❋ Flowers will last longer if you place them in fresh water and change the water at least once every other day.

❋ Cut the stems at an angle before placing them in water and repeat the process every other day. This maximizes the stems’ exposure to water and their ability to absorb it.

❋ Contrary to popular wisdom, placing an aspirin in the vase won’t extend the lives of your flowers.

❋ Keep your flowers away from heat vents or windows with bright sunlight. The cooler the environment, the better.

❋ The best-looking arrangements are 11/2 times as tall and 11/2 times as wide as their containers.

❋ Use store-bought food if you feed you plants or flowers.

A Flower for Every Season and Occasion                                 There are appropriate flowers and plants for every season, holiday or

Spring                                            Bulb flowers, potted garden plants, daffodils, tulips, irises

Summer                                 Easter lilies

Fall                                              Mums, red rovers

Winter                                    Amaryllis, paper whites, poinsettias

Hospital Visits                             Any plant or any flower with a bright, cheerful color and a small footprint. Women might prefer hydrangeas, while men often like bromeliads.

Weddings                            Carnations are out. Use stargazers or Casablanca lilies.

Funerals                                      Lilies, gladiolus

For a Dinner Host                        A mixed floral bouquet, a small potted plant, azaleas

Mother’ s Day                       Azaleas, hydrangeas, flowers with pastel colors

Valentine’s Day                            Long-stemmed roses

Official publication of UFCW 8-Golden State Jacques Loveall, President