Fresh Flowers: Creating Cut Floral Arrangements

by Deborah C. Gerbers

When cutting fresh flowers from the garden (or store or local farmers market), cut stems at an angle. The bias cut will allow maximum water absorption from the vase, keeping blooms looking fresh. If packaged bouquets come with a pack of powder, this is a preservative that actually helps flowers drink the water and provides food to the stems, which they can no longer produce on their own. Or if cutting from your own garden, simply add a pinch of sugar to achieve the same results. Use room temperature water, not cold, so the stems’ cells can open up for improved water absorption. Change the water every When purchasing bouquets that have been pre-arranged, consider taking them apart and place into smaller separate vases arranged by color or variety— all the red flowers in one container or all the roses together in varying colors.

two days or whenever it becomes muddy, and re-cut the stems regularly (again, at an angle).

There are several ways to creatively arrange and display fresh flowers. Try using similar colors in one vase. For example try the following combinations: lilacs, purple iris, and blue hydrangeas; yellow daylilies, sunflowers, and goldenhued tulips; red roses, crimson lilies, and scarlet tulips; white roses, ivory queen Anne’s lace, daisies, and cream-colored baby’s breath. Sticking with one color palette creates a uniform look in each vase.

Another way to make beautiful, interesting arrangements is to vary the height and color in each bouquet. Taller stems like iris and gladiolus create height in the center, surrounded by shorter stemmed roses and gerbera daisies, followed by even shorter sprigs of greenery or leaves.

In addition to changing the water and re-cutting stems every few days, be sure to keep your fresh blooms away from direct sunlight, which wilts flowers more quickly. Cut off dead blossoms and leaves right away so fresh water reaches the good blooms, and also try to cut away leaves from the lower part of the stems so they don’t muddy the water and make it slimy.

Flowers should also be kept away from drying, cold blasts from air conditioning vents; remember, fresh flowers are delicate. By taking a few extra steps to protect them, your fresh-cut flowers will have much more lasting power to brighten your home for several days or even weeks.