FLOWERS make a lovely gift and bring buckets of joy.
But they aren’t cheap and can feel like cash down the drain if blooms quickly wilt.
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Here is how to save cash and give your stems a longer life.
MAKE IT LAST: If you’re given a bunch of fresh flowers you can keep them going with a few easy tricks.
First, remove leaves from stems so there is no foliage below the water line of your vase.
Flowers should be away from sources of heat and out of direct sunlight.
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Keep an eye on the water and change if it’s starting to look cloudy.
Remove individual flowers when they have no life left, and you can mix remaining stems with a small and cheap bunch of fresh blooms to create another full bouquet.
DRY OUT: Some flowers look just as good dried out and this means you can keep them on display for far longer.
Hydrangeas, eucalyptus leaves, baby’s breath and roses are among the varieties that work well for drying.
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Before flowers wilt, take foliage from stems then simply hang them upside down in a dark, dry place for around two weeks until they are completely dry.
FRIENDLY FLORIST: Don’t be afraid to ask your local florist for advice on the cheaper varieties of flowers.
It’s also worth finding out if there are certain times of the week when the florist discounts older stock to clear it.
FORAGE: Hunt in your garden or woodland areas for plants such as holly that can be used to create cheap but just as beautiful seasonal bouquets.
The bright-red berries help create a pop of colour but you could also make use of gold or silver paint.
Igor Podyablonskiy, florist from My Flowers, says: “Fresh flowers might be thin on the ground in winter but why not gather foliage, small branches or pine cones to give to people as gifts?
“Spray-paint them and allow them to dry before placing in baskets or vases.”
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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