As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, that statement is never truer when it comes to those moments that give us enjoyment – the weekend, a slice of pizza, or a bouquet of fresh flowers, all seem to have too short a lifespan. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if sometimes it could go just a little while longer? Ebraheem Al Samadi, Founder of Forever Rose London, knows a thing or two about the upkeep of flowers. Here he provides his top tips for encouraging longer life from your flowers this summer:

Prep your flowers properly: Before placing your flowers in the vase, make sure you have washed the vase thoroughly before filling it with clean, room temperature water.  If there is any foliage that may be in the waterline, gently remove it from the stem, as it can cause bacteria to grow. Take each stem and cut one inch from the bottom at an angle with a sharp knife so as not to pinch the stem, allowing the flowers to absorb water more easily.

Get them into warm water quickly: The longer flowers are without water, the faster they will die. Remember, you do not want to put freshly cut flowers into ice-cold water. Flowers that you bring in from outside have a higher temperature, so put them into water that is at least room temperature or slightly warmer.

Don’t overcrowd them: Leaving a bit of extra space in between blooms will allow for better airflow. With this airflow, it will help battle against any bacteria and mould that might threaten the health of the flowers.

Keep the water fresh: In order to cut back on bacterial and mould growth, change the water every two to three days and ensure the flowers have enough water, adding where needed. Always use water that is at room temperature so you don’t shock them.

Feed your blooms: You can use commercial flower food in the water to help blooms last longer. Alternatively, there are many household items that work just as effectively.  Adding one tablet of aspirin or ¼ cup of a clear soft drink to a vase full of water will work just as well.

Forever lasting: Another alternative would be to ditch fresh flowers for good and opt for something more permanent.  Forever Rose specializes in long-lasting roses that with a little tender loving care can last for years to come – sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too!

Above: Glam florals by Forever Rose