HOW TO KEEP CUT FLOWERS FRESH

Here are tips of reaching this same goal without the chemicals:

• Copper is a fungicide and acts to preserve the water from too many yeasts and fungi.
• Aspirin is an acid and helps to kill bacteria overgrowth.
• Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar to 1 quart of water. The idea here is the same as with aspirin, since lemon juice and vinegar are acidic.

Other Guidelines To Keep Fresh Flowers Fresh

• Place cut flowers in cold water, not warm! Warm water dehydrates flowers.
• Placing cut flowers in the refrigerator for six hours before arranging them will triple their lifespan.
• Hot water–up to 110-200 F–is recommended to restore very wilted flowers (the hotter water is for the more wilted flowers).
• Except for when you are cooling flowers, when you want cold water to cover the stems of the flowers, there is no need to have the water go higher on the stems then six inches.
• Recut the stems every few days.
• Remove all leaves and foliage below the water line.

For a more wonderful Environment...

always try to encourage my clients to use seasonal accents in their home. Not only is it inspiring, it allows you to go out into nature and bring new colors into the home and to celebrate with fresh and different fruits and vegetables. Use these colors to inspire a change in your home décor, such as candles, in scents of the season, flower and fruit arrangements, etc., throughout the home. When using scented candles, always stick with non-floral scents for the kitchen, such as vanilla or non-scented so as not to interfere with the aroma of your freshly cooked or baked foods.

I am also a proponent of my clients studying photographs, magazines and books, to help them visualize and articulate both their likes and dislikes. As I said before, a home begins as a blank canvas. It is our responsibility to place the elements that will make your home a true expression of your tastes, your experiences, and your lives, in a way that blends both form and function, the feel of fine fabric on your skin, the coziness and relaxation of comfortable furnishings, and a palette of texture and color that soothes your being.

I encourage my clients to discuss when and where they were when coming upon a particular piece of art or object purchased in a far away land or a collection they are beginning or have been working on during their lifetimes. These pieces should be displayed prominently in the home; it states individuality and may give your guests a glance into your soul. These items make interesting conversation starters when entertaining and are great ice-breakers.