Floral Arrangement Tips and Tricks

There's nothing better than a fresh flower arrangement to brighten up a room.  I love visiting my parents home because I can always go out and cut fresh flowers to arrange.  My mom has an amazing green thumb!  In fact, at their old home she had over 100 hybrid t-rose bushes!  I miss that so much!  We always left the house with a bouquet!  Here are some of the tips that I have learned from her.  

Continue to scroll down to see some unique ideas and some of the arrangements I have created.

Cutting:

Cut stem at an slant using a sharp pruning shears.

For roses, cut below the fifth leaf to ensure that your roses continue to bloom.

For all other flowers cut to the length of your preference.

Have a pale of luke warm water ready to put stems in to keep flowers from wilting.

Cut flowers in the early morning, the stems retain the most water at that time.

Arrangement Tips:

Remove unnecessary leaves and make sure that there are no leaves below the water line.

Place larger/longer and dominant flowers in the middle to anchor the vase.

Place smaller/shorter flowers near the outside.

Make sure to fill holes with flowers.

Keep your arrangement balanced by rotating every so often and checking for holes.

Add greenery or fillers at the end to fill gaps.

Use a variety of vases that vary in color, size, and shape.  Use a coffee cup, an egg stand, shot glass,    

       crystal bowls, etc.

Preserving Arrangements:

Replace water at least every two days to prevent bacteria from forming.

Use a "fresh flower food" to help extend the life of your arrangement.  (recipes below from about.com)

Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight.

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #1

2 cups lemon-lime carbonated beverage (e.g., Sprite™ or 7-Up™)

1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach

2 cups warm water

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #2

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach

1 quart warm water

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #3

2 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach

1 quart warm water

Here's what I created while at  my parent's home:

Here are some beautiful flower arrangements that I can't wait to try!

Better Homes & Gardens

Link

Big Apple Florist 

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