How to make your Valentine’s Day bouquets last longer

Linn County Master Gardener, Lisa Slattery, offers timely advice on preserving your Valentine's flowers:

 February is snowy and cold in Iowa. But it's also heart health month, featuring warm red colors and Valentine's expressions of thoughtfulness. This month is about giving from the heart and warming the heart of those close to you.

 If you splurge on a beautiful flower arrangement, or are the lucky recipient of one from your sweetheart, you will want to take some easy steps to preserve the beauty of those special blossoms and make them last as long as possible.

 It's relatively easy to lengthen the life of a lovely vase full of cut flowers. First, make sure you use a clean vase and remove all the foliage (leaves) that will be sitting below the water line in your vase. Second, the sooner you can place cut flowers in cool water the better. This prevents air from entering the stems and inhibiting water flow through the stem. If your flowers have been out of water, cut off the bottom portions of the stems under water. This creates a fresh opening for your blooms to access the moisture they require. Third, use the packet of commercial flower preservative that usually comes with an arrangement and be sure to check your water level daily. It's a good idea to also change the water frequently to prevent the stems from molding. Lastly, make sure you place your bouquet in a cool, brightly lit location, but make sure it is out of direct sunlight. Also keep your bouquet away from heat vents and drafts.

 As an alternative to fresh arrangements, which can be pricey, create a gift basket of your own with some small pots, a bag of seed starting soil, and some herb or flower seeds. Your gardener will be delighted. Houseplants also make wonderful and lasting Valentine's Day gifts, particularly flowering ones. Whatever you may be giving or receiving this week, don't forget that gardening is a terrific way to increase your heart health. Nothing beats actively working outside in the garden tending to flowers and vegetables that truly touch the soul. We all know that eventually the snow will stop blowing and we'll be rewarded with the heart warming charm of new shoots, buds and blooms!