On your way home stop at the grocery store and pick out some pretty, bright colored flowers. Gently press on the top of the flowers and see if they feel firm, this is how you tell if they are fresh. If they feel soft and wilty, keep looking, they won't last very long. If you want roses squeeze the base of the bloom between your thumb and finger and see if it feels firm, if it is mushy don't buy itdz. I picked miniature carnations in pink and red and white daisies.
When you get home you want to "work" your flowers and put them in water so they can get a good drink. What I mean by "work" is to put your flowers in slightly warm water, with the floral preservative that came with your flowers. This does not mean hot nor does it mean cold, if you shock your flowers they will die sooner than if you care for them properly. Remove all leaves that will be below the waterline, because these leaves cause bacteria to grow in the water. Now, cut your stems off at least 2 inches at a 45 degree angle so the stem can take in more water. Ideally roses should be cut under water, to do this you would fill a container with water and put the stem down in the water before you cut it so air does not get trapped in the stem. Mums and daisies have a woody stem, so after you cut the stem take the handle of your scissors and lightly hammer on the end of the stem to crush it for a total of 1" on the end.
Once you find your container cut your foam to fit snugly. Then soak the foam in the water with the floral additive. I have my arrangement on the pedestal because I have a glass dome that I want to put over the arrangement and I want to make sure it will fit.
When making an arrangement you want to establish your height and width first.
If you will look closely at the picture on the right you will see where the carnation splits, I am going to use the bloom on the left and cut it just above the "Y", leaving the other bloom on the stem for a larger arrangement I will make later. I will do the same thing with the daisies, leaving the longer stems for another arrangement. Don't forget to use the smaller blooms, they are great for filling in. Continue to fill in with flowers, turning your arrangement as you go to make sure it is not lopsided.
Because I was trying to save money I didn't buy any greenery at the store. Instead I am going to go out in my yard and cut what I have. I know it is January, but you can always find something. For example, look at my holly!! It is waiting for Spring to get trimmed, so that is an option, but I also have ivy in my backyard that I want to use.
Once you get your flowers in place, fill in with the greenery. Make
sure you cover up your foam with the greenery. Sorry, I thought at the time I was taking a lot of pictures of the arrangement in the "process", but apparently not!! So here are my finished products. I bought 3 bunches of flowers for $12 and was able to make two arrangements and 4 bud vases. If you will look closely you will notice that one of the "vases" is actually a Starbucks bottle that I removed the labels off of.
So, go brighten up your day or someone else's with some beautiful flowers. Don't be afraid to try, if nothing else, start with just a vase. Maybe next time you will make an arrangement.
Have a great day,
Jani
