1) Always use clean vases or containers.

2) Remove all leaves which will be under water in the vase. Submerged leaves will rot and create bacteria, shortening the life of your flowers.

3) Always add cut flower food, obtained from your florist, to the vase water – it really does make a difference. Change the vase water (and flower food) every three to four days. Use the cut flower food mixture to top up containers using floral foam too, as this will help to prolong the life of the flowers.

4) Always condition your plant material correctly, according to its stem type (see conditioning page for how to do this.)

5) Most flowers should be picked when they are in bud or half open. You will then have the pleasure of seeing them slowly open up. The colour of the petals should be starting to show. If picked too tightly in bud, they may never open. This is especially true of Tulips, Irises, Daffodils and Roses. Gladioli should be picked when the bottom three or four florets are open and the top florets are still in bud.

6) Don’t place your finished arangement in full sun, over a radiator, or in a draught. This will cause excess water loss from the flowers, and they will wilt very quickly. A cool room is the best place to put your flowers for maximum life.

7) Use a container in proportion to the amount of flowers you are using. Too small a container will not hold sufficient water, and may dry out before you realise it.

Lightly spray your finished arrangement with clear water from time to time, to create a humid atmosphere around the flowers. (Don’t spray the flowers near furnishings or electrical appliances though – move the arrangement first!)