So how many of you out there feel the same way I do? I just don't like artificial flowers. Sometimes I see silk flowers that look so real I have to go over and touch them. Then I am even more pissed off when I discover they are little imposters.
Even if the fresh flowers don't smell all that perfumey, they do smell fresh. They have an outdoorsy, grassy quality to them I really like. I was at an Atlanta hotel recently and they have chosen to fill their vases with stems and branches of green leaves - no flowers, just leaves. It was breathtaking. All of the subtle variations in spring green were on display. What an excellent idea and perfect for anyone who doesn't have flowering plants, but wants some woodsy beauty in their home.
But for you purists out there, here is some information about the lifespan of cut flowers. Remember, keep it fresh!
1. The lifespan of the blossoms also related to the type of plant that you choose. Some just perform better as arrangement flowers than others. Four to seven days is about the average. 2. With good conditions, and the right flowers you can count on a beautiful bouquet for as long as three weeks. Carnations, if cut right after they open are always surprisingly longlived. 3. Here is a brief list of average life spans for these cut flowers: one week : dahlia, delphinium, gerber daisy, iris; ten days : gladiolus, liatris, statice; over ten days: babies’ breath, carnations, Shasta daisy, strawflowers. 4. Some flowers brown when handled. Gardenias are notorious for this. Washing your hands before touching them will help, Lemon juice on the blossoms will also keep them from browning. 5. Cut flowers and fruit do not make good vase-fellows. Ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas which will cause your flowers to wilt early. Carnations and lilies are especially sensitive.
