IN YOUR HOME

CARE

Spring bulb flowers don’t last long once cut, some just a few days. But you can extend their lives with a little effort and attention to detail. When making a cutting from your garden, look for buds that are about to open. When inside, trim the stems to a length that suits the size of your vase, usually so they are twice the size of the vase. Cut stems with a sharp, clean knife or scissors at a 45° angle so water can enter the stem easily. Make sure your vases are clean and fill to about a third or half with room-temperature water – if the water is too warm your flowers will wilt. Replace the water every day. At the same time, check the stems and remove any gunk that may have accumulated.

PRIME EXPOSURE

Flowers in your garden bed mostly require a lot of direct sunlight. But cut flowers suffer when exposed to this light. Put your flowers in a cool spot away from the direct light of windows and from other sources of heat, such as heaters, lamps and other electronic equipment. Also avoid placing your flowers near any draughts, such as open doors and windows, fans or air-conditioners.

HEALTHY RIVALRY

Daffodils and tulips are among the first to flower in your spring garden, and they have a healthy, even harmonious competition for attention. But when you bring them inside to pop in a vase, all civilities cease and you need to keep them well apart. This is when the pretty, frilly daffodil reveals its dark personality. Once cut and put into water, it emits a sticky, slimy sap that prevents the stems of other flowers, especially tulips, from taking up essential water. So isolate your daffodils and let all the others have a house party together.

majestic and magnificent Cut your iris spears when there is just a little colour in the buds and you’ll have blooms for at least a week. layers of petals tell a never-ending story Your ranunculi stems can buckle under the weight of the beautiful blooms, but regain their strength with fresh water.

Cut your freesias when they are still in bud and they can last in a vase for up to three weeks.