CARING FOR SUMMER BLOOMS

Summer temperatures can cause your hand-tied bouquet to wilt quicker that normal. A few quick tips to extend the life of your arrangement include changing the water regularly and using flower food with each refresh. Make sure your vase is spotlessly clean to keep any bacteria at bay and be quick to remove dead leaves. Keep flowers away from the direct sunlight and choose to display them in cooler rooms. Finally, if you plan to be away a night or two, you can actually keep most flowers in the fridge!

Caring for GARDEN CUT FLOWERS

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden full of colourful flowers, you might be tempted to cut a few stems to enjoy indoors. This is an especially good idea if you spot a perfect flower with a broken stalk or want to rescue a flower struggling under its own weight. Cut at least two inches off the base of the stem and place in lukewarm water rather than cold to limit any shock. Make sure there are no leaves below the water line and change water daily, keeping them out of any harsh environments.

Caring for Delphiniums

The stems of hollow-stemmed flowers such as delphiniums need to be filled with water. Simply turn the flower upside down and pour water into the open cavity of the stalk. Place your thumb over the opening at the bottom of the stem and then put it in the water, trapping it inside and helping to keep the stem strong and straight. Any bouquet arranged by us using delphinium will have had the stem conditioned in this way, but it will do no harm to repeat the process when refreshing your arrangement.

CARING FOR PEONIES

These beautifully scented flowers should be placed in water immediately after buying or receiving and changed regularly thereafter.

The stem ends also need to be cut frequently to keep them looking their best and due to the woody nature, are best tackled with sharp secateurs.

Keep out of direct sunlight as Stocks can be particularly susceptible to mildew.

CARING FOR ROSES

One of our most popular flowers, the rose is very simple to care for. Regular fresh water is key, at least every 1-2 days, as roses resting in stale water will wilt rapidly.

They will always benefit from the flower food provided with your bouquet too and make sure to use very sharp secateurs when cutting the stems to avoid tearing or damaging the tip. Trim the lower leaves; any leaves sat in water will rot quickly, causing your rose heads to droop and contaminating other flowers in the display.

Caring for ANTIRRHINUMS

Also known as snapdragons, antirrhinums like to be kept cool, so keep them off the sunny parcel shelf on the way home (!) and display in a cool area away from direct sunlight.

Despite this, they like clean tepid water to drink and never to be too far away from it. Cut stems at an angle, about 1 inch from the bottom under warm running water, before placing them immediately in the vase for you to enjoy!