Garden Bouquet-Making

 Getting something that goes into a vase well and lasts is not that difficult to accomplish.  But, a little education on the topic helps.  I found a nice article in the September, 2011 issue of Birds and Blooms that offer some good reminders for how to build a nice, well-lasting bouquet.

Some of their tips for going from field to vase include the following:

• pick in the cooler hours of the day
• choose blooms that aren't yet fully open
• don't just break the stems, but cut with a knife or scissors
• don't submerge leaves in the vase water, remove them
• add a couple of drops of bleach and a pinch of sugar to lukewarm water for the vase
• don't display the bouquet in direct sunlight
• don't forget to change the water every few days

Happy flower arranging!