Make your arrangement last longer...

Two of the top questions Americans ask when purchasing flowers are "How do I take care of them?" and "How long will they last? From a single bud, to a small bunch to an abundant arrangement, just a little extra care can make a big difference. Most floral arrangements last from 4 to 7 days, depending on the types of flowers used and the type of care they receive. Here's some specific tips to keep your flowers looking beautiful: For floral arrangements... Keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water containing a flower food. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Use cool water when adding water to the vase or refilling it. Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight. Avoid heating or cooling vents, areas directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. Appliances such as televisions and radiators give off heat, causing the flowers to quickly dehydrate.

For boxed flowers or loose wrapped bunches... If you can't get your flowers into a water and flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place. Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food, following the directions on the package.

For all arrangements... Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in the water will promote bacterial growth, causing the flowers to wilt quickly.

Recut stems with a sharp knife. Do this underwater, in warm water. This allows the stems to draw in water instead of air. Then place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared. When using woody stems and branches (such as forsythia, quince or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears.  

Plant Care... Foliage plant care Foliage plants grow better if you give them proper light, suitable temperatures, adequate moisture and a little plant food. Light: Place foliage plants in or near a window where they receive good light during part of the day. Most plants do not like the intensely bright sunshine of midsummer. They thrive near a south or east window during the fall, winter and spring months. If you cannot place them near a window, use artificial grow lights over them. Temperature: Most foliage plants thrive best at night temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and day temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watering: Keep the soil moist. Examine it once a week. When the soil feels dry to the touch add enough water to wet the soil all the way to the bottom of the pot. Be sure that any excess water is drained off.

Fertilizing: Since the amount of soil and nutrients available in a small pot is limited, small quantities of plant food are desirable at three to four week intervals, used according to the directions on the package.

At Ashland Addison Florist, we carry the highest quality flowers that are imported directly from growers. We have a huge selection of product giving you the widest choice of flower varieties to choose from. Professional designers arrange each bouquet. We have professional uniformed drivers with two-way radios to provide efficient delivery. Our sales personnel will help you select the right arrangement for whatever occasion and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Blooming Plant Care...
Flowering plants need good light, moderate temperatures, reasonable humidity, uniform moisture in the soil and a little fertilizer occasionally.

Light: Flowering plants need all the sunshine that can be provided in your home, particularly in winter. Place them near an east or south window.

Temperature: Most flowering plants grow best at night temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and day temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not place them over radiators. Keep them out of drafts.

Humidity: Keep room humidity as high as possible. Increase humidity around the plant by placing it in a plant box or jardinière filled with moist peat moss.

Watering: Inspect soil daily and add water when the soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, wet the soil all the way down.

Fertilizing: If you keep flowering plants longer than six to eight weeks, some plant food should be added. Follow directions on the fertilizer package.