Summer is in full swing, and the cutting flowers in the garden are at their best. We can now often pick armfuls of flowers and create beautiful bouquets. But how do you start such a bouquet? Are there things you should keep in mind, and how do you ensure your bouquet lasts long in a vase? We share all our tips in this blog post.
Picking flowers in the garden
A good bouquet begins in the garden. Pick early in the morning or late in the evening, as it's still cool outside. If you pick during the day when it's very hot, like in full sun, flowers lose moisture very quickly. They wilt faster and don't last as long in a vase. Also, don't use a blunt kitchen scissors, but opt for a sharp and clean knife or a flower scissors. The cut will be much neater, allowing the flowers to absorb water longer and better. Pick when the flowers are just not fully open. At that moment, their vase life is the longest.
Take a bucket of water and let the flowers rest in a cool place. This allows any small insects to escape from the flowers and lets them soak up plenty of water. Only then can you start arranging your bouquet.
What types of flowers do you need to create a successful bouquet?
The most important flowers in your bouquet are the focal flowers. When you first glance at a bouquet, your attention is drawn to a larger, more prominent type. Think of dahlias, large zinnias, or even sunflowers. They set the main colors in the bouquet and impart a certain style.
The structural plants add height, volume, and body to a bouquet. Consider airy cosmos, sprigs of blackberry, or delicate ornamental thistles. These plants keep your bouquet visually intriguing with their varied shapes and structures.
Finally, make use of fillers. Fillers create harmony in your bouquet and ensure everything becomes one cohesive whole. Think of baby's breath, yarrow, or wild carrot.
Learn more through our videos
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In this video, Angelo shares his tips for successfully picking flowers. What should you keep in mind, and how do the flowers stay vibrant in a vase for a long time?
How do flowers last long in a vase?
Once you've picked the flowers, you can start arranging them in a vase. But how do you ensure your bouquet stays beautiful and fresh for the longest time?
Start with a clean vase. Make sure no residue or dirty water is left from the previous bouquet. Refresh the water regularly, preferably every two or three days. The flowers will noticeably last longer.
Ensure the stems have clean cuts and always cut the stems at an angle: this allows them to absorb water better. Always use sharp pruning shears or a knife. Using a dull knife or shears will crush the stems, reducing their ability to take up water.
Make sure no leaves are submerged in water. Remove every leaf from the stem to keep the stems neat. Use the leaves as mulch in the garden or toss them on the compost heap. When leaves are left underwater, the water will become cloudy and dirty much faster. An added bonus is that your bouquet will look tidier in the vase.
Ensure the flowers have space in the vase. If you combine too many stems in a vase, they will mold and spoil more quickly.
As beautiful as it may be, don't place your bouquet in full sun. Give them a cool spot, preferably a bit in the shade. The full sun will cause your flowers to lose moisture too quickly, making the bouquet wither faster.
Alternatives to a vase
Not in the mood for a classic bouquet in a vase, but still want to experiment with flowers at home? Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to try.
Use a flower frog or kenzan. With this Japanese tool, you can arrange flowers upright in a dish or vase, allowing you to create playful constructions. Unlike traditional floral foam, it can be reused endlessly, making it a true asset in the garden.
The sheaf method does require some skill. However, if you want the beautiful effect but have no idea where to start, use a Hanataba. With this bouquet maker, you arrange the flowers in the tool and give it a twist. In no time, you'll have a beautifully arranged bouquet. You can place it in a vase, but it also looks stunning in a low dish.
Make use of dried flowers. In the summer months, we can use an endless array of fresh flowers, but even in winter, you can get creative with blooms. Create a floral wreath with dried flowers or dive into crafting a classic bouquet; the possibilities are endless.
