Foolproof Tips for Keeping Your Flowers Fresh

After you purchase or receive flowers, you want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. This task is easier said than done for those who do not have a green thumb! Thankfully, there are some foolproof tips for keeping your flowers fresh longer!

The first of three tips on how to keep your flowers fresh longer is making homemade flower food. The ingredients in homemade flower food are sugar, lemon juice, and bleach. By incorporating sugar into the mixture, you will nourish the flower stems. The lemon juice in flower food will add acidity and regulate the water’s pH level. This high pH level from the lemon juice will encourage the water to move up the stems quicker and act as an antibacterial agent. An alternative to lemon juice is a crushed tablet of vitamin C. Lastly, bleach is a must-have additive to block the growth of bacteria. An alternative to bleach for this mixture is a clear spirit like gin or vodka. Once made, add this homemade flower food mixture into the vase water and watch your flowers thrive.

The second tip for keeping your flowers fresh is simply dropping a penny in the vase of water. Pennies, made from copper, contain natural antimicrobial properties which will block the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water. If bacteria and fungus growth are not regulated, it can result in the flowers soon losing their vibrance and luster. 

If you follow through with this tip, it is essential to examine how old the penny is that you are using. Pennies made after 1982 are created with 97.5% zinc, meaning they will be less helpful for flower use. Instead of using these pennies, opt for those made before this date. Older pennies are primarily made of 95% copper. Using these will ensure you care for your flowers well. Make this task easy by sorting your pennies that lay around at home and storing the ones that date from 1982 and back into a separate pile for flower use.

The third and last of the tips on how to keep your flowers fresh longer is cutting the stems properly. While you may not think the stem-cutting technique is that important, it is essential for your flower’s preservation. First, avoid using scissors when cutting the flower stems. Using scissors to cut the stems of your flowers will result in crushing the veins and restricting water from flowing through. 

Secondly, avoid cutting the flower stems straight across. This cutting direction will damage the stems even further. Instead, cut the flower stems with a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle. Cutting your flower stems with this method will ensure that the veins remain undamaged while being prepped. After you follow this tip, the flowers will get adequate water consumption and thrive much longer.

Following all three foolproof tips for keeping your flowers fresh longer above is essential for the next time you purchase or receive flowers. By understanding the needs of flowers, you can be more confident that you can care for them properly and keep them thriving.

Popular Floral Gifts for Bosses on Boss Day

If you love your boss or are just looking to gain some goodwill from them, getting them a flower delivery for Bosses Day is a great gift idea that shows you appreciate them without breaking the bank, and who doesn’t love getting a flower delivery?

Many local florists also offer a variety of gift baskets and will be more than happy to work with you on just the right flower arrangements for your needs. Here are a few ideas that are great options for Boss’s Day!

1. Flowering Plants – A flowering plant is a floral delivery gift that keeps on giving. Ask your florist to help you select one that can thrive in an office environment and your boss will be thrilled to have a Boss’s Day gift that could last for years.

2. Mug Flower Arrangements – Commemorate Boss’s Day with a small arrangement housed in a mug. The mug will be a permanent reminder to your boss that you remembered them on boss’s day. Most florists have some mug options, but many will also create an arrangement if you have a mug that you want them to use. Selecting a special mug for your boss, maybe one that is funny or references an inside joke or something specific to your work, and then having a florist fill it with beautiful flower arrangements or even a succulent is a great way to show your appreciation.  

3. Snack Baskets – If you think that your boss would appreciate something, but are unsure what flowers they like, you could always go with a snack basket. You can send them sweets or salty snacks, or a combination of both. Add a few balloons, and you have an instant hit on your hands.

4. Fresh Fruit Basket – Is your boss health conscious? If so, a fresh fruit basket might be exactly the way to go. Many florists offer fruit baskets, some will even include exotic fruits in their collection and, if you’re lucky, your boss might even share some of the fruit with you and your coworkers!

5. Self Care/Wellness Baskets – If your boss isn’t into flowers and you aren’t sure what kind of fruit or snacks they might like, or if you just want to treat them to some pampering, a self-care basket is a great alternative. Select something with stuff like candles, bath salts, essential oils, lotions and more, and let their stress melt away for Boss’s Day.

6. Traditional Flower Arrangements – A tried-and-true floral arrangement is always a great option. See if you can find out what your boss’s favorite flowers are, or go with flowers such as sunflowers, carnations, lilies, and many others to celebrate your boss on their special day.

These are just a few ideas to make Boss’s Day special for your boss. You can also work with your flower delivery service to create something unique and special for your boss. 

Thanksgiving Flower Arrangement Trends 2022

Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many, and it’s easy to see why. Getting the chance to catch up and enjoy great food in the company of your family is hard to beat. Aside from showing off their cooking prowess, Thanksgiving also gives hosts the chance to wow their guests with their impeccable eye for design. Thanksgiving décor is quickly becoming its own thing.

