Flower Power - Learn How to Make a Pretty Bouquet

A fresh bouquet of flowers makes for a beautiful gift. They also beautify any room. So what's the secret to creating a perfect one? Here's a few tips...

* Select fresh flowers. You'll know they're in prime condition if their leaves and petals have no blemishes.

* Remove any leaves that fall below the waterline of the container. By doing this, you avoid contaminating the water.

* While holding them under running water, cut the stems at an angle. Then, place them immediately in water. It's best to do this in the morning.

* When handling coarse, heavy stems, split them with a sharp knife before placing them in water. This procedure will help them drink up the water easily. An alternative to splitting the stems is to pound them at the base with a wooden spoon.

* Change the water in container holding your flower's daily. And for a longer life, add one of the following to the water:
~1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice with a teaspoon of sugar
~ several dissolved (in water) aspirins
~ liquid bleach (a tablespoon)

* Keep your flowers out of direct sunlight and heat in order to help them last longer.

* Take the anthers off of lilies to avoid staining clothes, carpeting and walls.

* For flowers too short for a vase, place stems in plastic drinking straws and then arrange.

* If the vase or flower container is too deep, fill it with marbles or stones prior to adding water or the flowers.

* Use plastic hair rollers to arrange flowers. They will hold them up. Be sure to use this technique in a vase that is not see-through.

* For slightly wilted flowers, snip off an inch on the ends and then stand them in hot water for about 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, put them back into the vase. Be sure the water in it is clean and cool.

* Before adding water, be sure that floral foam is saturated with water.

* Make sure to arrange your flowers first in the vase. Then, add accents like smaller blossoms and/or greenery.

* Almost anything can go for a vase. Try one of the following: Candle holders, coffeepots, teapots, milk bottles, paper cups, metal containers and large glasses.