Bountiful Blooms

Just this week I was at Woolies for what seemed like the hundredth time, they had a great deal on dishwasher tablets. They also had half of their flowers marked down, say what! I skipped past the big bunches as they still cost a lobster, past the sad brown ones, and of course the full priced blooms; just when I was losing hope I came across the beautiful daffs, $2.50 per dozen. BARGAIN. I even had the correct change so it seemed like it was meant to be.

I don't buy flowers very often, it is so rare that my sister Claire gave me a vase last Christmas and I only just had something to put in it. For shame. Once the garden is back under control I will plant lots of flowers so I can cut my own.

Now I really want to get good value out of my flowers, how do you make them last? There are a few wives tales, most involve adding something to the water, panadol, sugar even vodka! I prefer my vodka with ice so I use the little sachet that comes with the flowers and then when I change the water I add a teaspoon of sugar.

To keep your flowers looking fresh keep them out of the heat and direct sunlight. When you get them home trim off about 3cm off the stem at a decent angle. I change my water on alternate days, it keeps the flowers fresh, they last a little bit longer and you don't get the dreaded vase water, gag!