Cut-flower knowhow

Cut in the early morning or early evening, when stems are full of water and are less likely to wilt.

Have a bucket of water ready to plunge the freshly cut stems straight into.

Leave in the bucket for a few hours or overnight, in a cool place, before arranging.

Trim stems at an angle, and remove any foliage below the water line. n Use tepid water in vases. n Refresh every few days and recut stems.