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It is Halloween at the studio, and the Jack-O-Flowers are carved.Ends in 12 daysSee them

Blighs Meadow, Sevenoaks

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Care

Looking after your flowers

Five minutes when they arrive keeps them at their best. These are the studio's own notes, kind by kind, the same card we email the day after a delivery.

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 spoil the water.
  • 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 does them good. 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.
  • TimeEvery flower keeps its own pace: tulips go on growing in the vase, lilies open a bud at a time, and the softest stems are over first. How long they go on depends on the stems and the room they are in.

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 does them good. 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.

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 spoil the water.
  • 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.
  • TimeThe buds open as they drink, so the bunch fills out after it arrives.

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.

Wreath or ring

A fresh wreath is happiest outside in the cold, which keeps the foliage fresh.

  • 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.
  • CoolIndoors it dries out much sooner than outside, so bring it in for a party rather than for good, and never leave it by a radiator.

Sympathy tribute

Sympathy flowers are made to travel and to look their best on the day.

  • 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.

Something we have not covered? Ask the studio.