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Dear Bridget, Can you please advise me on where I can find info on dying fungi mums. I have an arrangement made for a Mexican Fiesta using the brilliant colored Fuji Mums. I will be needed these mum for an event in late October. My local flower source can not guarantee these colored Fuji in October. I wanted to see if I could color them myself if they are not available in October. It would be my backup. Thanking you in advance for your assistance. – Cheryl – Houston, TX
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Cheryl, I would recommend you do several trials to be sure you get the right color and calculate the time and measure the amount of dye to water. You shouldRead more »
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Dear Bridget, I’m a 9th grader at Spruce Creek High School and I was wondering something for a Science Fair project. Is it conceivable to cut a flower any other way than the standard angular cut to extend its shelf life? Like say at a curve or in a parabolic shape. I would really appreciate it. Thank you. – Alan – Mauldin, SC
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Alan, If you had a sharp knife, good eyesight, and a sturdy stem, you could do that. Most of the research I’ve seen says that the angular cut works betterRead more »
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Dear Bridget, Which flowers have the longest vase life? – Shoby
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Shoby, Fresh flowers have varying vase life, determined as much by genetics as by how they are cared for and handled. Some tropical flowers have as much vase life asRead more »
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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
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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 toRead more »
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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
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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) justRead more »
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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
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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 forRead more »
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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
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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 theRead more »
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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
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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 haveRead more »
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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
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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 theRead more »
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Dear Bridget, What other plants besides hydrangeas will change the flower color with the soil pH?- Tammy – Wiggins, MS
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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 floweringRead more »
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