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Roses are not the only flowers that match the definition of "romance" for Valentine's Day.
Calla lilies, tulips, Gerbera daisies, Stargazer lilies, sunflowers and even houseplants -- they keep living and giving -- are nice choices.
If you give or get fresh-cut flowers, here are some tips on how to care for and use them. The suggestions come from Bridget Behe, known as the "flower doctor" at www.flowrmd.com; she's a professor in the department of horticulture at Michigan State University and is a Michigan-certified florist. (The Flower Promotion Organization, a nonprofit group that promotes the use of cut flowers, sponsors the flower doctor, who can also be reached by phone toll free at (888) FLOWRMD (356-9763).)
- Pick your petals. When you select loose flowers, look for upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open, not fully open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
- Do the nose test. Smell the water; it should smell fresh and clean, not like a fish aquarium.
- Check for slime. Look at, and feel, the flower stems; they should be clean and not slimy.
- Watch for breaks. Avoid flowers with stems that have cracks or weak points in them.
- Give your pretty petals some extra care to prolong their good looks, including:
- Cool 'em off. Before arranging cut flowers, store the blooms in a cool place.
- Leaf 'em out. If the leaves on stems fall below the water line, remove them. Leaves in water promote bacterial microbial growth that limits the water a flower takes up.
- Keep 'em clean. Vases, floral clippers and knives should be clean. Wash them with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning agent and rinse thoroughly.
- Put 'em under the knife. To keep flowers fresher, re-cut the stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife under running warm water.
- Control 'em. Keep fresh flowers out of direct sunlight and away from drafts such as air and heat vents or fans.
- Divide, decorate with 'em. Feel free to separate big bouquets into smaller ones you put in small vases that you scatter throughout your home. When flowers are coming to an end of their life, cut the stems a half-inch from the blooms and float them in a bowl of water, maybe accompanied by floating candles, stones or marbles.
- Lay bloom on a plate with some candles or in a bed of potpourri to let them dry naturally for continued enjoyment.
Stumped for suggestions? Wonder what flowers to get for the person you just met or the person you're really serious about? Floral designers with www.ftd.com and (800) Send-FTD offer these suggestions:
- First date: You know little about the person's taste or style, so go bold, but simple. Choose a flower with a large blossom in vibrant colors. A small grouping of two or three Stargazer lilies or sunflowers makes a sexy statement to your date.
- New relationship: Enjoy the exhilaration of a new romance by choosing fun, colorful flowers such as daisies. A handful of Gerbera daisies in red, orange or pink are sure to create a connection.
- "I love you": You've been dating a while and have just said "I love you." This is the perfect time to send that gorgeous bouquet of rich red roses, or choose the shade that's her favorite -- something such as yellow, coral, peach or white mixed with a color.
- Serious, long term: You've been together for many years and red roses have said it all. Something meaningfully fresh is needed. Try a new shade of roses, such as the deep-orange red that's trendy and popular this year. Or, contact your favorite floral designer and ask for a specially mixed bouquet she won't forget. Then tuck in a surprise -- maybe those diamond earrings she's always wanted.
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