 to 15 minutes incool tap  water, be sure to untangle the stems with care, trim up to 5cm off the stems at an angle and place the flowers in a clean vase of water with flower food added. Dying flowers can be removed to encourage more blooms.