Dear Bridget, My friend and I bought fresh hydrangeas the other day. We both cut the stem approx. 4 inches to get them to fit properly into a vase. Within a few hours the flowers completely drooped. What should we have done to prevent this?-  Nancy

Nancy, The phenomenon is called "bent neck" and it appears on many flowers, including roses and hydrangeas. The way to prevent bent neck is to hold the bottom portion of the stem under water and cut about an inch off the bottom. Submerging the bottom of the stem while making the cut enables the flow of water to be restarted. When the cut is made in air, a small bubble works it way up the water carrying tissue (xylem) and gets stuck at the top - or the neck. Thus, the flower head bends over, looking like a bent neck. If you get roses for Valentine's Day - be sure to cut the stems off while holding the bottom under water.   - Bridget

Beth, Oval isn't common because it is tough to create curves with straight stems. We see more angular shapes, which certainly could be appropriate. A tall thin triangular arrangement would look good in a slender oval vase. You could certainly mimic the oval vase with an oval-type arrangement. Can you imagine some carnations or chrysanthemums about 2/3 taller than the vase (at their highest point) arranged in a bit of an oval? Try to imagine a small football suspended above the vase - that is what you can use as a template to arrange the flowers around. Visually, the oval should be about a 1/3 smaller than the vase in volume (6" in length). You want the highest point no taller than 8" from the lip of the vase. Standard carnations might work best for this and come in a very wide range of colors.

Mini-carnations or chrysanthemums might be good accent flowers for the arrangement in a complimentary color. Try the triangle and try the oval and see which shape you are more comfortable with. A trial effort or two should show you what shape will work. Then, decide on the flower type(s) and then colors.   - Bridget

Ryan, No, roses are not the only plants (with flowers) that have thorns. Thorns are modified leaves, produced on some plants as a means of protection. Imagine a beautiful plant with attractive flowers; not only would the bees be attracted to eat and pollinate, but some animals might want to graze there. Thorns make the plant less appetizing to animals (would you want to chew thorns?). Barberry and honey locust (there are thornless types) are two plants that come to mind with thorns - both produce flowers. Asparagus fern (a florist green) produces sharp thorns. Roses are one of the few commercially available flowers that professionals will remove some of the thorns before arranging in a bouquet.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I've been reading the questions that have been posted and its so amazing how much you know on flowers. In one of the questions a biology teacher had asked, she spoke about water potential and that if water potential of the solution in a vase becomes negative, it would start pulling water OUT of the cut flowers. I'm a little confused by this, could you please explain this to me. What is water potential? How does it become negative? And also how and why can water be pulled out of the cut flowers if the water potential becomes negative? Thanks in advance!-  Wendy - Sydney, NSW

Wendy, Oh, yes, water potential. I think one of the easiest analogies to use in describing water potential is how salty is the water? Pure water will move from a less salty place to a more salty place - like it is drawn into dilute the higher concentration of salt there. Think about it like a waterfall, too. Water will "fall" from a place where there is more "pure water" and move down to a place where there is "less pure water." Those images of salt and waterfalls helped me learn about the concept. If you had really salty water (or too much of any mineral in theory), yes the water potential could become so negative that it literally could draw water from the stem. Your biology teacher might be assuming that the pull of transpiration (water given off from the flower somewhat like perspiration from people) wouldn't be included in the equation. That is a significant pull of water up the stem as well as the concentration of solutes (roughly salts) in the cells and in the vase water. Water potential is a bit of an abstract concept, and I hope my analogies help you understand it a bit better.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I want to change the color of the small petals of already cut and dried twigs and plants. Would putting food coloring in warm water and putting the stems of the plants in still work with dried up twigs? I only want to change the color of the petal and not the stem. I tried dipping them into paint but that colors the stem and petal. Thank you-  Clare - Atlanta Grove, CA

Clare, I think the time has past for dyes to make any substantial change. Once the water is no longer supplied (and the branch died), there is no way to restart the process. Sometimes flowers and branches are shipped dry, and the process can be restarted, but the time frame is a day or so - not many days past. In the future, though, there is also no way to direct where the color and water will appear. I suspect what you refer to as petals are leaves on the twigs. The softer (not woody) tissue should show color before the thicker, woody tissue does. You would need to cut the branch and start the coloring process fairly quickly. Also, there is no guarantee that the color wouldn't appear in the top bark tissue (top of the stem) or other areas. There is just not a good way to direct where that colorful water will go.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, My daughter is doing a project for the science fair. She is dying carnations and roses blue to see what one will change color quicker. She believes the roses will, due to having a thicker stem.

My questions is, the carnations have a red area to a few of the petals. If we are dying them blue, why are there red color on a few of the petals? Also, how many days should she try this. We are at day 5 and the roses have turned color, but the carnations have hardly and blue to them. Thanks-  Jean - Reading, Pa

Jean, By day 5, you should have seen some color change in the carnations. I would be sure that you added the same amount of water and dye to each vase. If so, perhaps the dye is not being taken up if you didn't recut the stems. Water (and dye) will be taken up faster if the bottom 1" of the carnation/rose stem is removed under water. The tinge of red you see on the carnation is an interesting genetic anomaly - just a gene quirk - and nothing to do with the dying experiment. Did you notice the red before the dye experiment? I believe this would be the case. I'm not sure what the teacher expects, but I would suggest you take a photograph with the day noted on a 3x5 card in front of the vases. Then, recut (remove the lowest 1" of the stem) of both the roses and carnations while holding the bottom few inches under water. They could use a clean solution (if you have more dye) and some fresh preservative. You could monitor them for the next 5 days and see if there is any change.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What is the process of dying flowers called?-  Laura - Albuquerque, NM

Laura, When flowers die, the process is called senescence. It is a good spelling word for horticulture majors. Dying in terms of a color change has no term, I'm aware of, other than dying.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I'm doing a science fair project and I need to know if which one of these substances will help cut flowers to last the longest and why.

