Always use a clean vase. Strip all the leaves from the bottom half to two-thirds of each stem, any foliage below the water level should be removed to prevent it rotting in the water.

To enable your flowers to take up as much water as possible, you should ideally cut the stems daily. To get the best cut, use secateurs. If you do not have secateurs then use a sharp knife or scissors and cut the stems to length and at an angle. This will give the stems more surface area to take up water. Never use blunt blades as
these can crush the stems causing them damage.

When re-cutting your stems take this opportunity to remove any wilted foliage faded blooms, making surethere are no leaves or flower in the water.

Finding the perfect environment for your flowers will help them last for longer. Always display your blooms away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators. Keep them away from the fruit bowl too. Some fruits, e.g bananas, causes flowers to deteriorate quickly.

Remember the more flowers in the arrangement the more water they’ll consume, so check the water level in your vase daily and keep it topped up. Ideally the vase should always be three-quarters full of water.

Don’t forget to change the water completely after day two and to clean the vase thoroughly before refilling.This simple practice can really help extend the vase life of your flowers. Take care with children and pets Some flowers can be harmful if consumed. Lilies, both the petals and pollen, can be extremely toxic to cats.
Care should be taken to keep all flowers and foliage out of the reach of children and pets.