9 years ago

7 Easy Steps to Arranging Flowers

By: Susan Bachman West, Bachman’s executive director of perishable operations

Putting a bundle of fresh flowers in a vase seems easy, and is, if you simply unwrap them and drop them in a vase. But there are a few keys tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of your blooms (longer life) and present them in a more balanced, artistic way.

Now’s a great time to try your hand at DIY arranging because winter homes can definitely benefit from some rejuvenating flowers!

Here’s your flower arranging 101:

  1. Carefully cut the plastic sleeve away from the stems after you purchase the flowers so you don’t damage the petals.
  1. Fill a vase with lukewarm water. Water molecules travel faster in warm water, meaning they will move up the stems quicker to provide necessary nourishment.
  1. Add floral preservatives (a.k.a. floral food), which come with every flower order or can be found next to your store’s Bachman’s floral displays. Each pack contains valuable carbohydrates and sugar (for nutrition), bleach (to cut down on the bacteria), and citric acid (acidifies the water and helps stems accept water quicker).
  1. Remove any foliage from the floral stems that would be submerged in the water to prevent bacteria from growing.
  1. Cut the end of the floral stems under water at a 45-degree angle using a floral sheers, clipper or knife so the vascular system of the stem isn’t crushed. Ultimately, they should reach about one-and-a-half times taller than the vase to keep things proportionate.
  1. Insert your freshly cut stems into the vase. The only stem that should stand vertical is the center one. All of the other stems can be placed at an angle, crisscrossing in the vase.
  1. Sit back and admire your handiwork!

And if you’re a more visual person, watch this short video to see these steps in action.

Find lots of fresh cuts from Bachman’s at all Lunds and Byerly’s locations.