1. sugar
2. salt
3. baking soda with vinegar

Please write be back before February the 1st. Thank you!-  Rachel - Scarbough

Rachel, I'm sure you've had a chance to see our experiment outline but the baking soda & vinegar aren't one of the home remedies. The salt will kill the flowers quickly (how fast depends on how much salt is in the water). Flowers in the baking soda & vinegar will probably die next. Although a nice combination for having bread or cake rise, this combination will also be harmful to fresh cut flowers. Sugar may be third, because it can provide a source of food for the fresh cut flowers. Again, too much sugar can be harmful to the flowers and also will quickly promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. Good luck with your results!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, My sister is doing a project for science. Her question is "does aspirin prolong the life of cut carnations?" We have looked everywhere to find an answer. Can you help us?? Thanks and it's of the upmost importance-please respond soon!-  Kimberlt

Kim, Aspirin is an ineffective home remedy in prolonging the life of fresh cut flowers. They need a source of simple sugar, which aspirin doesn't have. You might be interested to see our experiment page which sheds more light on what doesn't work and why.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, My students did a science fair project about Color Travel. They used red, blue and yellow dye. They placed the same amount of drops in each container which held a white carnation. They want to know why blue traveled at a faster speed up the carnation. Could you please help my little scientists out with this question.-  Ms. Creech - Denton, TX

Ms. Creech, I'm always glad to help budding scientists! I suspect your results may have be due more to water temperature than color of the dye. Warmer water is taken-up faster than cold water. If you fill a glass of water after running the tap warm, the first water out is warmer. The opposite is true if you ran the cold water out of the tap first. Unless you inserted a thermometer and were sure you started with the same water temperature, it would take a few hours for heat to be transferred from the air to raise or lower the water temperature (depending on the volume of water and difference in temperature). Perhaps it is worth trying again with a thermometer or mixing the water for all treatments at once (you should still use preservative with the dye). There is no chemical reason why the blue should be taken up first, so I'm thinking it is another environmental factor. I hope that helps.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What do you use to keep cut flowers lasting longer?-  Bryson- Syracuse, UT

Bryson, Most home remedies don't even come close to what commercially-developed floral preservatives can do. These commercially-developed products (like Floralife and Chrysal) have a balance of sugar and biocide (to keep fungi and bacteria from growing and clogging stems). You could look at our experiment page for some more information as we are often asked how different home remedies work in keeping flowers alive.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am doing a science project and I need to know if carnations will color faster in hot or cold water.-  Taylor - Austintown, OH

Taylor, Warm water (about 110F or comfortable for showering or bathing) is ideal for uptake by fresh cut flowers. Warmer is generally better, but too hot and you will burn the tissue. If water used is too cold, water will be slow to be taken up and it may cause chilling injury. So, warm (not hot) water is best.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I'm currently doing a science fair project for my science class and I really do not now where exactly to begin? My Dad simply said we should go to the library, but he works weird hours at work and I do not think we will actually get some time to go. Can you pleas help me? Thank you. P.S.. My ? is simply does sugar really help cut flower last longer or does it help them look fresher?-  Damaris - San Antonio, TX

Damaris, Your father is right, but you can find information faster on-line today. The library information will tell you about the food sources plants and flowers need (sugars) and how humans need to substitute them when we cut fresh flowers from the plant. I would suggest you look at the experiment outline we have to see a good way we suggest to investigate this topic. While there are lots of potential solutions you could test that may have life-extending properties, none will likely beat a commercially prepared preservative. These products do contain a simple sugar, which is necessary for extending flower life. However, the addition of sugar also improves the environment for fungi and bacteria to grow. These will block the uptake of water by the flower stem, so that's not a good result. The commercial alternative has a biocide that inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria, somewhat by lowering the water pH, which also helps water uptake. I wish you much success.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I'm a grade 3 student and I'm doing a Science project on colored flowers. I've added green food coloring to water along with a white carnation. I was hoping you would answer this questions for me, because I am not sure how to answer it. "Why are these findings important? Can you help me, because I am not finding words to answer this one. Thank you.-  Cooper

Cooper, Sometimes scientists ask what the real use or implication of their finding is. I think that is the question your teacher is asking of you. Why is it important to observe how green food coloring is absorbed? One answer is because it shows us how water is taken up, much like a marker to mark the path of water flow. Another reason is that we could study how minerals dissolved in water are taken up by the flower, once we know how water flows. We also know how to keep flowers alive longer (keeping that water flowing up the stem) and can test various preservatives or additives to see which go up the stem fastest (now that we can "see" water flow). So, there are lots of implications or reasons why we can, and should, study water flow up the flower stem.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Me and a friend are doing a project for school about preserving cut flowers. We bought a dozen of red carnations and we are comparing commercial preservatives to a home made preservative. For the home made preservative I am using 1 dissolved aspirin to every two cups of water and adding 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to every two cups of water. My question is why the commercial preservatives are keeping the carnations alive longer than the home made preservative?-  Jasmine - Mansfield, OH

Jasmine, Scientists worked a long time to develop those combinations of ingredients that enable us all to enjoy flowers to their fullest. It is a good example of science in our everyday lives. It's like asking the question "why does dish soap work well at cleaning dishes?" The answer is because that is what it was designed to do. Hand soap would work, but dish soap works best on dishes.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, How long will it take for the flower to change color if at all?-  Antonette - Salinas, CA

Antonette, Much depends on how old the flower is, how much dye is in the solution, and how warm the room is. Fresh flowers, properly treated using a floral preservative in the dye solution, should take a few days to absorb color. If the room is warm, it will be a day or so faster.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am doing a science fair project for my eighth grade science class and it is on how a plants or flowers will survive or change in different liquid substances. I have 5 clear cups and the contain of:

1 c. bleach

1 c. vinegar

1 c. tap water

1 c. water with one tsp. salt

1 c. water with one tsp. sugar

Now I am daily taking photos of the changes and writing observations I see each day. In my hypothesis I predicted that the regular tap water would keep the flower alive the longest because there isn't any chemicals in it. I also predicted that the vinegar will die first because it has acidy chemicals in it. BUT... I really want to know what you think... What order do you think the will die? and why? Thank you for your time! P.S. May your words be used in my bibl.?-  Aubrey - Port Orchard, WA

Aubrey, Sure, you may use my hypothesis. Here is the order I hypothesize they will live from shortest to longest life: bleach, vinegar water, salt water, sugar water, tap water. Next time, you might consider adding one more "treatment" that includes a commercially prepared preservative dissolved in the same amount of water for the other treatments. Just be sure to follow the directions on the package.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I just learned that the way flowers get their different colors is from dye. My question to you is, what kind of dye is it? And where do I get it?-  Lucy - Sterling Heights, MI

