A main cause of deterioration in flower vases is bacteria. Make sure your vase is clean and your water is pure, plus replace your water after 2-3 days. If any of the leaves lower down the stem are submerged under water, cut them off to prevent the spread of bacteria. Also using floral food provided by your florist should kill harmful bugs and dirt.

The first thing that you want to do is cut off excessive leaves and greenery which will just suck up the water and nutrients that you want to go to your flowers. Next, cut the bottom of the stems on an angle to open the flowers up to receive the water and nutrients. As you place them in the vase you will want to criss-cross the stems to allow the flowers to be arranged more easily and present a fuller look.

For a taller floral arrangement you will want to use a slimmer and taller vase to make your flowers look better proportioned and last longer. Tulips and Gladiolas are a couple of types of flowers that work well in this type of situation. A tall arrangement really stands out and makes an impression.

Another trick that helps to make your floral arrangement look more natural is to cut the stems of the flowers at different heights. Doing this will allow your arrangement to mimic the look of a natural garden. Also use odd numbers of flowers, such as using 3 roses together or 5. Even numbers just don't work as effectively. If you use 5 roses for example, Place 3 together cut at different lengths near the bottom center of the vase and then two higher up.

Never place your flowers in bright or overheated areas in your home. This breeds bacteria and causes an excess water loss. Use a vase that is in proportion to the size and amount of flowers that you have ordered. This could create even more water loss that you are not

aware of.

You can't go wrong with flowers as a gift but by following the tips above the flowers will last longer. Be sure to teach the person you are giving the flowers to the tips so that your gift will be appreciated and enjoyed much longer.