Looking after your flowers

Hand-tied bouquet

Your bunch is tied so it stands on its own. The string is part of the arrangement, so leave it on.

• CutCut a couple of centimetres off every stem at an angle with sharp scissors. A fresh cut drinks; a dry one seals over.
• WaterStand them in a clean vase of fresh, cool water with the flower food we sent. Top it up daily and change it every two or three days.
• LeavesStrip any leaves that would sit below the waterline, because leaves in water go slimy and shorten the flowers' life.
• LightKeep them out of direct sun and away from radiators, and never next to the fruit bowl: ripening fruit gives off a gas that ages flowers.
• CoolA cool room overnight adds days. If the house is warm, a north-facing windowsill or a hallway is kinder than the kitchen.
• TidyTake out anything that goes over before the rest. One tired stem makes the whole bunch look tired, and it hurries the others along.

Should last: Five to seven days for most stems; roses and lilies longer, tulips shorter (they keep growing in the vase).

Arrangement in foam

Your arrangement is made in its container, so it arrives ready to stand where it is going.

• WaterPour a little fresh water into the container every day, so the stems never stand dry.
• LightKeep them out of direct sun and away from radiators, and never next to the fruit bowl: ripening fruit gives off a gas that ages flowers.
• CoolA cool room overnight adds days. If the house is warm, a north-facing windowsill or a hallway is kinder than the kitchen.
• TidyIf a stem goes over, pull it out gently and the rest closes the gap.

Should last: A week to ten days, kept topped up.

Letterbox flowers

Your flowers travelled dry so they would fit through the door. They are thirsty, so give them a drink first, then arrange them.

• CutUnwrap, and cut two centimetres off every stem at an angle.
• WaterStand them in deep, cool water with the food for a few hours, somewhere cool and shady, before arranging. They will lift as they drink.
• LeavesStrip any leaves that would sit below the waterline, because leaves in water go slimy and shorten the flowers' life.
• LightKeep them out of direct sun and away from radiators, and never next to the fruit bowl: ripening fruit gives off a gas that ages flowers.
• TidyTake out anything that goes over before the rest. One tired stem makes the whole bunch look tired, and it hurries the others along.

Should last: Buds open over the first two or three days; a week or more from there.

Planted arrangement

A plant wants a little attention often, not a lot at once.

• WaterWater when the top of the compost feels dry, and let it drain: a plant sitting in water rots at the root.
• LightBright but indirect light suits most of what we sell; the label says if yours wants more or less.
• CoolKeep it away from draughts and radiators; steady is what plants like.
• LeavesTake off any yellowing leaves, and dust the leaves now and then so they can breathe.

Should last: Years, looked after.

Wreath or ring

A fresh wreath is happiest outside in the cold, which is what keeps it looking like the day it was made.

• WaterMist the foliage with water every few days, more in a mild spell, and dunk its moss base in a bucket once a week.
• LightA north-facing door is ideal; strong afternoon sun dries the foliage.
• CoolBring it in for a party and it will be fine, but do not leave it by a radiator.

Should last: Outside, four to six weeks. Indoors, ten days.

Sympathy tribute

Sympathy flowers are made to last through the day and beyond, and to travel.

• WaterKeep the base damp until the day, and mist the flowers in warm weather.
• CoolKeep it somewhere cool and out of the sun until it is collected or taken.
• TidyAfterwards, stems can be taken out and enjoyed at home in a vase. Cut the ends and stand them in fresh water.