If you don’t take adequate care of your fresh cut flowers, they may droop and die before their time. Sophy Crown Flowers Dublin’s senior florist shares tips on how to keep flowers looking their best.

How to make cut flowers stay longer.

How can cut flowers be kept fresh for as long as possible? To keep your cut flowers fresh, follow these tips from flower farmers. You’ll also learn about the best flower varieties to plant in your own backyard.

Picking Fresh Flowers at the Right Time of Year

Cut garden flowers early in the morning or early evening, when temperatures are cold and the stalks are full with water. When exposed to the intense heat of midday, plants become more susceptible to wilting.

For most flowers, avoid choosing them when in full bloom because they won’t stay as long; pick them when they are just starting to show colour. (Note: This isn’t true of roses, which do not continue to develop.)

How to Cut Flowers Outside in the Garden

Always use a sharp knife. Steer clear of scissors, which might damage the plant’s water passages.

As soon as the stems are cut, place them in a bucket of clean, tepid water (not cold water).

If possible, put the flowers in their bucket of water in a cool, dark area for a few hours to help them stabilise before arranging. Even better, leave them overnight.

Keep flowers as cool as possible, but avoid placing them in your fridge if you can. Florists’ coolers range from 33° to 40°F, so your fridge certainly won’t be cool enough and any fruit or vegetables could generate ethylene gas, which shortens the life of cut flowers.

How to Pick a Vase

Pick the appropriate container for the job. Always use a fresh vase for your flowers, one that has been well washed and is free of any detergent or residue. A taller vase is better suited to cut flowers that are more delicate and light in weight. Reduce the height of large blooms and place them in a low vase to allow them to spread out.

Use a vase with a broad opening to allow for enough air circulation and enough space for all the stems.

Always use a fully clean vase, as bacteria can survive in filthy vases and your flowers may not last as long.

Tips on How to Cut Flowers for a Vase

• Strip all the leaves from the lowest half to two-thirds of each stem. Do not leave any leaves below the water line, as they could decay and harm the quality of the water.
• Before putting the flowers in water, trim the stems by two inches. The cleanest cut can be achieved with garden shears, although standard scissors will also work. Make 45-degree cuts on the stems to increase surface area and improve water flow. Some flowers, like roses, tend to develop air bubbles lodged in their stems, preventing water flow. To prevent this issue, cut the flower stalks underwater.
• Maintain your flowers consistently. Replace dirty vase water with fresh water and clean your vase every single day. Dirty water can cause to bacterial growth that will swiftly result on wilting. To aid in water absorption, trim your flower stems every two to three days.
• Re-cut the stems at an angle. A slanted cut helps if you are using floral foam; a stem with a point is easier to place. Cut flower stems at an angle also avoids the stem from resting on the bottom of the vase and sealing itself over. Angular cuts also provide a bigger surface area for water uptake.
• Cut stems underwater if you wish to trim the stems of cut flowers before arranging them; otherwise, the stem can take in too much air, generating a blockage that keeps water from the bloom. (This is especially true with roses.) Underwater cutters are available from floral supply companies, or you can cut a flower in the yard, instantly submerge the stem in warm water, and cut it again in the house while holding it below the water line.
• Poppies, milkweed, and other flowers with milky stems should be held in a flame for about 15 seconds immediately after cutting. This closes the latex in the stem but keeps the water-conducting channels open. Without searing, the latex ingredient can leak into the water and causing it to degrade soon. Other flowers in the vase may also suffer as a result.
• Crush the stems at your peril. If you have a woody stem—on lilacs, for example—just cut above the stem. Flowers have been crushing stems with mallets for years. In fact, hammering the stems causes the stems decay faster in the water. If you can’t cut above the woody stem, soak the entire stem in water for 20 minutes to an hour before cutting.
• Keep cut flowers out of hostile conditions. Refrain from placing your fresh flowers in direct sunlight, near hot appliances, or near gusts of air from fans, air conditioning, or open windows. Tulips, for example, are highly heat-sensitive. Fresh fruit generates traces of ethylene gas, which can accelerate the wilting process of cut flowers.
• Make sure the water is at the proper temperature. Most flowers do best in room-temperature water. Bulb blossoms endure the longest in cool or even cold water. Fill your vase to three-quarters full and keep topping it off as the flowers absorb more liquid, whether you’re using cold or lukewarm water.
• Use only warm or hot water. In order to thrive, flowers need a temperature range of 80° to 110° Fahrenheit. The water in the vase does not need to be maintained at that temperature, but always start cut flowers in warm, not cold, water. Cold water has a higher oxygen content, which can cause air bubbles to grow in the stems of your flowers, preventing their water uptake. Spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils are the exception to this rule, as they prefer to be immersed in cold water.
• Make acidic water available.
• Cut flowers do best in slightly acidic water, particularly with a pH level between 3.5 and 5.0.
• Make your own flower food. If you don’t want to spend money on flower food, make your own at home. Traditionally, three parts water, one part Sprite (for sugar), and a few drops of bleach are combined to make the most popular vase-cleansing solution. Another traditional flower food recipe is to mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of sugar, and half a teaspoon of bleach into a quart of water.
• Feed the blossoms with a tablespoon of sugar. Some florists use a dash of bleach to limit bacterial development (about a quarter teaspoon per litre of water) (just a quarter teaspoon per litre of water). In both cases, the flower’s lifespan is extended.
• Nurture your flowers with a flower food package. Florists and supermarkets supply pre-packaged combinations of all the key preservatives that make cut flowers survive. A biocide is included in these flower food packets in order to kill unwanted germs as well as provide a balanced pH level for the water.
• Prune any leaves below the waterline. Any leaves immersed underwater might rot and create bacterial development, so it’s crucial to routinely check your flowers and remove any underwater leaves.
• Display the bouquet away from full light, heat, or hot and cold gusts. Place the vase far enough away from fruit bowls to avoid spills.
• Every day, make sure the vase is still there. Keep the healthy blooms free of bacteria by getting rid of any dead or fading blossoms.
• Change the water every few days, replenishing any flower food as well.
• Vodka helps to slow down the wilting process. Delaying the ageing of your cut flowers is possible by adding a little alcohol to the mix. The alcohol in vodka blocks flowers from generating ethylene gas, which is what makes flowers wither.
• Different harmful flowers into separate containers.
• Toxic compounds released by freshly cut hyacinths, iris, and daffodils can harm other aquatic plants. For a day, isolate these flowers from other kinds of flowers and place them in a separate container.

