All of your flowers will arrive with a care card , this will give clear instructions on how to care for your flowers to give maximum vase life.

   The main points :-

•  Make sure vases are very clean
•  Use fresh lukewarm water with commercial cut flower food added.
•  Strip all leaves below the water level.
•  Take at least 3cm (1') off all stems, 
•  Avoid direct sunlight, heat, or draughts which can shorten flowers' lives.
•  Keep flowers away from fruit and remove faded flowers as they occur.
•  Top up the water regularly and add flower food in proportion.

Special note - Fresh flowers are damaged by the chemicals given off by ripening fruit and they should not be kept within close proximity of a fruit bowl.

The care of roses .

There is nothing to surpass the romance and natural beauty of the rose and its various meanings. What could be more disheartening after receiving a beautifully presented bouquet of roses than to find that once removed from their wrappings and placed in a vase they seem to be intent on wilting. To ensure maximum vase life follow the steps outlined below:- Remove leaves that may decay under water. When removing leaves and thorns, do not cut through the green bark. Air can enter the water conducting passages through the injuries and restrict water uptake. Bacteria in the water will clog the stems. While holding the stems under water or running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. Do not let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it to the arrangement or other container. As this is the single thing most likely to prevent your roses fulfilling their potential.

  All flowers, as with most living things heal themselves when cut. Water in which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh-cut roses.

 Florists should provide small packages of floral preservative with every arrangement . Use as recommended, avoid using too strong a solution or water from a water softener. Roses are possibly the thirstiest flowers. It is most important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often.

 Display fresh cut rose arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts. Premature wilting is not necessarily a sign that the rose is old. It usually indicates that air is trapped in the stem and the preservative solution cannot flow properly up the stem. The end of the stem may be blocked, or the stem may be 'injured' above the water level. Re-cut the stem above the injured section under water and then submerge the entire rose in a basin or shallow pan of warm water. Be sure to keep the stem and head straight. A rose will usually recover within an hour and can be placed within the arrangement.

 Tulips

Tulips unlike other cut flowers will continue to grow in the vase.This is why when placed in a vase tulips tend to have a 'life of their own'. Rarely found in an arrangement with straight lines because of their gracefully curving stems. If you would like your tulips to have straighter stems they can be 'trained'. Place the stems in a paper wrap (a kitchen roll tube works quite well we've found) and place in a vase of water for at least 24 hours before displaying them.You should find that they stay straighter for longer.

 Gerbera Daisies and Germini (mini gerberas)

As with all cut flowers be sure to cut the stem at a slant to increase the water uptake, Some supporting foliage may be a good idea as gerberas have a tendency to droop as the flower heads are very heavy. If your florist is approachable ask for some heavy guage wires, the gerbera stem is hollow and you can slide a wire right up the middle almost to the top. Being careful not to damage the stem of course.