Fresh flowers are a true delight to receive, whether it's for a special occasion or just because. The vibrant colours, sweet fragrances, and delicate petals can brighten up any room and lift one's mood instantly. However, while the beauty of fresh flowers is undeniable, many people are unsure of what to do with them once they receive them. From choosing the right vase or the best place to display them, to making sure the flowers stay fresh for as long as possible, there are a few key steps to take to ensure that your new bouquet lasts as long as possible. Let's explore some tips and tricks for caring for fresh flowers and making the most out of your beautiful gift.
Step One: Choosing an Appropriate Vase
We design our bouquets based on how they were ordered, or the budget that was provided, therefore they sometimes come in different shapes and sizes. Finding the best size and shape of vessel should be based on the width of the stems as well as the size of the flowers in proportion to the vase. This just means you want the stems to be able to fit in the neck or opening of the chosen container. Too tight a fit will cause your flowers to become damaged, too loose and they’ll fall out of the water. Stem length is less important, as they can always be cut down to sit comfortably in the vase, it just becomes a problem if you are choosing a vase that is too tall. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your container, whether you use a drinking glass from your kitchen or an unused plant pot, sometimes a perfect vessel is hiding in plain sight.
Fill this vase or container with fresh, cool water, and set aside while you prepare your blooms.
We do everything in our power to make sure your flowers get to you as safely as possible, which means there are a few mechanics you have to “un-do” when receiving your bouquet. Firstly, you’ll unwrap the paper around the flowers and then remove any excess elastic bands, twine, sponge, water source, etc. It is our hope that you are able to reuse these items for another purpose, or at the very least recycle them. You’ll want to leave on the one elastic band that is holding the stems of the bouquet together before proceeding to the next step.
Step Three: Cutting the Stems
Ideally you are able to cut at least an inch off of your bouquet (which helps the flowers drink better) but a small snip is better than nothing. You can hold your bouquet up to your chosen vessel to eye-ball the height that the stems should be, and remember that you can always cut them again, but you can’t add length after the fact!
Find your strongest, sharpest pair of kitchen shears or gardening pruners (don’t have a decent pair? We sell our favourite clippers!) and while holding the bouquet in your non-dominant hand, make quick cuts to each stem of the bouquet. Remove the elastic band from the stems, and quickly place the flowers into the water. Don’t be afraid to adjust the stems as needed, as the bouquet wasn’t designed for the specific vase you are using.
Step Four: Placement
We go in-depth on how to get the most out of the flowers in your space in this journal post, but essentially you want to keep your blooms out of direct sunlight, away from any air vents, and somewhere where you will be able to see them frequently. We actually recommend moving them around with you so you get the most out of them!
Getting the most out of your flowers is important to us here at Academy Florist. While we wish our flowers could last forever, we like to think that they are all the more precious because their beauty is fleeting. There are a few things you can do to keep them at their best for as long as possible.
In a perfect world, you are re-cutting the stems every few days, but the absolute BEST thing you can do is to change out the water every day. This will keep them fresh and happy for the longest.
If you would like to keep your flowers for even longer, some specific varieties dry very well and can be kept for quite a while. We carry a wonderful book called Flowers Forever which details how to dry all of the different varieties and creative ways to display them in your spaces. Find it here.
It’s no secret that we love flowers, and it shows in our work. However, sometimes flowers don’t perform as expected. If you aren’t satisfied with your flowers, please reach out either by phone or email and we will happily make it right! You will be asked to provide your name, contact information, and a photo of the flowers so that we can assess the problem effectively. More of our refund policy can be found here.
Receiving fresh flowers can be a wonderful and uplifting experience. Whether you receive them as a gift or treat yourself, there are many ways to make the most of your blooms. So when you bring home a bouquet of fresh flowers, take a moment to appreciate their natural beauty and know that they were grown just for you!