Water pH will influence how the water is taken up by the flower. Ideally, it is only slightly acidic in the range of 5.5 to 6.0 with about 5.7 asRead more »
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-Hi, Bridget I’m wrapping up my science fair project, which brings me to one more question for you. In my research, I found that the commercial flower preservatives provide a weak acid for the flowers’ water. I did an experiment in which I put different components (lemon juice, white vinegar, and aspirin) into different cups of water. Using hydrion papers, I found the acidity of each cup of water compared to a control cup with just plain water in it: there was definitely a difference between the plain water and the cups of water with the acidifying components in them. My question is this: what should the acidity of a flower’s water be? (My flowers were carnations). This answer will help me identify which acidifier was best for the flowers. If you don’t know right off the bat, I will research it myself: just thought that if you knew, asking would be quicker. Thanks! Hi, Bridget I’m wrapping up my science fair project, which brings me to one more question for you. In my research, I found that the commercial flower preservatives provide a weak acid for the flowers’ water. I did an experiment in which I put different components (lemon juice, white vinegar, and aspirin) into different cups of water. Using hydrion papers, I found the acidity of each cup of water compared to a control cup with just plain water in it: there was definitely a difference between the plain water and the cups of water with the acidifying components in them. My question is this: what should the acidity of a flower’s water be? (My flowers were carnations). This answer will help me identify which acidifier was best for the flowers. If you don’t know right off the bat, I will research it myself: just thought that if you knew, asking would be quicker. Thanks!-snailybabe
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Dear Bridget, I have this project at school,we have to take a white carnation and put them in food coloured water, it’s also a contest, whoever has the best desgin will win a special prize. Is there any tips that you can give me on how to make desgins on the flower? Also, we need to have messure ments, the ammount of food colouring and water. I’ve looked and looked and I CAN’T find how much water a cut carnation needs in one day. Could you help me?? Yours, Alex
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Alex, If you split the stem lengthwise and put each quarter in a different color of water, you should get some interesting colors. The amount of water a carnation needsRead more »
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Dear Bridget, I have a friend, his daughter is getting married in July, and he ask me if I knew what fresh flower would be in season besides roses, the bride prefers something different. If you have any advice we would appreciate it. Thanks.- Ruthanne – Shamokin, PA
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Ruthanne, Roses are always a romantic choice and are available year-round. There are lots of other options available in July, too. I would start with the theme of the weddingRead more »
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Dear Bridget, I need some input. I have to do flowers for my niece’s graduation. She loves orange and daisies and the theme is tropical. I was thinking a long table arrangement with irish bells. We are Irish and maybe a bird of paradise or any other options. Help In Minnesota.- Terrie – Maple Grove, MN
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Terrie, Bellis of Ireland are a good choice as those flowers have relatively long lasting enjoyment time. With that, orange gerbera daises would look nice or orange carnations or mini-carnations. Orange andRead more »
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Hi Bridget.. I was so happy to find this page, My daughter is getting married and LOVES plumerias.. BUT, her wedding colors are blue& green…. Are there any blue plumerias? (I found a pic online, but not sure if it is an untouched photo) If there are no blue plumerias, can we brush the petals with something to make blue plumerias? She does not want silk flowers, so we will have to go with a different flower (any suggestions?) if blue plumerias are not an option.. Thanks so much for your time! (Beth, Vacaville, CA)
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Beth, we are delighted you found us too! But, there are no blue plumeria and no good way to get one. I’d suggest purple stock to give you the fragranceRead more »
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Dear Bridget, I am doing the flowers for a friend’s wedding. and I need to know how to tint or paint the tips of a white rose green? Any ideas would be helpful! (from Danyelle)
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Danyelle, you can tint or paint two ways. Spray paint the tips of petals by wearing a rubber glove and holding the bloom down in your fist so just theRead more »
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Ask Bridget: Which fluid, ( Water, gatorade, or sprite) will the flower absorb the fastest? (Callista, New Port Richey, FL)
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Callista, they will all be absorbed at the same rate, since they are mostly water. Water and other liquids will be absorbed faster under warmer conditions.
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Dear Bridget, I was wondering how leaves affect the growth of a flower. Will leaves grow back? Will the flower just die?- Barbra – Beacon, NY
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Barbra, One miracle that makes plants different from animals is their ability to make food. Using water and carbon dioxide (what humans and animals exhale) in the presence of sunlightRead more »
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Dear Bridget, What a great web site. I’m getting married in las Vegas 1st July. I would like to have my wedding bouquet preserved and sent over to the UK. Do you have any idea whether this is possible? Many thanks.- Julie – Manchester, U.K.
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Julie, Preserving an entire bouquet is a real challenge. The blooms will not keep their beauty for long, even with preserving. I might suggest you select a few flowers toRead more »
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Dear Bridget, Which flower is the longest living? Which is the shortest?- Stephanie
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Stephanie, This is a tough question because the answer is “it depends.” Day-lilies last only a day, but some naturally do last a few days longer. Some orchids and otherRead more »
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