Fresh flowers are a true gift from nature. Their blooms provide the vibrancy of spring during the often gray days of winter. Whether you’ve picked flowers from your garden or from your local English Gardens Florist, it’s easy to create a beautiful display when you follow the easy guidelines below.

First things first: When selecting flowers, ask yourself what you’re looking for. Do you want a monochromatic arrangement? An arrangement reminiscent of a wildflower patch?  Whatever you decide, remember that combining different shapes, sizes and textures all add to the whimsicality of an arrangement…. Make sure to have fun with it!

Here are some of the longest lasting fresh-cut flowers:
Alstromeria
Carnations
Chrysanthemum
Limonium
Statice
Baby’s Breath

Before placing your flowers in a container, cut the stems on an angle, taking off at least a quarter inch. When you cut the stem on an angle, you’ll exposure fresh tissue, allowing the flower to absorb more water. Then, remove any foliage that will fall below the waterline.

Choosing a container can be just as fun as picking out the flowers! Find a container that will show off the flowers best, thinking about their height, color and shape. Consider using a bowl, pitcher or even a beverage glass. Fill the container with fresh, cool water, and add the flower food that came with your bouquet.

Start with the greens that will provide the support for the flowers.  For an arrangement that’s to be viewed on all sides, place a tall stem in the middle.  Then add the large focal flowers toward the bottom of the vase to anchor the arrangement.  Then add medium-size blooms, and finally the smallest varieties. 

To keep flowers fresher longer, change the water in the container every other day.  The cooler the room, the longer the flowers will last.  Keeping an arrangement of fresh-cut flowers alive may be out of your hands. But, remember they thrive on fresh water and cool temperatures. If you change the water every other day, the flowers will last much longer. Recut the stems when you change the water. Keep them away from the kitchen, where your stove could make them feel too toasty, as well as bright lights that generate warmth.

For more tips, check out our video on Arranging Fresh-cut Flowers. 

Make sure to visit one of our full-service florists at English Gardens. Our flower experts will be happy to help you create the perfect arrangement!