For the men reading this column, ValentineÕs Day is only four days away. Are you getting your sweetheart flowers? For the women reading this column, once your sweetheart gives you flowers, show him you appreciate them by making them last as long as possible.

For roses and loose-stem flowers, fill a deep, clean vase (I would have to rinse the cobwebs out of mine) with water and add the flower food that came with the flowers. Carefully remove the leaves that will be below the waterline once the flowers are placed in the vase. Leaves left in the water will promote bacterial growth and will cause the flowers to wilt and fade faster. Place the stems of the flowers under water and carefully cut the ends off with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. Place them in the vase and enjoy.

If you are unable to place flowers in water right away, keep them in a cool place (notice I said a cool, not a cold place) until you can get them in water.

To keep floral arrangements looking fresh, keep the floral foam soaked or the vase filled with warm water. Be sure to check the water level daily. Replace the water if it turns cloudy. Recut the stems under running water, if possible using the procedure outlined above. If a rose starts to wilt, remove it from the arrangement and recut the stem under water. Submerge the entire rose in warm water. It will rehydrate and revive in an hour or two.

With all flowers, take time to consider where you will display them. Keep them in a cool place (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) away from direct sunlight and heating vents. Do not place on appliances such as a TV that will heat up and cause them to dehydrate.

Have a happy ValentineÕs Day!

source :www.dodgeglobe.com