CARE OF FLOWERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18159, 25 October 1930, Page 15 (Supplement)

CARE OF FLOWERS.

Flowers are sensitive creatures which readily wilt in the wrong atmosphere. They hate draughts and gas fumes, so they should never be placed in the way of the former, or stood on a table beneath the latter. It is best, too- to remove them at night from a room which has been gas-lighted. They should, of course, be given fresh water every day, and have just a little cut. off diagonal-wise from their stems.

Some flowers have a definite antagonism to others. Pheasant-eye narcissus refuse to share the same water as wallflowers, and southernwood and fennel will quarrel with many of the more delicate garden blooms. Roses like the stimulating influence of a grain of aspirin in their water—one grain to a quart; pinks and carnations appreciate a pinch of borax. Roses should be plunged head downwards in water overnight, and then be carefully' shaken out in the morning. This process will have restored crispness to the blossom. Flowers which are to be sent by post or carried long distances may be kept fresh-looking for hours longer if the stems are sealed with candle grease or sealing wax. This especially applies to those flowers which have sappy stems, such as peonies, tulips, violas, lilies, and all wild flowers.

At the end of the journey the sealed tip should be cut off and the flowers stood for a little while in a jug of moderateiy hot water.