Roses

1. Remove any leaves that may be under water.
   
   

2. While holding the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. DO NOT let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it back to your arrangement or other container.
   
   

3. Water to which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut roses. Using it as recommended will provide additional days of vase life. Avoid using water from a water softener.
   
   

4. Immediately after the stems are cut, place your roses in a clean, deep vase of warm preservative solution (about 100 degrees F). If possible leave them in a cool dark room or refrigerator to 'condition' for 2 or 3 hours after arranging.
   
   

5. Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display your fresh cut rose arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.
   
   

6. Wilted Roses may be revived by placing them under water. Submerge the entire rose under water in a sink or bathtub. In 20 to 60 minutes, the rose should have absorbed enough water to replenish itself. While submerged, cut off 1 inch of the stem using a sharp knife or scissors.
   
   

7. Roses are thirsty flowers. It is important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often. Be sure foam materials are completely saturated and the container is full daily.
   
   

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Lilies

1. Remove any leaves that may be under water.
   
   

2. While holding the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. DO NOT let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it back to your arrangement or other container.
   
   

3. Water to which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut lilies. Using it as recommended will provide additional days of vase life. Avoid using water from a water softener.
   
   

4. Immediately after the stems are cut, place your lilies in a clean, deep vase of warm preservative solution (about 100 degrees F). If possible leave them in a cool dark room or refrigerator to 'condition' for 2 or 3 hours after arranging.
   
   

5. Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display your fresh cut lily arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.
   
   

6. Lilies are thirsty flowers. It is important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often. Be sure foam materials are completely saturated and the container is full daily.
   
   

7. Any lilies received should have the pollen stamens removed as they open. This will enhance the life of the lily and prevent any staining from the pollen. If you get any lily pollen on your clothing DO NOT rub off with your hands (rubs pollen deeper into the fabric). Use a toothbrush or a dry towel to brush off pollen.
   

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Upon Arrival


Full Bloom:
1-2 days Later

Tulips

1. Leave tulips in the wrap and place in a vase of water under a light source, for about an hour before arranging. This will help to keep the tulips upright for longer. Tulips tend to curve towards the light.
   
   

2. Remove any leaves that may be under water.
   
   

3. While holding the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. DO NOT let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it back to your arrangement or other container.
   
   

4. Water to which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut tulips. Using it as recommended will provide additional days of vase life. Avoid using water from a water softener.
   
   

5. Immediately after the stems are cut, place your tulips in a clean, deep vase of warm preservative solution (about 100 degrees F). If possible leave them in a cool dark room or refrigerator to 'condition' for 2 or 3 hours after arranging.
   
   

6. Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display your fresh cut tulip arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.
   
   

7. Tulips are heavy drinking flowers. It is important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often. Be sure foam materials are completely saturated and the container is full daily.
   
   

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Iris

1. Remove any leaves that may be under water.
   
   

2. While holding the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. DO NOT let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it back to your arrangement or other container.
   
   

3. Water to which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut iris. Using it as recommended will provide additional days of vase life. Avoid using water from a water softener.
   
   

4. Immediately after the stems are cut, place your iris in a clean, deep vase of warm preservative solution (about 100 degrees F). If possible leave them in a cool dark room or refrigerator to 'condition' for 2 or 3 hours after arranging.
   
   

5. Be careful! DO NOT bump the tips of your iris.
   
   

6. Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display your fresh cut iris arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts, to extend lifespan.
   
   

7. Iris are thirsty flowers. It is important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often. Be sure foam materials are completely saturated and the container is full daily.
   
   

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Alstroemeria

1. Upon arrival, alstroemeria may appear to be limp.
   
   

2. Remove any leaves that may be under water.
   
   

3. While holding the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. DO NOT let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it back to your arrangement or other container.
   
   

4. If buds appear to be very tight, submerge in warm water to promote opening.
   
   

5. Water to which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut alstroemeria. Using it as recommended will provide additional days of vase life. Avoid using water from a water softener.
   
   

6. Immediately after the stems are cut, place your alstroemeria in a clean, deep vase of warm preservative solution (about 100 degrees F). If possible leave them in a cool dark room or refrigerator to 'condition' for 2 or 3 hours after arranging.
   
   

7. Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display your fresh cut alstroemeria arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.
   
   

8. Alstroemeria are thirsty flowers. It is important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often. Be sure foam materials are completely saturated and the container is full daily.
   
   

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Gerbera Daisy

1. Remove plastic protective cups from the flower.
   
   

2. While holding the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. DO NOT let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it back to your arrangement or other container.
   
   

3. Water to which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut daisies. Using it as recommended will provide additional days of vase life. Avoid using water from a water softener.
   
   

4. Immediately after the stems are cut, place your daisies in a deep vase of warm preservative solution (about 100 degrees F). If possible leave them in a cool dark room or refrigerator to 'condition' for 2 or 3 hours after arranging.
   
   

5. Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display your fresh cut gerbera daisy arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.
   
   

6. Daisies are thirsty flowers. It is important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often. Be sure foam materials are completely saturated and the container is full daily.
   
   

7. Gerbera stems are highly subseptible to bacteria blockage. This may cause the head to droop over. Use clean water and replenish preservatives every 1-2 days.

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Helpful Tips  
  

* Premature wilting is not a sign that the rose is old. It usually indicates that air is entrapped in the stem and the preservative solution cannot flow properly up the stem. The end of the stem may be blocked, or look for a cut or scrape in the bark above the water level. Recut the stem above the injured section and then submerge the entire rose in a basin or shallow pan of warm water (about 100 degrees F). Be sure to keep the stem and head straight. It will usually revive within an hour and can be replaced in the arrangement.

* If a florist's porous foam material is used in assembling the arrangement, it is important that it is thoroughly saturated in advance in water containing a floral preservative. Be sure that the rose stems are inserted firmly well below the solution level in the container. Do not move the stem ends after inserting them into the foam. This may leave an air pocket at the base of the stem.

* If you cannot get your flowers into water and the floral preservative right away, keep in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Bonsai Care and Handling