Lucy, Not all flowers are dyed. Most flowers on the market today are naturally colored, they way mother nature intended them to be. Genetics determines most flower colors. For a few, like hydrangea, fertilizer can play a role in flower color. Some flowers can by dyed using food coloring (safe for flowers, too). I use the dye purchased in the icing/baking section of the grocery store. The concentration needs to be high to get a dark color.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I did the experiment with carnations to see how the flowers would live with different additives/liquids. My question was: What additive will help cut flowers live the longest. My results were: the flowers in grape Jell-O died first, then the flowers in water (control), then the flowers in water with an aspirin in it, then the flowers in 7-UP, and the flowers in the water with florist powder lived the longest (37 days!). My question is why did the flowers in the florist powder/water live the longest and what is in it?-  Lauren - Tacoma, WA

Lauren, I'm thrilled to see your experiment worked well! Thirty-seven days is a great demonstration of how well those packets work when you buy fresh flowers and follow the directions. The florist packet is a commercially prepared floral preservative. This contains a (commercially kept secret) sugar source (either sucrose or glucose) and a biocide. A biocide is something that typically lowers the pH of the water and keeps bacteria and fungi from growing. They thrive in a sugar-water environment and clog the flower stem.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What preservative is best to preserve carnations?-  Alex - Jasper, IN

Alex, Just about any commercially prepared floral preservative is ideal for continued enjoyment of fresh cut flowers. To keep them for years, preserving them in silica gel will remove the moisture and keep them looking somewhat life like. They're also easy to tie in a bundle and hang upside down in a cool, dark, dry spot (like a basement) to dry and preserve. They don't press well as they are too thick.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am doing a project for class, so I was wondering how long it takes for the carnation to change colors after you put it in the dye? Can you help it's due in 3 days? Thanks so much.-  Kaylee

Kaylee, It depends on the concentration of the dye in the water and the air temperature of the room. You should see something within three days.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I'm doing an experiment for my science fair. I put 3 different kinds of flowers in water with different ratios of food coloring, but they all died before they turned colors! What can i do to keep this from happening again?-  Chantelle - Boise, ID

Chantelle, I think you may have missed an important part in your experiment. The flowers need a food source to keep alive. I would suggest you find some commercial preservative packets (either from the florist or supermarket floral department) and add a measured amount to each vase (and measure the amount of water that goes into each vase). Then, add the coloring. Be sure, too, that you have fresh flowers. That should improve your results.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, My daughter is getting married in April and I would like to know what service you have for the floral arrangements/decorating ideas. Thank you.-  Sue - Arlington, Va

Sue, Jill Slater has some awesome ideas on our web site and her own. Although we don't offer design or decorating services, I know there are reputable florists in your area who would love to help you find the right flowers for your budget. My suggestion would be to take some colors (even fabric swatches) to a florist or two, ask them for ideas on decorating and celebrating. In your part of the country, there are lots of party specialists. Perhaps, if you want to do-it-yourself, you could pay the consultation fee to get the ideas. Or, just work with them and do what you can and budget for the rest. Most florists are professionals and will work with you in your budget. It is such a special day, ideas can come from many places. Maybe do some on-line searching for decorating ideas and then go from there.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am searching for the true meaning behind flowers. Some web sites, for example, 1 will say a yellow rose stands for friendship, and the 2nd site will say a yellow rose stands for jealousy. I heard the red rose stands for love and I am trying to find the right flower with a meaning to give to a girl I have feelings for. Could you help me out? If you can thank you and if not thank you.-  Silas - U.S.M.C. - Edwards, Ca

Silas, The language of flowers is a lost art, but some strive to keep the meaning alive through web sites. The Victorian era gave rise to "meaning" behind flowers. But just as the Eskimo language has several words for "snow" the floral language may have several meanings for the same flower. I cannot point you to an "official" site nor guarantee the meaning of any one flower. Part of the interpretation of the language of flowers is the powerful emotions between the giver and the recipient. Sometimes even a simple dandelion picked from a lawn by a child can be the most powerful symbol of love to a mother. Buy her what she likes or her favorite color or a soft scented flower and perhaps the emotions behind the gift will give a new meaning in her mind and heart for this flower.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Hi, I am getting married on May 7, 2005 and I would like fresh rose bud wreaths to go around the base of hurricane vases as my centerpieces. My florist will not do this for me as when I booked the florist she did not realize that Mother's Day was the day after my wedding. How can I do this myself and have the roses last into the evening for the reception. Thanks so much!-  Olivia - Haylie - Surrey, BC

Haylie, I have an idea about how to potentially resolve your desire to have these done professionally, yet on the day you need them. What about asking the florist to prepare the wreaths with all but the roses? The florist could create them using floral foam and insert the greenery, but you could add the roses the morning of your wedding. I'm assuming you or someone else could take the roses on the stem, cut them off to a short length, and insert them into the foam wreaths. You don't indicate the number, but the wreaths with foliage could be made three or four days in advance, kept watered and in a cooler (you may need to arrange for this if the florist has a large inventory of product as I would imagine s/he does) until the morning of the wedding. The long stem (not cut off or inserted into floral foam) could be held during those days in the same conditions. I've seen this done several times (and done it myself prior to holidays or busy events). If not, I'd ask the florist (and pay him/her) to teach you how to construct them, see if you have the conditions to store the flowers and wreaths, and time yourself for finishing them. I wish you a long and happy marriage!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am in seventh grade doing a science project on WHAT PROLONGS THE LIFE OF FRESH CUT CARNATIONS? I have read the e-mails posted on flowerpossibilites.com to get the answers to my questions before I start my experiment (research to find out more info before experimenting). The "Ask Bridget" section of the flower possibilities web site gave me answers to all of my questions, but they made me think of more. They are as follows:

What is ph level?

Why is it important to lower the ph level if you want fresh cut flowers to live longer?

What do flowers food source have to include in order for it to provide the proper nutrition for the flower?

What does sugar have in it that provides the flower with the proper nutrition?

What other foods provide the proper food source for a fresh cut flower besides sugar?

Does adding Sprite to the water provide the proper (or close enough) combination of carbohydrate (sugar = food source) in an acidic water supply? Why or why not?

If Sprite does provide a good combination of carbohydrate (sugar = food source) in an acidic water supply about how much should I add to an 8-10oz. of warm water?

Should I lower how much water is in the vase?

Should I not use water at all, because that might water down the Sprite?

