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Flower care
Five ways to make a bouquet last longer
Fresh water, clean vases and a sharp knife make more difference than any flower food. Our horticulturist shares her everyday routine.
A well-cared-for bouquet can last twice as long as one left alone. These five habits take a minute a day.
- Clean the vase. Bacteria is the enemy of cut flowers. Wash the vase with hot soapy water first.
- Strip low leaves. Nothing below the waterline.
- Recut the stems. Take about an inch (2cm) off every two days with a sharp knife or scissors.
- Change the water. Fresh water every other day keeps stems drinking.
- Find a cool spot. Away from radiators, sunny windows and the fruit bowl.
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From the journal
