Flower Arrangement and Staging

Upon purchasing your flowers, you may find them in various arrangement and bloom:

• You will find plenty of stem so that you can trim your flowers to your specific vase (making sure you leave enough stem length for re-cutting every two to four days, for at least one to two weeks.)
• You can arrange the flowers to suite your unique taste and design.
• The buds may be closed, near-open, or fully open. We refer to the bud life as the stage of the flower. Usually flowers have five stages. Stage 1 is a tightly closed bud. Stage two slightly open, Stage three ¾ open, Stage four open, and Stage 5 open with the pedals close to falling off. Depending on the type flower, your buds will open at different times. Our intent to deliver the bouquet in as early a stage as possible which gives you the experience of the flower’s beautify as it opens, and lasting from one to two weeks.

With proper care, your flowers will last from two to three weeks. This means keeping them away from prolonged sunlight and heat, pruning and changing the water every third day, and protecting them from bacteria.

Flower Tips for Long Life

· Remove leaves that may decay under water When removing leaves, do not cut through the green bark. Air can enter the water-conducting passages through the injuries and restrict water uptake. Bacteria in the water can clog stems.	Envision the length of the stem to be cut taking into consideration the vase as well as that you will be re-cutting these stems every two to four days – for the next one to two weeks. Leave enough stem length for future trimming.	· While holding the stems under water or running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. Do not let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it to the arrangement vase or other container
Water in which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh-cut roses. Our bouquets are shipped with small packets of floral preservative. Use it as recommended to provide additional days of vase life. Do not use a stronger solution than the manufacturer's recommendation. Avoid using water from a water softener	Premature wilting is not necessarily a sign that the bouquet is old. It usually indicates that air is trapped in the stem and the preservative solution cannot flow properly up the stem. The end of the stem may be blocked. Look for a cut or scrape in the bark above the water level. Immerse the injured section under water, then cut the stem above the injured section.  Keep the repaired stem submerged the in a basin or shallow pan of warm water. Be sure to keep the stems and heads straight.	Bouquets are thirsty. It is most important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution every two to three days. If you do not have preservative, a small teaspoon of sugar is fine.  Also, add a teaspoon of chlorine to each water change, as it will kill the bacteria
Display your fresh cut arrangement in a cool area out of direct sunlight and draft	Immediately after the stems are cut, place flowers in a deep vase of warm preservative solution

Flower Knowledge

Society of American florists

Design Tips for Cut Flowers

Fact and Figures

Floral Gift Trends

Floral Design Trends