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Vase Arrangements

• Immediately remove all wrapping and packaging. Top up the water in the vase to within 1” of the top of the vase.
• Remove any petals that may have been damaged in transit.
• Place your arrangement in a temperate location, away from direct sunlight and electrical appliances. Avoid particularly humid or drafty areas.
• Do not place near a fruit bowl as ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas which will significantly reduce the life of your flowers.

Extending the Life of Your Arrangement

• Spray a fine mist of water on leaves and blossoms during hot-weather periods.
• Place your arrangement in a temperate location, away from direct sunlight and electrical appliances. Avoid particularly humid or drafty areas.
• Do not place near a fruit bowl as ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas which will significantly reduce the life of your flowers.

Handtied Bouquets

• Remove any water vials or packaging which may have been shipped with your flowers. These provide only a temporary water source during delivery. However, do not remove floral wires which may have been attached to individual flower stems. These provide helpful support for some flowers.
• Most of our bouquets are created as a European Handtie, this means they are vase ready. All the recipient needs to do is leave the elastic band on that is binding the stems together and follow the steps below before placing in water.
• Remove any leaves which will be below water, being careful not to scrape or cut through the stems. Air may enter stems at such injuries, blocking water uptake.  Leaves left under water will cause bacteria to develop and will significantly shorten the life of your flowers.
• Prepare a deep vase or other container with an ample supply of cool water. Avoid water from a water softener. Be sure to use a clean container, and, for best results, include floral preservative, if provided. Mix the preservative with room temperature water, in the proportion recommended on the package. Floral         preservative provides sugars, balances pH, and limits bacterial growth.
• Cut about one inch diagonally off the end with a sharp knife or shears. Place the flowers in your container before the stems dry off.
• Do not place near a fruit bowl as ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas which will significantly reduce the life of your flowers.

Extending the Life of Your Bouquet

• Spray a fine mist on leaves and blossoms during hot-weather periods.
• Place your arrangement in a temperate location, away from direct sunlight and electrical appliances. Avoid particularly humid or drafty areas.
• Do not place near a fruit bowl as ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas which will significantly reduce the life of your flowers.

Rose Information and Care Tips

Origin & History

Fossil evidence shows that roses have existed since prehistoric times. The first cultivated roses appeared in Asian gardens more than 5,000 years ago. Roses were introduced to Europe during the Roman Empire, where they were mainly used for ornamental purposes. Cleopatra is said to have scattered rose petals before Mark Anthony's feet; Nero released roses from the ceiling during extravagant feasts and banquets.

Sentiment & Symbolism

Roses, it is said, blushed with shame as God expelled Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. According to Roman legend, a number of suitors were keen on marrying a beautiful woman named Rodanthe, but she did not care for any of them. Despite her ambivalence, the suitors continued to woo Rodanthe so zealously that they broke through the doors of her home. Angered by their actions and wanting to teach the suitors a lesson, the goddess Diana turned Rodanthe into a rose, and her suitors into thorns.

The rose is the flower emblem of England. According to English superstition, if the petals fall from a fresh-cut red rose, bad luck will soon follow. The red rose is the badge of the House of Lancaster and the flower of Eros and Cupid. In Wales, the white rose represents innocence and silence, and is thus placed on the grave of a young child. To Native Americans, the white rose symbolizes security and happiness, and is often worn during wedding ceremonies. The white rose is the badge of the House of York and the flower of the Virgin Mary.

Colour Messages

• Red roses of any hue say "I love you"
• White roses signify spiritual love and purity
• Yellow roses signify joy and gladness
• Coral roses imply desire
• Orange say "I am fascinated and enthusiastic."
• Lavender roses mean love at first sight
• Pink roses imply grace, gentility and admiration

Rose Care and Tips

• Remove any water vials which may have been shipped with your roses. These provide only a temporary water source during delivery. However, do not remove floral wires which may have been attached to individual rose stems. These provide helpful support for some roses.
• Remove any leaves which will be below water, being careful not to scrape or cut through the green bark of the stems. Air may enter stems at such injuries, blocking water uptake.Leaves left under water will cause bacteria to develop and will significantly shorten the life of your roses.
• Prepare a deep vase or other container with an ample supply of lukewarm water. Avoid water from a water softener. Be sure to use a clean container and for best results include floral preservative, if provided. Mix the preservative with room temperature water, in the proportion recommended on the package. Floral preservative provides sugars, balances pH and limits bacterial growth.
• Cut about one inch diagonally off the end with a sharp knife or shears. Place the roses in your container before the stems dry off.
• Gently remove any outermost petals which may have been bruised during shipping. Removing a few petals will not damage a blossom and will often help it open more fully.
• Display your roses in a cool location, out of direct sunlight or drafts, and away from electrical appliances (for safety and to avoid heat.) Then, check your arrangement daily to make sure it has plenty of clear, fresh water. If the water appears dirty after a couple of days, replace it completely.
• If some roses should start to droop their heads prematurely, it may be due to air trapped in the stems. Re-cut the stems as described above. In many cases, the roses will revive and harden within about an hour, ready to be returned to your arrangement.
• Avoid keeping your roses near fresh fruit.  Ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas which will significantly reduce the life of your roses.
• If your roses remain tight and are not blooming, re-cut them as described above and place them into hot (not boiling) water.  You may also place a paper or plastic bag over the roses for an hour or two to encourage the roses to bloom.
• Many varieties of roses now bloom very quickly but will stay open anywhere from 5 to 10 days.

Plant Care Tips

• Don't underestimate the value of the right amount of light for plants. Although a plant may not show the effect of too little light right away, in time decline is unavoidable.
• Most plants, with the exception of cacti, like lots of humidity. To raise humidity around plants, put them on a tray of wet gravel. Put enough gravel in the tray so the pots won't sit directly in water.
• As flowers fade on blooming plants, clip them off to direct the plant's energy toward growth and flower production.
• Often, heat or dry conditions can cause plant foliage tips to turn brown and dry out. If this occurs, use scissors to cut off the browned tips at an angle. Remove the plant from the heat source and water as needed.
• If your plant has a pest problem, it's best in terms of effectiveness and safety to contain the pesticide. Putting
  plastic around your plant takes care of both concerns. After several days, remove the plastic.

Plant Beauty Tips

• To keep houseplants shapely, give their pots a quarter turn every time you water.
• For a curvaceous plant, prune off any wayward or misshapen stems.
• Large, smooth-leaved plants frequently collect dust. Wash or wipe away dust to keep the plant attractive and to keep it photosynthesizing at its best!
• Hairy-leaved plants such as African violets also collect dust. Because moistening the leaves can cause unsightly spots, remove dust with a small paintbrush or by blowing it away.
• To maximize the aesthetic appeal of your plants, try matching plant to pot. Long, lean leaves look great in a slim pot, whereas wild, untamed plants really shine in a more generous pot. Also be sure to consider plant placement before choosing a pot. Sleek textures are classy for inside, while roughly textured, sturdy choices work well outside.