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Floral Services - Bouquet Boot
Camp
Party Resource Guide
Presented by Event & Wedding Planners
'Bouquet Boot Camp': Basic Training for
Longer-Lived Blooms
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(ARA) - Given with
love, received with joy, cut flowers are among the
most popular gifts for nearly every occasion. To
really "wow" the recipient, help keep that bouquet
blooming and beautiful for as long as possible -
with basic training in the lives of cut flowers
courtesy of "Bouquet Boot Camp."
Don't worry; no one will shout at you and there
won't be any muddy obstacle courses involved.
Instead, you'll just need to take a few minutes to
educate yourself on which blooms last longest, and
what steps you can take to make them last even
longer. |
"Everyone loves flowers, even
if they don't know the names of the various varieties," says
Dr. Bridget Behe, the "Flower Doctor" and a professor in
Michigan State University's horticulture department. "Once
you learn about flowers, you grow to appreciate and love
them even more."
Behe offers "Bouquet Boot Camp" - expert advice and answers
to consumer questions about cut flowers - online at
www.flowerpossibilities.com. The site also offers a flower
encyclopedia, downloadable care and handling tip sheets, and
design recipes -- for those who might want to personalize
their bouquets.
Here are a few basics that can
help extend the life of cut flowers:
* When choosing flowers from a florist or market,
opt for those with upright, firm petals and buds
just beginning to open. If the leaves are yellow,
spotted or drooping, they're old. Also, skip broken
or bent stems.
* The water in which the stems are stored should
smell fresh and clean, and the stems should be
clean, not slimy.
* Store your bouquet in a cool place. |
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* Use the right size vase.
Too large a vase will distract from the beauty of the
bouquet; too small a container will cramp the flowers and
lead to quicker decay. Also, be sure the vase is clean and
you use fresh water.
* Add a commercial flower food to the water. This will
greatly extend the life of the cut blooms. Most packets
should be mixed with a pint or a quart of water; be sure not
to dilute the food by using too much water.
* Trim off all leaves that will fall below the water line.
Underwater leaves can promote bacterial growth that can
decrease the life of the flower.
* Use a sharp knife or shears to remove the bottom 1 to 2
inches of the stems. Then arrange the flowers in your vase
or container.
* Keep cut flowers out of direct sun and away from drafts.
Keep in mind it's important to select the right kind of
flower for your bouquet, as well. Here are the five most
popular flower varieties for bouquets:
* Roses - America's favorite bloom, roses originated
more than 4,000 years ago. Today, they're available in many
shapes, sizes and colors, including three popular types:
sweetheart, spray and hybrid tea.
* Gerbera Daisies - A burst of sunshine in any
bouquet, Gerbera Daisies are available in more than 160
colors, with light or dark centers, in standard and micro
sizes.
* Lilies - A consistent star in the flower world,
lilies come in white, cream, yellows, reds, pinks and
bi-colors. They are fragrant and dramatic in bouquets.
* Alstroemeria - Symbolizing "wealth and prosperity,"
the long-lasting Alstroemeria makes a bold statement with
multiple blooms per stem.
* Carnations - Timeless and long-lasting, carnations
come in a plethora of colors, with new cultivars becoming
available frequently.
To graduate from "Bouquet Boot Camp" and learn to extend the
life of cut flowers, visit www.flowerpossibilities.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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