Fresh flowers have been shown to add both character

and personality to many settings. They often add color and cheer to any
room, and can take on a variety of artful arrangements. Unfortunately,
they only last so long and must be replaced once they have wilted.
Still, there are steps you can take to preserve them for as long as
possible, in order to enjoy them for a longer period of time. These
steps are outlined below.

The first step you can take to preserve
fresh flowers is to place them in water as soon as possible. Once the
stems have been cut, the life support system has been removed. While
water will not reinstate that support system, it will help restore it
for a limited amount of time.

Fill a plastic bucket about 1/3 to
½ full with warm water. Warm water should be used instead of cold
because flowers use it more readily. Because flowers only drink through
the ends of the stems, as opposed to the sides, the bucket should not
be filled up to the top. If this happens, any foliage left on the stems
below the water level will rot and pollute the water, which will also
cause your flowers to die more quickly. It is also advisable to add a
preservative to the water. Preservatives will be discussed further in
this article.

Take the bucket into the garden with you. Use a
sharp pair of secateurs to cut the flower stems at an angle. A slanted
cut allows for a better intake of water. Remove all foliage from the
lower portion of the stems that would stand under the water level.
Then, immediately place the flowers into the water.

Avoid
overcrowding flowers. You should always allow enough air to circulate
between each flower, as too many flowers crowded together in a bucket
can cause the petals to become squashed or bruised. Place the bucket in
a cool, dark place and allow the flowers to have a long drink before
arranging them. When you pick short-stemmed flowers, be sure to use a
smaller container so the foliage will remain above the water level.

Allow
your flowers to have a good drink, preferably overnight before
arranging them. This step is called conditioning, and allows the stems
to fill up with water, and the flowers to become crisp. When you do
this, your flowers will last twice as long as those that have not been
properly conditioned.

Use a flower preservative to destroy any bacteria that may be present in the water. Flower
preservatives are available in garden centers or supermarkets. Another
alternative is to use a capful of household bleach in the water. If you
choose not to use a preservative, it will be necessary to change the
water and cut the stems at an angle on a daily basis. If a preservative
is used, the stems do not require re-cutting, and the water should be
changed only about twice a week.