BY ELLEN WHYTE
DO you adore delicate orchids, cheerful asters and scented sprigs of jasmine? Make the best of your blooms with the help of these handy tips that will help to extend their beauty.
Keep stems moist. If you're buying flowers and have to do some shopping before you go home, the heat in your car can dehydrate delicate blooms. Ask the florist to wrap the stems in wet cotton wool and cover with a wet cotton wool and cover with a bit of tin foil. If you're at a market, buy a bottle of water and wedge your flowers into it.
Cut the tips. Stems absorb water better if they are freshly cut. Cut an inch off the base with a sharp knife. Generally speaking, slicing sideways is better than a straight cut. If you're close to home and in a proper shop, get the staff to do it. If not, do it when you get home. Cutting stems and leaving flowers for hours is counterproductive.
Buy some floral preservatives. Available at gardening centres and upmarket supermarkets, these chemicals help extend the life of your flowers. Don't overuse them as a little often goes a long way.