The answers to these questions ASAP (preferably before January 19, 2005) would be highly appreciated! Thank you for all of your advice so far! This has helped me a lot! THANKS!-  Lauren - Germantown, MD

Lauren, What great questions from a budding scientist! The pH of something is how acidic or basic it is measured on a specific kind of scale (pH). The scale runs from 1 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic). Soda pop is slightly acidic, vinegar more acidic, and bleach is very acidic. The pH numbers would decrease (in that order) for those things from 6 down to about 3. Soap is a good example of something slightly basic (pH of 8 or so). A slightly lower pH (around 5.5 - 6.0) makes water more readily taken up by the stem and inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. Too strong an acid will burn the flower stem, so realize this level of acidity is slight.

Leaves, through the process of photosynthesis, produce simple sugars as a food source for the plant. As a part of the plant, flowers need these simple sugars to live and grow. Humans provide a substitute for nature's food in the form of a commercial flower preservative that contains either glucose or sucrose combined with an acid (to help water be taken up and keep bacteria and fungal growth down). Sprite has sugar and is slightly acidic so it, in theory, can sustain flower development. However, I believe the concentration of sugar is so high that it causes problems for flower development and therefore is not a good preservative. I don't know the pH of Sprite nor the concentration of sugar. Many floral preservatives have a concentration of 1% to 3% sugar, well below what I suspect Sprite has. So, I'm not sure how to "water down" the Sprite to get what you're seeking. My suggestion is to mix your own solutions (so you and your science teacher know how much sugar is in each solution) and always use a commercially available package dissolved in a measured amount of water. I wish you much success!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am a 7th grader doing a science fair project on preserving flowers. How does distilled water effect the preservation of roses? What about aspirin in the tap water? Roses? Thanks a lot!-  Olivia - Los Angeles, CA

Olivia, What a fun experiment! Be sure to check out our outline for a similar experiment and you'll find some good guidelines. Distilled water has any of the salts (often in small amounts) taken out of the water. The flowers in distilled water may last a few days less than tap water. Aspirin lowers the pH of the water, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi but does not supply a food source.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Hi. I'm a 7th grader and my project is due really soon. I tested daisies in Sprite, sugar water,regular water and cran-apple juice. The only problem is that the flowers are not dying! Please tell me what order the daisies would die in to save my project.-  Deana - Fontana, CA

Deana, You're the first person I've conversed with who was disappointed that her flowers didn't die faster! I'm glad you got such good quality flowers and cared for them so well. I'm proud of that. My estimate is that the plain water would die first, followed by cran-apple (not enough sugar), sugar water, sprite last because it has a lower pH.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, My daughter is doing a Science fair project about aspirin and carnations. Her question is, "will aspirin cause carnations to live longer?" We did the experiment and the vase of flowers with one aspirin did live one day longer. Can you help me find a web site that explains why aspirin has an effect on carnations? Maybe you know why and can explain it to me. I would greatly appericate your help.-  Lisa - Corona, CA

Lisa, The aspirin, when ground and dissolved, forms a weak acid in water. The slightly acidic water is more readily taken up by the flower, and also reduces the growth of fungi and bacteria. What's missing is a food source (sugar). The flower probably was able to take up enough water to keep developing until it used up all the food sources stored in the stem. That's likely why the carnations in aspirin lasted a day longer.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Does sugar water prolong the life of cut flowers or does sprite?-  Kyra - Coupeville, WA

Kyra, Neither works as well as a commercial preservative. Relatively speaking, the sprite will keep flowers just a bit longer than sugar water since sprite has both a sugar source and is acidic (has a low pH). Bacteria and fungi will grow in both, but the sprite may delay growth a bit with its low pH.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I'm planning a wedding in Michigan for early next December. What flowers would be in season and not cost me a fortune? Thank you.-  Cheryl - Troy, MI

Cheryl, Congratulations on this happy occasion! I will point you to two of my favorites - carnations and chrysanthemums. Either will work well with just about every color of attendant dress or color theme. Both are long lasting and relatively inexpensive. Consider adding several roses to your bouquet to make it even more special.

Your groom could wear a single rose bud (matching those in your bouquet). Attendants and ushers could carry/wear carnations or mums without roses. Ask about any seasonal decorations in place at the locations for your ceremony and reception. This will help you plan colors and perhaps save some money that you can use on your own flowers.

Flowers help us celebrate important life events, so I will encourage you to invest in your memory and your bouquet. Perhaps a single carnation stem in a bud vase, adorned with seasonal greens and placed on a mirror, at each table of your reception would enable you to enjoy a few more flowers in your bouquet. Congratulations and I wish you a long and happy marriage.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Will a fresh cut Rose [white/yellow] change color if put in a vase of water with food dye added to it? I did this experiment and the roses did change, some more than others. The white roses dyed first and the yellow roses lasted longer. The yellow roses also took on more of the colored dye than the white roses. Can you help me with more information on this experiment? Thank you!-  Corey - Holbrook, MA

Carrie, Half would be one color and half would be the other color. The challenge is keeping the stem from loosing too much water at the cut - it may die before it has a chance to take up much dye.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am a 7th grader that is working on a project about Carnations. If you put a Carnation in a cup with dye will how fast will the carnation absorb it? Can you please answer this question.-  Ashley - Washington, D.C.

Ashley, The speed with which the carnation will turn color depends on a few things. First, what color are you starting with? Hopefully you're starting with a white flower, so any color change will be noticed quickly. Secondly, the concentration of the coloring in the water supply is important. The higher the concentration of dye (up to a point where it is not harmful to the flower), the faster the color change will be noticed. The third variable is the air temperature. The warmer the room (or air temperature) the faster the carnation will absorb water and the faster you'll notice a color change.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, This is an exciting site and I have enjoyed it a lot. My daughter just completed a cut flower science project comparing water with 7-Up and pennies, water alone, water with baking soda and water with sugar in order to see what group would last longest. Surprisingly to us (I thought the sugar would last longest), the sugar and baking soda groups both wilted, practically overnight. Both the water alone and 7-Up & Pennies lasted longest, and the 7-Up group had the best looking flowers. We just need to know for sure why the 7-Up & Penny diet worked for this project. Thanks, Jinny-  Virginia - Detroit, MI

