I love visiting the flower shop and picking up a little bit of knowledge with my flowers. This past week I was visiting with Evan at Denis and Christon Flowers (1119 Madison Ave - 83rd & 84th). Evan has been working for his father’s Madison Avenue flower shop since he was ten years old. He always has something to share.
On this day we were discussing hints beyond the basic care tips that can help a flower look better and last longer. Evan showed me a simple trick to keep roses looking up. I have often had a few roses in the bunch that seem to go limp. They don’t die…they just bow their heads and live out their lives staring at my countertop.
The reason for this, according to Evan, is that the flowers take in too much water and become top-heavy. Either you have to relieve them of this water weight (which can be done for drooping tulips), or help them support it.
Evan quickly inserted the end of some florists wire in the topmost part of the stem to prop it up. He then wound the wire around, creating an instant support (see photos). The wire does not interfere with the flower’s lifespan or its ability to blossom.
Evan stressed the importance of changing water often and keeping flowers in the correct, constant temperature. To show the power of clean water and constant temp. he pulled out a lily from the cooler that was still going strong after two weeks. He credits the daily water change above all else.
Evan decided to post the basic tips he gives his customers on the store website for all to reference – a very handy guide for all cut flowers.
Matt N.
NOTE: NYBG this weekend:
Grand Opening of the Home Gardening Center
September 30 to October 2, 2005
"Join us as we open this array of new and redesigned model gardens and displays, whose plantings and programs are designed to teach anyone how to create a beautiful, productive, trouble-free garden."
An inspiring outdoor classroom, the perfect setting to learn a little more about plants.
I agree with water changes to extend the life of a bouquet, but am mystified by how to accomplish that with some of today's tightly-packed arrangements. I'll confess to feeble attempts at siphoning off/replacing the water with a turkey baster, but would love to know the professioanl take on the problem...
That is a good point, Patrick - sounds like I have something to ask Evan the next time I see him.
I have been able to tip the vase most times and empty the old water into another container, which takes finesse. An elevated container seems to be easier than my sink...but maybe there is some trade secret :)
thanks for some interesting advice, I have often had the same problem with the heads of roses drooping.
I live in Rye Brook, NY and good floral advice is hard to find. My 13 1/2 year old dog, Ikey(hint-hint) is always destroying my plants can I use something to repel my dog without killing the plant :)?