Which Flowers Are Best for Cutting?

• Most people have heard of cut Dianthus flowers, which include Carnations, Pinks, and Sweet Williams. 14 to 21 days is about right!
• Oriental Lilies, for example, are a long-lasting flower that can be displayed for up to ten days. When trimming lilies in the garden, leave a third of the lower stem. Daylilies (which are not genuine lilies) are not cut flowers; they don’t endure more than one day.
• Sunflowers and gladiolus both have a vase life of 7 to 10 days, and both make beautiful cut flowers.
• This flower’s life expectancy is around a week.
• Tulips may stay fresh in a vase for up to one week, and even beyond that time, they’ll continue to bloom. (The sap from some flowers, like daffodils, might diminish the vase life of other flowers. (Tulips don’t mix with daffodils.)
• Peonies last 5 to 7 days. In order to avoid damaging the young plants, only a few blooms from each peony plant should be harvested.)
• Sweet peas endure 3 to 7 days and give wonderful height to a flower arrangement. The more you trim your sweet peas in the garden, the more they will bloom!

Here are reader favourites from the flower cutting garden:

• Nerine, tulips, peonies, safflowers and salvia bloom from May through July.
• July to September: Sunflowers, Zinnia, Cosmos, Rudbeckia, Dahlias, Stock, Asters, Statice, Amaranthus

Is There a Shelf Life for Cut Flowers?

A variety of factors, including species and quality, influence how long cut flowers last after being removed from their stems. Fresh cut flowers from your garden can go immediately into a vase, preserving optimum freshness. Cut flowers from the grocery store or a flower delivery service may be fresh, or they may have languished in a warehouse for days.

Consider chrysanthemums, carnations, alstroemeria, lis, hydrangeas, and clematis if you want long-lasting flowers. This bouquet should last for at least ten days when placed in fresh water. Chrysanthemums have been known to endure upwards of four weeks, which causes some florists to consider them the greatest flower for indoor vases. Other flower species like lilacs, daisies, and peonies survive a substantially shorter time—usually three to seven days, depending on the type.

Plucking Flowers Is Better Than Cutting Them Is it?

The vase life of your fresh garden flowers can be extended by cutting them instead of plucking them when you bring them inside. When you cut a flower at a 45-degree angle using clean garden shears, you offer a vast surface area for the stem to absorb water in a vase. The flower’s surface area is reduced when it is picked.

Cut flowers in the morning or evening when the blossom holds optimum moisture. If you cut your flowers at noon, they will have a shorter vase life because the air is drier. Then immediately put your fresh flowers from the garden in warm water until you’re ready to place them in a floral arrangement.

The longer you keep your cut flower arrangements, the more enjoyment you’ll have from them. What advice do you have to offer? Share it with us in the space provided!

Are you unsure if you’re allowed to bring enamel pins on a plane? Are they considered a banned item?

In this post, we’ll clear up any confusion and provide a comprehensive list of what is and isn’t allowed in your carry-on bag.

We’ll also give you some tips on how to pack your enamel pins so they arrive safely at their destination. Let’s get started!

Can You Bring Enamel Pins on Plane

The short answer to this question is yes, you can bring enamel pins on a plane. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• First, enamel pins must be placed in your carry-on bag, as they are considered to be small metal objects.
• Second, it is important to make sure that the pins are securely fastened to your clothing or bag so that they do not pose a threat to other passengers.
• Finally, be prepared to remove the pins during security screenings.

