Guest blog: Get your blooming money’s worth

We are all watching our pennies with the economy as it is. That doesn’t mean we don’t want to spoil our loved ones on special days like Mothers’ Day but it does mean that we want to get value for the money we spend and that others spend on us.

Alejandro Uribe is the founder of  Blossom and Twigs, the online florist that aims to provide luxurious bouquets at an affordable price. Whether you are doing the buying or are receiving, Alejandro has some clever tips to make sure you get your money’s worth from your bouquet.

1. Know your bargain blooms:

The natural life span of a flower varies, depending on its genetics. Making sure they are still very fresh when they are delivered is important. Choose foliage that lasts longer and add a few striking flowers which will give you a great look, yet better value for your money.

• Flowers that last – Snap up Alstroemerias, Lillies, Gerberas, Spider Mums Stars of Bethlehem and foliage, which tend to last longer.  Some varieties of roses have a longer life than others; an experienced florist will be able to advise you.

• Use fillers – Use greenery which has a longer life such as Salal tips, Bear Grass and twigs; these will cost less than flowers, but will compliment and enhance the colours of the flowers you do include.

• Stay away from cheap retailers – Some retailers source their flowers from cheaper origins and keep their flowers for a long time on their premises.  For longer lasting flowers spend a few extra pennies and get your money’s worth.

2. Look after the Poenies and the pounds look after themselves

If you care for your flowers properly, they will last up to twice as long – so you get double for your money. Alejandro’s dos and don’ts will help you out:

• DO feed your flowers –Your bouquet will include a sachet with flower food – use it and your flowers will last longer.
• DO cut your stems diagonally – This will allow them to absorb water so they don’t die straight away
• DO make sure your vase is absolutely clean and change the water regularly.  Dirty water carries bacteria that make your flowers wilt.
• DON’T let them get too hot – Never put them next to the radiator or in direct sunlight or they will get dehydrated and die sooner.  If the water gets too hot this will also accelerate stem rot.
• DON’T let your flowers get fruity – Ripening fruit will send out scents called ethylene, which signal to the flower to ripen as well! This will mean they reach their peak and die sooner.

3. Recycle your Roses

Some flowers such as roses are just too lovely to throw away. Don’t throw them away! There are lots of things you can do with your flowers when they stop looking great in a vase…

• Press them – And use them in pictures or on cards.
• Dry them – By hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place. Then you can make potpourii by putting them in a bowl and adding cinnamon and dried orange peel. Hibiscus, Violets, Sunflowers, and Lavender are also great in potpourii.
• Use the petals – Sprinkle them on the table for a romantic meal, or why not go back to tradition and send a letter with rose petals to a loved one?
• Make perfume – For this you will need to use the flowers before they are actually dried out (so when they start looking limp and petals are falling off the head). You boil them up with water for a couple of hours and you will have traditional rose water perfume.
• Make jam– Use the recipe as for perfume but add one unit sugar for every two units rosewater, add some shredded rose leaves and voila: you will have a delicious jam for your scone.

So now you know what flowers to buy, where to buy them, how to make them last and what to do with them after they die. If that is not money’s worth enough for you, Blossom & Twigs are offering a special offer to FMWF readers: a complimentary stylish vase (valid until Sunday 14 March). To claim your gift, visit www.blossomandtwigs.com and quote the voucher FMVASE at the checkout.

Happy Blooming Mothers’ Day!

Posted by Vicki Owen on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 1:23 pm.

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