I have always been surrounded by flowers. Whether it be at my grandparents house or even at my family home. Flowers have always been centre stage from everyday life to parties and special events. My mother and grandmother have taught me everything they knew about flowers. So i’m here to share some of my knowledge on the topic, welcome to flowers 101.    

What flowers are the best for the home?

The great thing about flowers is that they’ll work just about anywhere you put them as long as you take care of them. You can have fresh cut flowers, succulents or even dried flowers, it’s really up to you and your style. Flowers have the power to instantly brighten up your space and fill it with fragrance. 

Best places to buy flowers?

There are many places to buy flowers,  your local supermarket, florist or even the markets. For me, I usually go to the florist or the markets as I can ask questions and learn more about what I’m buying. When I’m out shopping for flowers I always look for freshly-picked flowers. Flowers that have closed buds or with heads are still firm are also a good choice. Another key thing to look for is the condition and colour of the leaves. 

Are there any flowers that wont affect my allergies?

Yes, there are flowers that won’t affect your allergies. My brother suffers from hay fever and is easily irritated by pollen. With a house like ours that is full of flowers it was a struggle. But we’ve found some allergy friendly choices. These include: 

• Begonia 
• Clematis
• Daffodil
• Hydrangea (my grandmother’s favourite) 
• Orchids (my mother’s favourite)
• Roses
• Tulips

How do I cut flowers properly? 

The best way to cut flowers is with pruning scissors, you should always cut on an angle. If you don’t have pruning scissors, normal ones will work. Never break the stems, always cut them. Depending on the flower type you should always cut the stem as long as you can, this helps them stand and this also gives them height, they also last longer.

How do I keep my flowers looking fresh?

This is a common question that many people have, My mother always said that to best keep flowers looking fresh you should:

• Trim stems on an angle daily (this is important as is gives the flowers a clean entry point for them to drink)
• Refresh and change their water regularly
• Add fresh water to a clean vase, (some flowers need more water than others, so keep an eye on them)
• You can also add a little spoon of sugar added to the water (this helps nourish the flowers and can promote opening of the flowers)
• You can also add a little spoon of white vinegar (this helps bacteria grow that keeps your flowers fresher for longer)
• If your flowers have large leaves wipe them down with cold water

Where you should put them for the best bloom? 

You can place your flowers anywhere in your house. It’s really up to you, just as long as you give them space to breath. But to Ensure that your flowers last longer you should place them away from direct sunlight and windows, as the sun will cause the flowers to wilt and impact their longevity. 

How do you choose what to bunch together? Are some not compatible with others?

Everyone has their own style, there is no wrong or right when it comes to flower arrangements. Luckily most flowers will work together, especially those with green leaves. One thing my Grandmother taught me is that you shouldn’t mix dried flowers with fresh ones, as dried flowers won’t last if you wet them. 

How do I arrange my flowers?

1. First select your flowers, a good choice would be roses and orchids as they’re available all year-round. But it’s really up to you.

2. Choose your vase based on the type of flowers you plan to use and the size and style of arrangement you want to create.

3. For the best look mix colours, varieties and different heights. Don’t forget to add greenery for texture and colour.

4. Cut the stems at an angle about an inch from the bottom (depending on the vase you might need to cut them shorter). Always remove any leaves that sit below the water level.

5. Add the large flowers first, my mother says working in a circle and turning the vase helps you make sure the arrangement is symmetrical.

6. Next you should add the other flowers, creating different layers is important and make the arrangement look more professional. Repeat until all flowers have been added.

7. My grandmother likes to finish the arrangement by adding more greenery and sometimes some ribbon. 

How can I preserve my flowers?

There are two ways to preserve flowers. You can dry them or press them. Both are effective at preserving flowers, so it’s just preference really. 

To press flowers you’ll need to:

• Cut any excess (this could be stems or leaves)
• Softly pat the flowers dry with a clean cloth (i use tissue paper but you can use any absorbent cloth)
• Cover both sides of the flower with another cloth, before placing it into a book (an old heavy book works well) or a flower press machine
• Once you have placed it into the book or press just leave it for a week then check
• Make sure you replace the cloth, Allow two to three weeks for complete drying Then enjoy

To dry flowers you’ll need to:

• To let the flowers open or bloom to your liking
• Then clean the flower with a cloth and remove leaves from the stem
• Once you have your bunch of flowers, tie them with a string or ribbon near then end of the stem
• Then tie them and let them hang upside down (i was taught a dark dark place work best)
• Leave them like that for about 3 weeks, some flowers take longer. Roses usually take 3 and a half weeks so just keep an eye on them

Now that you’ve graduated flowers 101. Don’t be shy to dive head first into the world of flowers. Follow these tips and tricks and you’ll have the best flowers that instantly brighten up your space and lift your mood.