Jinny, I believe you saw those results because the baking soda raised the pH of the water too much. Citric sodas are more acidic and have a sugar source. The penny won't do anything to the water as there is not enough copper in a penny anymore to do anything to a glass of water. I'm thrilled you enjoy the site and even happier that it has been of some value to you! Thanks and keep asking questions!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, If you cut the stem of a carnation in half and put each in a different color dyed water will each side of the carnation end up being a different color or will the colors mix together in the carnation.-  Carrie - NY

Carrie, Half would be one color and half would be the other color. The challenge is keeping the stem from loosing too much water at the cut - it may die before it has a chance to take up much dye.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am doing a science project on "How Sugar Effects Water." Can you give me any ideas on it and where to find ideas? Can you email them to me? Thanks.-  Callie - LA

Callie, Be sure to visit the science experiment section of the web site as it has the outline for a study you could do at home. Y§It includes sugar and many popular (but ineffective) home-made floral preservatives.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What is the scientific name for Alstroneria Lily?-  Bob - White House, PA

Bob, Alstroemeria is the scientific name for the flower, also known as Peruvian lily. You can view a photograph at on our site by clicking here. Most of the flowers are named cultivars, so the Latin name would be Alstroemeria spp. or 'Cultivar Name' in single quotes after the Latin.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Although I live in FL, I will be getting married in the Philadelphia area in the month of December. I have been trying to find ideas for flowers, centerpieces, isle accents etc. I want to use gold or silver to accent the flowers. Our wedding is going to be primarily white and black. The reception site is going to be decorated with seasonal decorations and I don't want things to clash. I would like it to be simple and elegant. Do you have any ideas? Thank you so much for your time.-  Julie - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Congratulations, Julie! You're getting married in a great city, one that is horticulturally well rooted and yet progressive. Black and white is an elegant theme, one which a wide variety of flowers can be incorporated. Realize, as I'm sure you do, that most white flowers aren't bleached stark white, but have a warm or soft glow to them. My seasonal choice would be lilies, white of course, with silver pine cones or just a bit of greenery. Some of the lilies are about as pure white as you can find. You might carry a bunch of 12 or more and attendants carry a smaller multiple of three (three, six, or nine).

White roses are also very appropriate and seasonal, accented or unadorned. Again, you could carry 12 or more and have your attendants carry a smaller multiple of three. A tight mass of white roses tied bud to but with gold and silver ribbon would be striking as a bouquet. I like to tuck a small bunch of jasmine flowers at the back of the bride's bouquet so she has something wonderful to smell when she walks down the aisle (or gardenia). Choose your bouquet flowers first, then select decorations that continue the use of those primary flowers. The white cut flowers should compliment white or red poinsettias that may be in use at that time. Either silver or gold accents would compliment white flowers and not clash with other seasonal decorations.

Aisle accents can be as simple as greens tied with the ribbon color (or same ribbon) you select for your bouquet and attendant's bouquets. Roses or lilies can be added to the greens, using water picks hidden in the foliage. For centerpieces, you might choose a glass vase, situated on a mirror, with lilies or roses or a combination of the two. White spider mums are another good choice for the reception or aisle accents. You could float a gardenia in a glass bowl sitting on a mirror, too.

Ask about the color of poinsettias or any other seasonal decorations; you may be able to use red (roses) if you want if the decorations are mostly white. What fun, planning wedding flowers! You have lots of reputable, creative florists in the Philadelphia area - one or more will love to work with you!!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I need to know all about how cut carnations died in the aspirin water first and the cut carnations lived longer in plain water. THX!-  Shelly - Rowlett, TX

Shelly, It sounds like you tried our experiment of using alternatives to commercial preservative. The difference between the water and the aspirin may be just that there was too little food in the aspirin and not much more in the water.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I have a science project that's due Monday December 10, 2004 and I decided to do it on flowers. But, I noticed that pink roses last longer than white roses. Even when they both have the exact amount of sunlight, same amount of water, and the same temperature. Why is that?-  Rhonda - Chicago, IL

Rhonda, My experience is similar. White roses must have a shorter life programmed into their genes. It may be the absence of some things that causes it (genetically) to be shorter lived. Blame bad genes on this phenomenon.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What is the effect of different types of sugars on cut flowers? And artificial sweeteners? Do they all work the same or does one work better?-  Carter - Destin, FL

Carter, Great question! Chemically, the artificial sweeteners are different from sugar. They can fool our taste buds, but not the flower. Flowers need sugars that are simple chemically. The flower can (in some instances) modify the sugar compound a bit to be able to use it. Not so for artificial sweeteners. They are too different chemically from sugars flowers need. Although I haven't tried this myself, my hypothesis is that artificial sweeteners would work about as well (which is not good) as aspirin and other home remedies. Unless the artificial sweeteners had some simple sugars in them, I would suspect most work similarly. However, if one of those compounds was toxic to the flower, it should shorten the longevity of the flower.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Why do certain flowers such as roses, seem to die faster then others?-  Justin - Lake Worth, FL

Justin, The floral symbol of America is short-lived. Roses, like all flowers, have a pre-determined life. This time period is set genetically, because it is too "expensive" for plants to keep a flower growing after it's been pollinated. The purpose of the flower is to attract those pollinators (usually insects, but some birds pollinate flowers). The flower needs to be pollinated to set fruit. So, once pollinated there is no need to "look good" much longer. Flowers that last a long time may have difficulty being pollinated; nature helps out by making that flower last longer. Roses just don't live that long on the plant and humans can't do as well as nature in keeping those delicate petals alive.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What other plants besides hydrangeas will change the flower color with the soil pH?-  Tammy - Wiggins, MS

Tammy, That is the only flower professional flower growers use fertilizer (or non-coloring treatments) to manipulate flower color. You will notice some color differences for a wide variety of flowering plants when the pH is too low or too high. To my knowledge, the hydrangea is the only flower professionals deliberately manipulate pH to change the color.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Where were carnations discovered? Where were they discovered? When were they discovered? Who discovered them?-  Courtney - Lafayette, IN

Courtney, Courteny, Liberty Hyde Bailey (a Michigan native) was considered the father of modern horticulture. He wrote a book entitled Hortus III which contains documentation of the scientific name of nearly every domesticated species used in gardening and horticulture. According to Hortus III, the genus Dianthus (in which all carnations are classified) has about 300 subspecies of plants that are native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, with some known to be native to the Southern most part of Africa. Dianthus caroyphyllus (Latin name for the florist carnation) was named by Carl Linnaeus, the man who named many of the plants Bailey has recorded. In fact, he named so many that a simple L. denotes the fact that Linnaeus named the plant in Bailey's book! Bailey indicated that the florist carnation may be native to the Mediterranean region of the world. Most of the Dianthus Caroyphyllus seen in florists today are hybrids, not species. This means that human intervention helped to cultivate the colors and fragrances we enjoy today.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What is in plant food mixtures that come with bouquets? Thx!-  Vann - Apalachicola, FL