With these guidelines in mind, you can safely travel with your favorite enamel pins.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Pins You can Bring on Plane

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a list of items that are prohibited from being carried on an airplane.

This includes items that could be used as weapons, such as knives, as well as items that could be used to start a fire, such as lighters.

However, there are no restrictions on the type of pins that you can bring on a plane. You can bring metal pins, plastic pins, and even novelty pins.

As long as the pins do not have sharp points or blades, they will be allowed through security.

So whether you’re looking to show your support for your favorite sports team or simply want to express your style, feel free to bring along a few pins when you travel by plane.

Just make sure to pack them in your carry-on bag so they don’t get lost during the flight.

Things that are Not Permitted to Bring on Planes

The TSA has a list of items that are not permitted on airplanes, and for good reason. Most of these items are either dangerous or potentially disruptive.

• For instance, firearms and other weapons are not allowed on planes, as they could be used to harm passengers or crew members.
• Similarly, self-defense items such as pepper spray are also forbidden, as they could be used to cause chaos during a flight.
• Other items on the list include flammable liquids, corrosives, and toxins. These substances could pose a fire or health hazard if they were brought on a plane. Finally, the TSA also prohibits any item that could be used as a weapon, such as blunt instruments, clubs, or batons.

All of these items are banned for the safety of passengers and crew members.

How to Pack Your Pins for a Flight

Packing your pins for a flight can be a bit of a challenge. You want to make sure that you have everything you need, but you also don’t want to overpack. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

• First, consider what type of pins you will be taking with you. If you plan on doing any sightseeing, then you will need to pack pins that can be easily removed and put back on.
• Second, take into account the size of your pins. Smaller pins can be easily lost, so it is best to pack them in a secure container.
• Finally, make sure to pack your pins in a way that they will not be damaged during transit. Padding them with soft materials such as tissue paper or bubble wrap will help to keep them safe.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your pins arrive at your destination safe and sound.

What to Do If Your Pins are Confiscated By Airport Security

There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling you get when your pins are confiscated by airport security. But don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to try and get your pins back.

• First, ask nicely. Often, security guards are just doing their job and may be willing to return your pins if you explain that they’re important to you.
• If that doesn’t work, try asking to speak to a supervisor. They may be more understanding of your situation and be able to help you out.
• If all else fails, you can always write to the airline and complain about the situation.

Hopefully, they’ll be able to locate your pins and send them back to you. But even if they can’t, at least you’ll have made your voice heard!

A few tips on buying enamel pins online

If you’re looking to start your own collection, or simply want to find the perfect pin to express your personality, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping online.

• First, take some time to research the different types of enamel pins available. There are many different styles and materials to choose from, so it’s important to find something that fits your taste.
• Second, consider the size and shape of the pin you’re interested in. Some pins are small and delicate, while others are large and bold. There is no right or wrong answer here, but it’s important to pick a size that is comfortable for you to wear.
• Lastly, pay attention to the shipping costs when ordering enamel pins online. Many sites offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, so be sure to take advantage of this if you can.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to find the perfect enamel pin for you.

Wrap Up

We hope that this article has helped you to understand the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) rules and regulations for enamel pins.

It is important to be aware of these rules in order to avoid any issues when traveling. For more information on what you are allowed to bring onto a plane, please visit the TSA website or contact them directly. Have a safe trip!

When it comes to selecting landscape plantings, this is very challenging. People who are interested in changing their garden borders or even new homeowners, have so many available options when it comes to selecting plants for their home. Those who live in frost free areas are able to enjoy very colorful plants all throughout the year, whereas those who live in cold areas have to find more inventive ways to make their gardens and yards look more attractive in the winter. One option is to use evergreen trees, plants or shrubs from The Tree Centre. However, what are evergreen plants?

All About Evergreen Plants

Evergreen plants are essentially trees, plants and shrubs that always remain green or colorful even in the cold weather. These plants don’t drop their leaves in the winter. Evergreen trees are not like deciduous trees, meaning that they don’t get rid of their leaves and remain colorful. Typical evergreen tree types include fir trees, native cedar trees etc. Additionally, there are lots of broadleaf evergreen trees besides conifers.

If you want to have color in your garden throughout the year, you’re not only limited to trees. There are lots of perennial shrubs and plants that grow low and are evergreen as well. Now it depends on how hardy the plant is, but you can even enjoy flowers even during the winter and cold times of each year. One type of evergreen plants that can survive in even the coldest winter are evergreen ferns. Gardeners who are interested in having year round plants and buffers in their landscaping find ever green plants quite useful. If you want to have a lot of privacy around your home, then evergreen trees are the most suitable since they not only provide privacy but also block the cold wind in the winter.

Taking care of evergreen plants is quite simple. They don’t need much care except for fertilization and well drained growing areas in your garden. However, before you plant any type of plant, you should always do research on the needs of each plant and what they require to grow. This also applies to evergreen plants since conditions such as the dry cold, high winds, extremely low temperatures, snow, wind and even strong sun can cause a lot of damage to these plants, especially if they are in a particularly vulnerable stage of growth.