Yesterday I talked about traditional Valentine’s Day gifts and I mentioned that flowers are one of the biggest and most popular traditional gifts. I mentioned that I always encourage my husband to skip the flowers because they are so expensive this time of year. It is true; Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the prices on fresh flowers and arrangements are climbing higher and higher the closer it gets to February 14^th. Flowers are a favored gift for Valentine’s Day and retailers seem to know this and prices reflect the increased demand. What do you do if you still want to give flowers to your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? Try arranging fresh flowers yourself!

The prices on fresh flower arrangements are crazy around Valentine’s Day but sometimes you can find good prices on stems and bunches of flowers. If you can find good flowers, arranging fresh flowers might be your answer. Try arranging fresh flowers yourself using these tips:

Cut the stems
Right after you bring the flowers home , cut about an inch off all of the stems using a sharp knife. The fresh cut on the stems will help the flowers absorb the water better.

Put them in water
Put flowers in water as soon as you get them home. Fill vases with lukewarm water, add floral preservative and then add the flowers. Warm water helps tightly closed flower heads open more fully. This will help your flowers look better every time you are arranging fresh flowers.

Recut the stems
Recut stems just before you add them to the arrangement you are making. Be sure you strip off any leaves that will be below the water line as you begin arranging fresh flowers.

Use florist’s foam
Using florist’s foam when you are arranging fresh flowers will help keep flowers in place and will keep them constantly hydrated which will help them last longer. Soak the foam for 15 minutes and then cut it to fit the container. Remember to water the foam.

Size matters
Your bouquet should be about one and a half times taller than its container. The width and the height should be balances when you are arranging fresh flowers.

Work evenly
Remember to turn the arrangement when you are arranging fresh flowers. This will help ensure even flower placement on all sides.

Flower selection
When you are arranging fresh flowers, p lace your larger heavier flowers in the arrangement first. Then fill in the arrangement with smaller flowers. Remember to include flowers with various shapes, sizes and stem lengths. Leave space between the stems which allows individual flowers to be seen more easily. Use the leaves and stems with leaves on them to fill in around the flowers.

Keep them fresh
Keep the flowers away from both sunlight and heating vents. Recut their stems and add water to the arrangement often.

Think you can succeed at arranging fresh flowers? Follow these tips and you’ll do great. Have more tips to share? Let us know – we love to hear from you!