Vann, The packets contain a balance of food (simple sugars for flower growth and development) and a pH lowering component (weak acid) to keep bacteria and fungi from growing in the vase. Most companies are secretive about the exact ingredients, but that is basically what they are. Remember, too, that no "home solution" really can come close to what science and research have developed. You and your flowers are best served by using a measured amount of commercially prepared floral food or flower preservative than anything else.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Hi, I'm Mya and I was recently in a singing recital. My mom, for the first time, remembered to bring me roses. I want to keep them alive for five more days and the only way you can get commercial rose food is by buying more roses. Is there a way I could make home-made rose food?-  Mya - Arlington, TN

Mya, That's a real shame that the florist would not sell or (even better) give you more rose food. There really are no equal "home alternatives" to the commercial preparations. Perhaps next time you should check with another florist or supermarket retailer of fresh flowers. For the longer term, consider tying them together in a small bundle, and hanging them upside down in a cool, dark, dry location. They should dry well. Congratulations on your performance - and I'm thrilled mom bought you roses!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, How long will cranberries last in a floral arrangement. The flowers are dried. I put the cranberries in the vase, and added Christmas flowers to the vase. Will the berries get rancid or anything?-  Sylvia - Columbus, OH

Sylvia, The cranberries should dry and shrivel in the arrangement if they are kept away from water. How they dry will depend on how you added them to the arrangement. I suspect you may have needed to hot glue them to a pick. They should dry on the pick (if no water gets on them) and retain some of their color (it will get darker).   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I read your article about creating a colorful bouquet by using food color to dye carnations, my question is, will this only work with carnations or any white flower. I've seen tinted roses and wondered if the same process was used. Thanks.-  Pamela - Chicago, IL

Pam, It will work for most white flowers, and you can get some crazy color combinations if you tint or color other flowers that are non-white. The key is to have a concentrated, yet flower-safe coloring. That's why food color works so well.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What is the meaning of white carnations, and purple and lilac pompons? Just wanted to know if it meant friendship or what do they represent.-  Ashley - Toccoa, GA

Ashley, We've long lost the art of sending flowers with meanings as once was done, especially in Victorian times. Thus, some flowers will have multiple meanings, depending on the source you find. White carnations can mean sweet and lovely. One of the more extensive lists of flower meanings I found was at http://www.usabride.com/wedplan/a_flowers_meaning.html and another good one at http://www.weddingbokay.com/symbolism.html#C but these do show different meanings for several of the same flowers. I could not identify a meaning of the purple and lilac chrysanthemum (pompon).   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, My friend and I are doing a science fair project for school. And we wanted to know was, what do the flower packets that are given by the florists contain? This is an important part of our project and so far we have not been able to find the answer. If you could E-mail me back ASAP that would be great. Thank you.-  Carrie - Louiville, KY

Carrie, The packets contain a source of food (sugar) and an acidifying agent (something to lower the pH of the water). They are in a balanced combination for flowers and sometimes are adjusted for the type of water a florist or greenhouse grower has to use for preparing fresh flowers. The commercially prepared packets are really the best thing off the plant. Since no other combination can come close to supplying a good food source while inhibiting the growth of fungi and bacteria that can clog the stem. It is likely a trade secret exactly what is in those packets, but it would be two compounds that would serve as a food source and something to make the water a bit more acidic than it is coming out of the tap.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Why do flowers need leaves?-  Marquee

Marquee, Flowers really don't need leaves once they're cut from the stem. A flower doesn't have enough chlorophyll (green pigment) to produce enough food to sustain itself. The leaves are there to collect carbon dioxide and water and in the presence of sunlight, combining the two chemicals to make food (a simple sugar). No leaves means no food for the plant. No food means there would not be enough energy to make a flower. They come in all shapes and sizes and we really cannot appreciate their powerful simplicity.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am a tenth grader and for my science fair project I am doing "How will dyed water effect the health and appearance of white carnations?" I was wondering how exactly the carnation will absorb the dye and how it will change the color of the flower petals?-  Brittany - Waldo, OH

Brittany, If you use food coloring, it will not affect the health of the flower. The color will be dissolved in the vase water and taken up through the xylem tissue, like a straw drawing water up the stem to all the parts of the flower. You can even get a glimpse of the dye as it travels up those vessels, almost like veins. The stronger the dye in solution, the darker the flower will become. Have fun!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I read your article about creating a colorful bouquet by using food color to dye carnations, my question is, will this only work with carnations or any white flower. I've seen tinted roses and wondered if the same process was used. Thanks.-  Pamela - Chicago, IL

Pam, It will work for most white flowers, and you can get some crazy color combinations if you tint or color other flowers that are non-white. The key is to have a concentrated, yet flower-safe coloring. That's why food color works so well.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, When I receive lilies from my wholesaler, and they open up, there is the yellow part of the center that leaves a messy powder on anything they come in contact with. Is it harmful to the flower if I remove that part?-  Lori - Harrison, NE

Lori, The yellow "powder" is pollen. It really isn't harmful, but it will stain fingers and clothing. I will often remove anthers (the structure that holds the pollen grains) just before they open so as to not stain my own fingers, clothing, or tablecloths. A gentle tug with two fingers will usually remove them easily. You can often extend the vase life of the flowers by removing the anthers. If the flower is pollinated, it will die more quickly (as it is genetically programmed to do just that so fruit will form).   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I have just completed a science experiment on fresh Gerbera flowers. I used eight different liquids, and my results were as followed:

• the longest lasting one was sugar + water
• then plan water
• then salt + water
• then orange juice
• then coffee + water
• then fertilizer + water
• then alcohol
• and last 'Listerine' a mouth freshener

I was wondering, if you could help explain my results, and what do Gerbera flowers need to live? Thank you very much! Luv, -  Kat

Kat, Another fun science project! Gerberas, like many other flowers, need a food source and water. While the plant provides this, removing flowers from the plant creates a challenge for people. We need to provide enough food (usually a sugar source) and water. However, bacteria and fungi that clog the structures for water uptake in the plant grow well in the food source, too. Scientists determined that lowering the pH of the water with a food source dissolved in it could make flowers last about as long as they would normally on the plant. This science helps explain what you saw.

