Angie's LIST Guide to
Florist services

Consider the sentiment behind the gift:

• Lilies, chrysanthemums, carnations and gladioli all make their way into funeral bouquets.
• Lovers often send roses.
• Carnations can be a friendly sentiment, as well as an option for Mother's Day.
• Springtime flowers, such as daffodils, lilies, hyacinths, tulips and irises, are popular for Easter.
• Christmas arrangements often feature poinsettia, holly, ivy and mistletoe.
• Roses and romantic arrangements are extremely popular for Valentine's Day, one of the busiest days of the year for flower vendors.

Flowers should last at least a week. Here are tips to keep them as fresh as possible:

• Run water as you trim stems diagonally to increase water absorption; cut off about an inch, using a sharp knife or scissors if you don't have floral shears. Also, trim any leaves that would be below water level, which causes rotting.
• Add a packet of flower food to the water. Trim stems again, change water and add more flower food every few days, removing any wilting leaves and petals.
• Place flowers away from vents, fans, a heat source or direct sunlight.

Tip: Revive wilting flowers by submerging the entire stem in warm water for about 10 minutes.