How to Arrange Flowers

Here is how to arrange flowers and keep them looking fresh for a long time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. SUNRISE, SUNSET
   
   Pick flowers in the morning if possible. If you can't, evening is second best. Picking flowers during the heat of the day is the worst time. Right after you cut the flowers, put them in a bucket of water or wrap them with a wet paper towel right away.
   
   Once you're inside, cut the flower stems at an angle and put them in a bucket of tepid water.

2. GOT MARBLES?
   
   Instead of using that tacky green foam that florists use to help arrange flowers, try marbles in a net bag. They come in a many colors and designs and can help hold the flowers in place.

3. LONG-STEMMED FLOWERS?
   
   When arranging long-stemmed flowers in a wide-mouthed vase, crisscross strips of cellophane tape just inside the top of the vase. Insert the stems into the spaces between the tape.

4. FOOD
   
   Add a commercial flower preservative or some lemon-lime soda pop and a few drops of chlorine bleach to the water if possible. Either of these provides some food, in the form of sugar, and inhibits bacterial growth.