KEEPING FLOWERS FRESH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18297, 13 January 1923, Page 4 (Supplement)

KEEPING FLOWERS FRESH.

A great many people find. a difficulty in keeping their flowers fresh. This is ' due to several reasons, the most obvious being that the water is not changed every day. Flowers, cannot live in stagnant "water, in fact, if possible, all flower water should contain a little charcoal to keep it sweet. When the water is renewed, the stalks should be cub and washed free from . slime in warm soft water, preferably rain water. Scissors ought not to bo used for cutting the .stems, as they are apt to pinch the ends and so prevent the flower from being able to breathe properly. A sharp knife is a much better, instrument.

As each particular flower exudes its own particular, juices, some of which are actually poisonous, it is not wise to mix a number of different V kinds together. Flowers which are arranged separately last much longer . than those which are massed together irrespective of variety. Care should be taken in arranging flowers which have woody stems to see that all cutting takes place above the joints and not below, also that the stalks are slit up to allow the maximum of drainage. Superfluous foliage should be t removed, as it only takes up room in the ! vase and uses up the water. The kind of vase up*"-! makes a difference to. the life of the flower. Widemouthed vessels are preferable to narrow ones, and if the latter must be employed, only one or two bloooms should be put in. Be rather sparing with blossoms in all floral decoration. ' Those who possess * aspidistras should make a point of washing each leaf once a week and standing the pot in water for a short time No plants or ferns should be kept near a : fireplace, or in very heated rooms.