How To Keep Corsages and Boutonnieres Fresh Using a Hydration Chamber

Your boutonniere or corsage deserves to look as vibrant as possible for your special event. To ensure that your wearable flowers remain fresh and beautiful until you’re ready to wear them, using a ‘hydration chamber’ is key. This technique maintains hydration without a direct water source, making it ideal for preparing flowers in advance or for long-distance travel.

Hydration Chamber: Keeping Flowers Hydrated Without a Water Source

1. Prepare Your Flowers:

Start by spraying your flowers with Crowning Glory, a floral spray that locks in moisture once it dries. If Crowning Glory isn’t available, you can use water. It’s recommended to let the spray or water dry completely before proceeding. This ensures that the flowers are not overly wet, which could potentially harm them in storage.

2. Set Up the Hydration Chamber:

Grab a few paper towels, soak them in water, and then squeeze out the excess. Fold the damp paper towels to fit the size of your container. Place a layer of these paper towels at the bottom of your container. Next, arrange your flowers on top of this layer. Add another layer of damp paper towels over the flowers to create a humid environment.

3. Seal and Store:

Close the container securely and place it inside a resealable plastic bag or use a Tupperware container instead of a separate bag. For short-term storage, keep this setup in a cool room, ideally below 61F. If you’re storing the flowers for 1-2 days or more, place the container in the fridge. Make sure the fridge is above 34F or the flowers might get burned, also, no fruits or veggies near them. Make sure to use the vegetable drawer but remove any vegetables, as they can emit gases that might harm the flowers.

Keep this setup in a cool room, ideally below 61F or in a fridge above 34F

Important Note:

This hydration technique works best for hardy flowers like calla lilies, roses, and other similar blooms. Unfortunately, it may not be effective for all flower types. For example, hydrangeas tend to wilt quickly if they’re without water for more than 2 hours. They require constant hydration and may not fare well in a hydration chamber.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your boutonnières and corsages remain fresh and stunning for your special day. Have you tried this method before? Let us know how it worked for you!

How to Remove Lily Pollen Without Staining the Petals

Lily pollen can be both beautiful and challenging to handle, especially if you want to avoid stains on your petals and surroundings. Here’s a florist-approved method to keep your lilies looking perfect.

1. Remove the Anthers

One crucial step is to remove the anthers from the lily. Anthers are where the pollen is produced, and removing them not only helps prevent stains but also contributes to the longevity of the flowers. Florists often do this to ensure that the flowers last longer and don’t stain your house or the other flowers in the arrangement. At Tognoli Florist, we always remove anthers from open lilies before designing your arrangements to maintain their beauty and prevent any mess.

2. Use a Chenille Pipe Cleaner

For effective pollen removal, use a chenille pipe cleaner. This soft, fuzzy tool is perfect for gently lifting pollen off the delicate petals. Carefully wipe the pollen-covered areas with the pipe cleaner without applying too much pressure. This method helps keep your lilies looking fresh and vibrant, without leaving any residue or causing damage. Note that for this technique to work, the pollen needs to be fresh. If the pollen has been crushed into the petal or fabric, or if you press too hard, it might stain deeper and become more difficult to remove.

3. Extend the Technique to Fabrics

Interestingly, the chenille pipe cleaner technique also works on fabrics. If you find pollen on your clothes or tablecloths, gently wipe the affected areas with the pipe cleaner to remove the pollen. Be cautious not to press too hard, as this could push the pollen deeper into the fabric.

Following these steps will help you keep your lilies pristine and your space clean. Have you tried this method? Share your experiences or additional tips for handling lily pollen with us!

How To Keep Your Wrapped Bouquet Fresh

Unveiling the Secrets to Long-Lasting Beauty: Tips for Your Wrapped Bouquet or Ramo Buchon

Have you ever experienced the fleeting joy of receiving a stunning floral arrangement, only to see it fade away too soon? Well, fear not! As your trusted local florist, we've gathered lots of helpful tips and tricks over the years to ensure your cut flowers and wrapped bouquets stand the test of time.

Caring for flowers is simpler than you think—just keep an eye on the water level and maintain an optimal room temperature, and you're well on your way to victory!

Unwrapping the Beauty: Steps for Your Wrapped Bouquet's Extended Lifespan

Removing the Wrapping:

Whether you decide to remove or leave the wrapping on, make sure all stems are submerged in water. Wrapped bouquets are often designed with pretty, waterproof paper as part of the overall look. You can leave the wrapping on if there are no shorter stems, all stems are underwater, and the paper is indeed waterproof. Keep in mind that if any stems are not submerged, they won't drink water and may wilt quickly. Ensure all stems are the same length and properly submerged to keep your bouquet fresh.

Choosing the Perfect Vase:

Select your favorite vase and fill it with water, adding flower food as directed on the package. A tip for choosing the right vase is to keep in mind the height of the tallest flower. If the arrangement is too tall and you place it in a short vase, the weight of the flowers might tip it over. Try to find a vase that is at least half the length of the tallest flower. You can always trim the stems shorter if you don't have a big vase handy. For example, if you have 100 roses, they'll be heavy! So you will need a wider and heavier vase. If you don't have a vase that is big enough, a good idea is to place it in a bucket or add rocks inside a short vase, giving it more stability. Make sure to rinse the rocks or bucket first so they don't get your water cloudy and dirty faster.

Trimming and Placing the Bouquet In Water:

Trim each stem by 1/4 inch, remove excess foliage (so none will be underwater), and place the arrangement in the vase. For bouquets that have endured a lack of water during delivery, this step revitalizes the stems.

Nurturing Your Blooms: Tips for Cut Flowers and Wrapped Bouquets

1. Shade and Stillness: Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and drafts, as cut flowers lack roots to absorb nutrients and prefer cool, dark environments.

2. Cooler Climates: Maintain a cool room for your arrangement, mimicking the conditions of a floral cooler to extend the flowers' lifespan.

3. Refresh Regularly: Change the water every 2 to 3 days or when it becomes cloudy, dissolving flower food per package guidelines to prevent bacterial growth. Click here for a video on how to change your floral arrangement's water.

4. Prune Wisely: Remove wilted flowers or decaying petals every few days to prevent the spread of bacteria to healthy flowers and foliage.

5. Strategic Placement: Avoid proximity to electronic devices and food, as heat and ethylene gas can hasten flower maturation and deterioration.

Embracing the Beauty: Final Thoughts on Cut Flowers and Wrapped Bouquets

In conclusion, enjoy the beauty of cut flowers without worry. Transform your space into a cozy haven with a few simple care steps: keep them cool, shielded from drafts, and ensure a fresh water supply.

Share your own tips and tricks in the comments below—let's celebrate the enduring beauty of wrapped bouquets together!