~How To Keep Flower Arrangements Fresh~

• Harvest flowers early in the morning.  Use a sharp pair of snips; you will crush the stem if they are dull.  
• Remove any leaves under the water and immediately place the flower in a clean bucket with fresh water.  Use a clean container for your flowers, or you will plug up the stem with dirt.
• If you are harvesting a woody stem, like a lilac or ninebark shrub, slit the stem's bottom before placing it in water.  This technique will ensure the water reaches the bloom.
• Place your cut flowers in a cool, dark area for at least a few hours before you arrange them.  Letting them rest will help them recover and fully hydrate.
• Once ready to make your flower arrangement, make a fresh cut on the submerged stem and make sure to remove any leaves that will be under the water.  To make your flowers open faster, place them in warm water.  To slow the process, add ice to the water.
• Place in a cool location, away from fruit and direct sunlight.
• I know it is just one more thing to do, but try to disinfect your snips and keep them clean.  By doing this, you will prevent the spread of disease.  After a soak in Clorox, dry and rub a little machine oil on them.

If you just cut your fresh flowers, and when you brought them inside, they immediately started to wilt, here is a remedy:

• Boil a pot of water.
• Submerge the stem of the flower in water, and make a fresh cut.
• Take the water off of the stove and dip the stem into the water, moving the foliage and flower to the side so the steam doesn't hit the flower directly.  Keep it in hot water for 5-7 seconds.  Yes, you read this correctly; place the flower in hot water!  It will sear the cutting, and the flower will be back to its' original glory in about an hour or two. 
•  I have also tried this tip with my basil that almost started wilting immediately after cutting, maybe because I didn't get it submerged in the water right away.  It takes a little longer for basil to perk back up, but it works!
• You can also use this trick on flowers that are prone to wilting (poppies).