The question comes up often. We think about this when we want to send someone flowers for any occasion (I Love You, Just Because, Get Well, etc.). If you want to send someone a bouquet that is going to last, if you want the flowers to appear fresh for a long period of time, ALWAYS-ALWAYS pick a vase over a basket. Here are the reasons why:
Flowers drink water and in a basket they are arranged in a small square of a sponge-like material that is meant to absorb water and then let the flowers “drink” from its absorption. It is highly unlikely that even half of the water that is in the sponge ever makes it to the flowers themselves.
The exact opposite happens in a vase. There is an abundant quantity of water in the vase and ALL the water goes up the flower stem and to the bloom. There is no question that the person who receives the flowers will enjoy them longer if the flowers are in a vase. PLUS it is easier to see if the vase is low on water (add), or if the water is murky (empty and refill). After the flowers have been in the vase for about 3-4 days it is a good idea to take the stems out one-by-one clean out the old petals and cut the bottom of the stem at an angle. This cleans up any bacteria that has collected at the bottom of the stem and has “plugged up” the passage of water to the bloom itself.
Sending someone flowers is a very thoughtful gesture and is truly appreciated. You should see the smiles that we see all day long as we deliver flowers to “Ms. Jones”! That is only half of the flower receiving experience. The other half is how long the flowers live. Imagine getting a phone call a full ten days AFTER the delivery and the recipient of the gift says something like: “You won’t believe this, but your flowers are still amazing!”
There are really only three factors that can make this happen:
Selecting a florist that has fresh flowers.
Sending flowers in a vase of water and not a basket with a sponge.
Taking good care of the flowers by replenishing the water, fresh cutting the stems, etc.
Having flowers in the home is a little bit like caring for a micro-garden. It is an extremely therapeutic and very rewarding. Keeping flowers alive as long as possible is a pleasant challenge for the mind and the heart. It really gives us pleasure and helps us take our mind off things.
So remember: Send lots of flowers to lots of different people! AND make sure that the flowers you send are in a vase and not a basket! No sponge!
Visit our website at www.starflor.com, or give us a call at 800.520.8999 and all of us at Starbright Floral Design will be thrilled to hear from you and to help in every way possible.
Blooming Thoughts 