If you want to stay on trend with your Thanksgiving décor, we have some tips that will help you out. We’ll focus specifically on the things you can do to make your Thanksgiving flower arrangements as beautiful as possible!

Keep the Fall Color Theme Going

The fall color palette is one of those things that seems to get widespread approval from everyone. People adore those warm orange and red hues that define this time of the year.

Go ahead and take a cue from that while you’re putting together your Thanksgiving flower arrangements. Select flowers that feature fall colors and integrate them into your décor.

Just avoid going overboard with the orange and red flowers. Use them as accent pieces to maximize their appeal.

Brighten Up the Holiday Table With Flowers and Fruits

Too much color can be a bad thing. However, your established décor also affects that.

If your home’s color palate is already pretty muted to begin with, you can add brighter hues to your floral arrangements. Go with yellow, orange, or even pink flowers as they can add that pop of color that your home décor needs. The bright colors will also complement your Thanksgiving spread pretty well. Your roasts and baked goods will look even more sumptuous next to those flowers.

In addition to the brightly-colored flowers, you can also integrate some fruits into your display. Those fruits will also add natural colors that will further enhance the appearance of your arrangements.

Pay Attention to Additional Elements Such as Height and Texture

Colors are not the only things you should consider while putting together your Thanksgiving flower arrangements. You should also consider factors such as height and texture.

While putting together your flower delivery order, you should pick out flowers that feature distinctive textures. The different textures add visual intrigue, and they can help your arrangements stand out even more.

Height matters for a more practical reason. The flower arrangements can get pretty messy if you just leave them on the table. If you’re ordering an arrangement, make sure it has some height so you can keep your Thanksgiving table nice and organized. Using a vase can also help you achieve the right height for your arrangement. Avoid going too tall with your arrangement to prevent it from becoming a hindrance while you and your guests are eating.

Thanksgiving décor does not always get plenty of consideration and that’s a shame. You’re missing out on an opportunity to show off your great sense of design by not decorating for this holiday.

The good news is you can still change that. Try out the arrangement tips above and see how well they work for your Thanksgiving spread!

Best Flowers To Bring Teachers on the First Day of School

As much as many children hate it, it’s time to go back to school. To make a good impression with teachers on the first day and to show them their hard work is appreciated, consider picking up or creating your own flower arrangements or arranging for flower delivery from a local florist. Not sure what the best flowers are to gift to teachers? Here is a look at four different types of flowers that would make great first day of school gifts for teachers.

Daisies

There are more than 20,000 types of daisies. The most common daisy has white petals and a yellow center, although they are also available in orange, yellow, pink-red, and fuchsia. Though daisies have many meanings, they can symbolize patience, loyalty, love, and new beginnings, making them an ideal flower for flower arrangements for teachers.  

Tulips

Tulips make a statement, as they are bright, showy, and large. Available in mostly white, yellow, pink, or red, tulips are classic and elegant, and they tend to be one of the first flowers that bloom during the spring. Because of this, tulips are often associated with rebirth and starting fresh, which is exactly why tulips serve as one of the best flowers to bring to teachers on the first day of school.

Carnations

Carnations are not only beautiful and timeless, but they’re affordable. These flowers are available in virtually any color you could want. They also tend to last longer than many other types of flowers once cut. Carnations often symbolize kindness, admiration, and love. So, in a sense, giving a teacher carnations will express your eternal appreciation for what they do.

Daffodils

Daffodils have delicate petals and bright colors, making them a beautiful flower to add to any flower arrangement. These flowers tend to represent new and happy beginnings while being known to bring cheer to their recipients. With that being said, you may want to include colorful daffodils in your flower delivery arrangement for teachers.

Almost everyone enjoys receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The same can be said of a single flower. This is especially true when they are a complete surprise! Flower arrangements will put a smile on the teacher’s face, which will also light up the child’s face. If you don’t intend to create flower arrangements yourself, make sure to arrange for flower delivery in enough time before school starts.

What Are the Best Flowers Options for People With Allergies?

Do you or someone you know have allergies and you are thinking of giving the gift of flowers? The good news is that there are a wide variety of hypoallergenic flowers you can choose from for those with allergies. They are perfect for decorating any home or business, and you will have peace of mind knowing that they are safe for everyone.

Hypoallergenic Flower Options

Hypoallergenic floral arrangements are available. If someone is allergic to flowers, airborne pollen will cause reactions. The best option is flowers that contain low pollen since they are not as likely to cause a reaction. These flowers won’t cause you to sneeze. Hypoallergenic flower options include:

Fortunately, you can always find a flower delivery service with many hypoallergenic options for allergy sufferers. Even if you are unsure if the recipient suffers from allergies, it is always wise to go with a hypoallergenic option just in case.