❁ღ❋ Break out the hats and sunscreen – Summer is here! ❋ღ❁
Everyone in Toowoomba knows how warm it gets during the Christmas months. We flock to our pools and keep to the shade to stay cool. Even the flowers blossom more brightly in Toowoomba! Florists await the arrival of their summer flowers.
Contrary to common belief, flowers thrive during these warmer months. Though blooms look delicate, they are quite hardy and withstand the hot sun and harsh conditions on flower farms around Toowoomba and surrounding areas. This means that flowers are better suited to Summer than you might have thought.
Nonetheless, we’ll share some of our Summer Flower Secrets so that you can keep your blooms happy and healthy in the heat.
Summer Flower Tips
❀ Place flowers away from windows – The glass acts as a magnifier and overheats them.
❀ Always keep the water clean and cool – Also check that oasis foam in arrangements has water and is not dry .
❀ Place flowers away from fruit, appliances and open windows – Ripening fruit and car emissions (coming in through open windows near roads) contain a gas called ‘Ethylene‘ which kills flowers faster. Appliances such as televisions, toasters, radios, kettles etc. can emit heat, causing nearby flowers to wilt.
❀ Remove all leaves that fall below the waterline – Leave or flowers below the water will begin to rot and cause bacteria which kill the flowers faster.
❀ Use flower food sachets (Available at any florist) in the water – These help feed the flowers and keep them fresh.
❀ Alternatively, use a SMALL drop of bleach in the water – A tiny drop kills bacteria, keeping flowers fresh.
REMEMBER: Bacteria is the enemy of flowers!
Summer Roses
Often customers will mention that they are afraid of roses wilting and dying faster during the hotter seasons. Roses are just like any other flower and can withstand the heat of summer, looking just as beautiful even as they begin to fade. Follow the tips above as well as our favorite Rose Tips for Summer and your roses will keep fresh and happy!
❀ Keep the water especially clean and cool – Replace the water often and use flower food or a TINY drop of bleach.
❀ Cut the stems at an angle – This allows a bigger surface area for the water to be drunk through. Use sharp scissors or shears to avoid crushing the stem.
❀ Petal-Pick any loose or damaged petals – The nutrients from the water will then feed the fresh petals and allow the rose to bloom.
❀ Use ice water to perk up wilting roses – Replace the water and add ice before re-cutting an inch off the stems and placing the roses in the ice water.
❀ Keep roses in water at all times – Even a few minutes without water can make roses suffer. Ask your florist to place them in a water bag or oasis foam for your journey home.
As always, our staff at Westridge Florist Toowoomba are happy to create beautiful summer flowers to brighten your life. Stay cool this Summer and remember:
Slip! Slap! Slop!
Happy Summer Wishes to all!
Westridge Florist Toowooma
Author: Jessica Schoultz
