Secure wire by catching it under the last loop of wire. Start by selecting fresh cut flowers. Pull off stem leaves that will be covered by the vase water. This step will help the flowers absorb cut flower food, while eliminating stem-clogging bacteria. The use of flower food has been shown to increase the life of fresh flowers by several days.
Individual packets are available wherever cut flowers are sold.
When you're down to the last few blooms, change to a smaller vase. DO choose a vase that is in proportion to the flowers. DO condition the flowers by cutting stems diagonally under the water. This prevents air bubbles forming, which can block water from being drawn up inside the flowers. The diagonal cut allows a wider surface for the flowers to drink.