Flowers Are Everywhere!

​How often do you pick up a bouquet of flowers at the grocery store?  How often do you think about picking up a bouquet, but hesitate because you don’t think the flowers will last long? 

The key is looking for the freshest flowers.  How can you tell?  There are many selections to choose.  There are bouquets of mixed flowers and bouquets of similar blooms. Don’t hesitate to mix more than one bouquet.

Check the stage of each flower in the bouquet.  Are the blooms totally open or just a little color showing?  Is the pollen of the lilies solid on the piston or powdery?  Are the rose blooms fully open or just the outer petals?    Are the center of the daisy pompoms solid or are the outer rings popped?  These clues help identify the age of the flowers. 

Many flowers are delivered to the vendors dry packed.  This process is created by the grower when the flowers are cut in different stages and bundled.  These bundles are boxed and placed in cool temperatures to increase the longevity of the blooms.  The key, is to process the flowers and allow them to drink water in a warm environment for about 24 hours.

When choosing flowers, look for flowers that are already in water.  This means that they have been processed.  Choose flowers to meet your needs.  Are you using them today?  How long do you need them to last?  Of course, the longer the better.  Do you need a centerpiece for a dinner party, or just to brighten the day?  The longevity of the arrangement  depends on the flowers you choose.