365 things to do in Worcester County - bring cut flowers inside. Driving around today, I finally smelled the fresh scent of mulch mixed with aroma of flowering bushes. The weather has finally warmed up and the sun peaked out. This is the end of May and in Worcester County we are in the middle of the lilac blooming season. Did you know that the Trailing-Arbutus is Massahusetts State Flower. But for me, I love a blooming lilac.
This morning I went outside and gathered long stems of lilac, both white and light purple, and mad a beuatiful bouquet. I found a Mexican pitcher that would hold stems that length and realized that I wanted to keep these delicate aromatic buds for as long as possible. So today, I am making this one of my 365 things to do in Worcester County - bring cut flowers inside.
Nothing is better than a bouquet of freshly cut flowers, whether from your garden or a gift from a loved one. Watching your bouquet slowly wither is not part of that joyful experience. To delay the inevitable end of your cut beauties, extend their life with a few simple, proactive measures.
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The Vase
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A clean vase is one of the best ways to keep a cut flower arrangement healthy. Bacteria and fungi can be present even if the vase looks clean to the naked eye. A good wash in hot, soapy water and a thorough rinse will kill harmful germs.
Stem Preparation
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Care must be taken when trimming the stems of your flowers. Whether you are taking cuttings from your own garden or re cutting store-bought flowers, remove one to two inches from the stem. Cut at an angle while submersed under running water or in a basin. By cutting underwater, air cannot permeate the stem, blocking water from reaching the bloom.
Water
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The temperature and quality of water are two important considerations for your flowers. Horticulturalists suggest that 100 degrees F is optimal water temperature for your arrangement. Softened water, which contains sodium, or hard tap water, which creates white deposits on faucets, should be avoided for cut flowers. If your tap water fits these descriptions, opt to purchase de-mineralized water from a supermarket instead. Change the vase water every two to three days.
Food
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You can make your own plant food to use in stead of the standard plant food packets that come with the purchase of cut flowers. Whether you choose store-bought cut flower food or a homemade recipe, remember to replace it every time you change the water. A mixture of 3 parts water to 1 part lemon-lime soda (skip the diet or cola variety, as they are not effective) provides long-lasting nourishment. Two tablespoons lemon juice plus 1 tbsp. sugar mixed with your warm vase water will also feed your flowers over time. Regular cleaning bleach, ¼ tsp. per quart of water, can be added to either of these recipes the first day and again every four days to keep water clear.
Environment
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Dry, hot air is the enemy of cut flowers. Keep the vase away from heaters, fireplaces and windows. Television sets radiate heat, so avoid setting an arrangement on top of one. Cut flowers should be taken from the garden in cool temperatures to prevent premature withering. When using florist foam as the base of an arrangement, allow the spongy material to soak and sink to the bottom of the container. Pushing a dry foam block into water traps air bubbles that can make their way into flower stems.
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