• Flowers must be cut early in the morning and stored in warm water.
• They must be stored at room temperature before arranging.
• Sharp knife must be used to cut stems at an angle under running water.
• Stems must be kept clear of foliage and debris so that they can draw up water.
• Rotting leaves in the water contaminate it and must be cleared.
• Container must be placed in a cool spot away from direct sunlight that dries out and wilts the blooms.
• Water must be changed every other day.
• Flower stems submerged in a solution of liquid glycerin last long.
• Sugar cubes may be added to the water to keep flowers fresh.

To make arranging easier and to keep vase water clean, strip the leaves from the portion of the stem that falls below the waterline. Also, change the water when it becomes cloudy.

Large-mouthed containers often need a holding device to keep flowers evenly spaced. A quick and easy solution is to create a lattice across the top from strips of floral tape.