On Tuesday, there will be the annual huge celebration of flowers for Valentine's Day, as fresh-cut flowers are on everyone's mind. It is estimated that more than 180 million stems of roses on that day alone will be exchanged and given to sweethearts all around the world.

Here are some helpful tips to select and to prolong the life of these beautiful blooms. When choosing flowers from a florist or flower market, look for those with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age. Smell the water; it should smell fresh and clean. Also, look at the stems: They should be clean and not slimy. Forgo any flowers that may have breaks in the stems. A little extra care of fresh-cut flowers can prolong your enjoyment. Get fresh arrangements off to a good start: While preparing to put the flowers in a vase, store the blooms in a cool place.

Vases, floral clippers and knives should be thoroughly clean. How clean the tools and container are can truly affect the presentation and life of the flowers. Wash the tools and selected flower container with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution.

Commercial flower food solution is an absolute must. Make sure a packet of flower food is included in your purchase. Follow the mixing instructions on the flower food packet. Most packets should be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified.

Remove any leaves on the stems that will fall below the water line. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower and will definitely shorten their lifespan.

Recut the stems: Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife while holding them under running warm water. Try to cut the stem on a slant, so it will absorb more water. Place the flowers in the vase solution that you have just prepared.

Always keep fresh flowers out of direct sun and away from drafts, like air vents, heater vents or fans.

Regular maintenance is a must. It's important to recut the stems and change the water often. Also, the vase may be too big once the stems are cut. Move to a smaller vase and rearrange the flowers. Don't be afraid to separate flowers into different groupings and move them into different rooms as the stems get shorter and the vase gets smaller.

When flowers come to the end of their life cycle, cut the stems 1/2-inch from the blooms and float them in a shallow bowl of water (maybe accompanied by some floating candles, stones, or marbles). Lay blooms and petals on a plate with some candles or in a bed of potpourri to let them dry naturally.

The Flower Promotion Organization, an alliance of the United States and Colombian fresh-cut flower growers, provides consumers with fresh-cut flower education and design inspiration. Visit www.FLOWRMD.com or call (888) FLOWRMD.

Free class: At 9 a.m. Saturday, all Armstrong Garden Centers are offering a free class on the selection and care of fruit trees. Learn the do's and don'ts of having a fruitful backyard orchard, such as variety selection, planting in confined spaces, selecting the right variety for extended harvest and selecting small fruits.

Tineke Wilders is a freelance garden writer. Send questions to tinekegardens@juno.com.

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