Sugar + water lasted longest since it had the best balance of food and water. Plain water didn't have a sugar (food) source, but worked next best. Orange juice is acidic (has a low pH) but was too thick and had too little of the right sugar. Coffee and water have a low pH, but no food source. Fertilizer is only for living plants with roots, and has no effect on cut flowers. Alcohol is damaging to flower and stem tissue, so that won't work and neither will Listerine (too strong a chemical for flowers). The best treatment you didn't include was the proper amount of commercially prepared preservative dissolved in a measured amount of warm water. Keep up your interest in science!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I learned a lot just from reading other people's questions and your great answers. As an added treat, you also gave glorious suggestions...Here's my question; Are there any books on the market that show and explain tabletop arrangements for events, get-togethers, dinners, etc? It seems that when there are garden club luncheons, tea parties, training get-togethers,meetings, etc., it takes me days struggling to design the perfect table. Your suggestions make it so simple...Still, I would like to have a book that shows what the possibilities are to creating awesome tabletop arrangements with simplicity.-  Dottie - Stephens City, VA

Dottie, Thanks so much for reading (and it's nice to have a fan!). Inspiration is everywhere, not just in the books. There are some great floral design books on the market, but it seems like by the time they are in print the idea is "old." I like reading home and fashion decorating magazines. Their color combinations are "current" and I can often use pieces of inspiration for vases and backdrops. That's a long answer for not recommending any particular book, but I'd encourage you to peruse those decorating magazines! Of course, Jill Slater's recipes posted on this site monthly are a "must see" too! Thanks, again, for reading!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Why do cut flowers die when they are put into sugar?, I have been doing the experiment in school and I observed it for 4 days, the cut flower in sugar and water started dying almost immediately and the one without sugar, just plain water lived longer. Why is this? -  Courtney - Statten Island, NY

Courtney, Likely there was too much bacteria and fungi in the sugar only vase and the xylem tubes (that carry water up the stem) got clogged. Here's more: Flowers have a pre-set or pre-determined life that is established by the plant (or its genetics). Some flowers last a day while others may last up to several months (on the plant). Scientists have not unlocked the secret to flower life, but have some insight. What you're experimenting with is how long humans can keep flowers alive once they are removed from the plant. It is interesting that even our best efforts don't often exceed the life nature has "programmed" the flowers to have. With proper care, however, some flowers will last up to a few weeks. The plant provides flowers with a food source and water. That's what you're trying to replicate. Some substances have a food source (sugar) that may help the flower live a bit longer. Water is supplied in the vase (obviously, where the substances are dissolved). However, the sugar alone in the vase will promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, clogging the xylem (part of the stem that takes up water). So, you need a balance of sugar and an acid (to deter the bacteria and fungi from growing) to extend post-harvest life the most.

You might think about modifying your experiment a bit from simply over the counter medications. I suggest that you use sugar (about a teaspoon dissolved into 8-10 oz of warm water) in one solution. In another vase or glass, dissolved a packet of commercial floral food (the flower preservative sold at most florists and supermarket floral departments). Use a third vase as your control (water only). If you can, put 2-3 stems of carnations or other identical flower into each vase and watch what happens. To those three "treatments" you might try aspirin (should lower the pH of the water, inhibiting fungal growth but does not provide a food source) and bleach [in a separate container, add one teaspoon of bleach to at least 8 oz. of water]. Read the label on any over the counter medications that contain sugar and perhaps use those. You might add to your test a pH reading to see which compounds lower the pH the most.

My hypothesis is that the commercial flower food will last longest, followed by water, then the sugar & water mixture, then any other treatments. Let me know how it turns out. Keep enjoying science - the world needs more scientists!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am doing a science fair project my question is: "WHAT PROLONGS THE LIFE Of CUT FLOWERS BLEACH OR SUGAR?"

What I plan to do is put a small amount of bleach in one vase and sugar in the other and see which flower lasts longer. Could you please give me some guidance on your opinion and some facts that would help my research.

Thank You very much this would be greatly appreciated! :) ** please reply soon I dont have much time! -  Bobbi - Boca Raton, FL

Bobbi, I don't mind that you will post my answer. I'm glad to see your interest in science. Flowers have a pre-set or pre-determined life that is established by the plant (or its genetics). Some flowers last a day while others may last up to several months (on the plant). Scientists have not unlocked the secret to flower life, but have some insight. What you're experimenting with is how long humans can keep flowers alive once they are removed from the plant. It is interesting that even our best efforts don't often exceed the life nature has "programmed" the flowers to have. With proper care, however, some flowers will last up to a few weeks.

The plant provides flowers with a food source and water. That's what you're trying to replicate. Some substances have a food source (sugar) that may help the flower live a bit longer. Water is supplied in the vase (obviously, where the substances are dissolved). However, the sugar alone in the vase will promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, clogging the xylem (part of the stem that takes up water). So, you need a balance of sugar and an acid (to deter the bacteria and fungi from growing) to extend post-harvest life the most.

You might think about modifying your experiment a bit from simply over the counter medications. I suggest that you use sugar (about a teaspoon dissolved into 8-10 oz of warm water) in one solution. In another vase or glass, dissolved a packet of commercial floral food (the flower preservative sold at most florists and supermarket floral departments). Use a third vase as your control (water only). If you can, put 2-3 stems of carnations or other identical flower into each vase and watch what happens. To those three "treatments" you might try aspirin (should lower the pH of the water, inhibiting fungal growth but does not provide a food source) and bleach [in a separate container, add one teaspoon of bleach to at least 8 oz. of water]. Read the label on any over the counter medications that contain sugar and perhaps use those. You might add to your test a pH reading to see which compounds lower the pH the most.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, What effect do vinegar and bleach have on life cut flowers? -  Clara - Chicago, IL

Clara, Flowers have a pre-set or pre-determined life that is established by the plant (or its genetics). Some flowers last a day while others may last up to several months (on the plant). Scientists have not unlocked the secret to flower life, but have some insight. What you want to know is how long humans can keep flowers alive once they are removed from the plant. It is interesting that even our best efforts don't often exceed the life nature has "programmed" the flowers to have. With proper care, however, some flowers will last up to a few weeks.

