Got Flowers? Keep the Love Alive

Keeping the love and flowers alive long after the holiday has passed is a bit of a challenge, but it is possible. From drying, separating and re-planting, you can make memories from your gifts of love.  

For roses: Once the blooms begin to fade, dump out the water and put the flowers back in the vase (you can also tie them and hang them upside down.) Either way, this allows them to dry without being crushed. You can do this with the babies breath that often accompanies a flower arrangement, too. If your more into the saving just the petals, carefully separate the petals from the stem and place them on a paper plate to dry. After a few weeks, you can use the dried whole flowers, in crafts, or displays. Personally,I like to put the petals in a see through jar or vase for decoration. For more ideas on drying roses, visit this website.

For plant arrangements:  These often have five or six plants crammed into one arrangement. To allow the plants to flourish, carefully remove the entire arrangement from the pot it is in. Then pull apart each of the little plants and re-pot them separate planters. These type of plants are usually easy to care for varieties and grow quickly when they have their own space. Now instead of one arrangement, you have a room full of plants to enjoy!

For miniature rose plants: Many varieties can be kept indoors long term, but truthfully these plants are much happier outside. Plants can be moved outdoors and planted once the weather warms-up to around 60 degrees during the day. Once acclimated they do fine year round. Over the years, I have created a small area with a dozen of these little plants. They do like to be watered well the first year, and often are susceptible to black spot. Using pre-mixed solution, or one you mix with water, sprayed on every couple of weeks will keep them healthy all summer long. The solution can be bought at any local hardware or garden center. In the fall, mulch the tiny rose plants heavily with shredded leaves. For a little background on the miniature breed read more here.

No matter what your flowery gift was, keeping the feelings alive that accompany them are as important as the gift itself. So love your giver, and maybe they will bless you with more plants for the next event!