In a tight economy, we’re all looking for ways to save a few pennies and get the most out of what we buy. Fresh flowers dress up any space and instantly make us feel good. (Kind of a no-brainer but research proves they boost our moods and help us deal with stress.) Pretty and potent as they are, flowers have a practical side too. Here are five ways to get more out of your flowers, once you’ve enjoyed them in a vase.
Decorate a present. Packaging from bloom to bow – A flower that’s a few days old and still fresh looking is an excellent addition to a gift. Wrap the box, add a ribbon and tie on a blossom, a large daisy or sunflower perhaps. Just one or two will do and it truly perks up a package.
Dry petals and use again and again. Hydrangea is one of many flowers that can be dried, stored and reused. Be sure to cover while in storage to protect from dust. For more details on how to preserve flowers, read how to press and dry flowers and make potpourri
Scatter petals or place in a bowl. Sans stems, rose petals look beautiful in a basket or bowl or loosely scattered among candles on a tabletop or perfume bottles on a bathroom shelf.
Adorn invitations or add to envelope . A colleague of mine used burgundy pansy petals to adorn her wedding invitations. It was a small wedding, but you could do the same for shower, birthday or anniversary parties. Be an A-lister!
Keep notes for future reference. Take a photo of your flowers, print it out and paste it in a notebook. Keep notes on what flowers were used, how many and how they worked in the arrangement. The more you design and record it, the more adept you’ll become. This is also a great tip for gardeners. Plan it out before you plant.
Flower Fact of the Day: Amaranth is a flower as well as a grain and weed. Read more about this plant at: Amaranth: A Grain, Flower and Weed