The plant provides flowers with a food source and water. Some substances have a food source (sugar) that may help the flower live a bit longer. Water is supplied in the vase (obviously, where the substances are dissolved). However, the sugar alone in the vase will promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, clogging the xylem (part of the stem that takes up water). So, you need a balance of sugar and an acid (to deter the bacteria and fungi from growing) to extend post-harvest life the most.

Some people say a source of acid could be bleach, vinegar, pennies, or aspirin. Some people use citric soda pop (Sprite, 7-Up, etc.) as a sugar source. Yet, nothing really beats the commercial preservative (a measured amount) dissolved in a measured amount of warm water.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am a 7th grader and in my science class, we are studying the scientific method. My teacher went online and saw that someone asked about how she can get her flowers to live longer and look better. There were multiple answers to her question, but a lot of them said either aspirin, a pinch of sugar, or changing the water every day would help. So we did the scientific method and checked out if the aspirin really worked or not. Turns out the flower without the aspirin (the control) did better than the one with aspirin (independent variable). I want to do this experiment at home, only instead of aspirin, I will see if a pinch of sugar works. Do you think it will work? -  Taylor - Berkely, CA

Taylor, The scientific method is very important and something I use in my work very often. I'm glad you're learning it and how to use it. I'm not surprised to hear about the results with aspirin. Flowers have a pre-set or pre-determined life that is established by the plant (or its genetics). Some flowers last a day while others may last up to several months (on the plant).

Scientists have not unlocked the secret to flower life, but have some insight. What you're experimenting with is how long humans can keep flowers alive once they are removed from the plant. It is interesting that even our best efforts don't often exceed the life nature has "programmed" the flowers to have. With proper care, however, some flowers will last up to a few weeks. The plant provides flowers with a food source and water. That's what you're trying to replicate. Some substances have a food source (sugar) that may help the flower live a bit longer. Water is supplied in the vase (obviously, where the substances are dissolved). However, the sugar alone in the vase will promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, clogging the xylem (part of the stem that takes up water). So, you need a balance of sugar and an acid (to deter the bacteria and fungi from growing) to extend post-harvest life the most.

You might think about modifying your experiment a bit. Use the sugar as planned (about a teaspoon dissolved into 8-10 oz of warm water). In another vase or glass, dissolved a packet of commercial floral food (the flower preservative sold at most florists and supermarket floral departments). Use a third vase as your control (water only). If you can, put 2-3 stems of carnations or other identical flower into each vase and watch what happens. My hypothesis is that the commercial flower food will last longest, followed by water, then the sugar & water mixture. Let me know how it turns out. Keep enjoying science - the world needs more scientists!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I'm doing a science fair experiment and I'm using roses, tulips and carnation to change there color but im afraid they'll die because my cousin is doing the same project I am and his rose died. Is there something wrong with the flower that it dies, or is roses sensitive to color. Thanks -  Theresa - Chicago, IL

Theresa, You've chosen an interesting project! You can change the color of many light-colored (white, beige, pale yellow) flowers by adding food color to the water in the vase. However, it is tough to change the color of a dark red flower (like a dark red tulip or rose). You're also facing a challenge that tulips don't last very long (several days at the most) or the flowers your cousin purchased were older and died quickly.

I like to use carnations for this experiment because white carnations are easily found and they tend to last for a few weeks. What you use for color is also an issue. Food color is generally safe for flowers, but other types of coloring may not be (and could be partly to blame for your cousin's flowers dying). So, select white or light colored flowers (preferably carnations) and use a food color in the vase water. That should get you the results you're looking for.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I've heard from multiple people that putting pennies in your flower water will keep them alive longer,Is this true? Thanks! -  Jenny - Heath, OH

Jenny, Pennies used to have enough copper in them to help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Following is a brief chronology of the metal composition of the cent coin (penny): "The composition of the penny was pure copper from 1793 to 1837. From 1837 to 1857, the cent was made of bronze (95 percent copper, and five percent tin and zinc). From 1857, the cent was 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel, giving the coin a whitish appearance. The cent was again bronze (95 percent copper, and five percent tin and zinc) from 1864 to 1962. (Note: In 1943, the coin's composition was changed to zinc-coated steel.

This change was only for the year 1943 and was due to the critical use of copper for the war effort. However, a limited number of copper pennies were minted that year. You can read more about the rare, collectible 1943 copper penny in "What's So Special about the 1943 Copper Penny.") In 1962, the cent's tin content, which was quite small, was removed. That made the metal composition of the cent 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc. The alloy remained 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc until 1982, when the composition was changed to 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper (copper-plated zinc). Cents of both compositions appeared in that year." This is from http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/fun_facts/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=fun_facts2

The best preservative is a commercially prepared one because it has both a food (sugar) source (that pennies, aspirin, and bleach) do not have. Some contend that citric soda pop (like Sprite, 7-Up, etc.) extend the life of flowers, but they have no fungicidal or bactericidal activity.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, My name is Phyllis. I'm getting married July 4th and I'm having a red, white and blue wedding. I need help with my flowers what kind should I use at these time of the year? I'm also having a outdoor BBQ And Pool party what kind of flowers should I us on the tables outside? Thank you for any help you can give me. -  Phyllis - Lilesville, NC

Phyllis, You should use red, white, and blue (of course)! One idea is Jill's Flower Flag. I like red standard carnations combined with dark blue statice and white chrysanthemums. You could put several stems in a vase (for each guest to take home) and decorate with foil streamers or flags.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I plan to make centerpieces in holly (Ilex aquifolium) but don't know the best, practical way to keep them moist for as long as possible, say, 4 weeks. I know this isn't easy, particularly as they will also have a candle, which when lit will tend to dry them out even more. Maybe cutting the stems diagonally and sealing them with glycerine - would it suffice or would they still need regular spraying? Can you help? Thanks! -  Joao

Joao, Holly will last for a few weeks (about 2 has been my experience). Sealing won't help, and it will likely shorten the life. I would use floral foam soaked in commercial preservative (use a measured amount of preservative to a measured amount of warm water, then keep the "leftovers" to add to the container). You're right, the candle will dry out the arrangement a bit. Any chance you have a garage or cool spot you could keep the arrangement in during the day while you're not enjoying it? Maybe think about purchasing a few extra stems to replace the ones that dry out a bit. That way, you wouldn't need to replace all the stems at once. Keeping it cool and well hydrated is the best way to keep your holly looking fresh!   - Bridget

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