Six budget-friendly tips to make your Mothers’ Day flowers last longer

MOTHERS’ DAY may be over, but your beautiful bouquet doesn’t have to wilt away just yet, or be binned.

Extend its life with these easy, budget-friendly tips . . . 

SUDS SAVER: Always wash your vase with hot, soapy water before arranging the flowers.

Leftover residue speeds up decay, so a clean vase means longer-lasting blooms.

To keep them fresh, try to change the water every couple of days or when it starts to look a bit cloudy.

WATER GOOD IDEA: Trim stems while submerged in a bowl of water, to prevent air bubbles from blocking their later absorption of water.

You should always try to cut the stems at an angle, as this creates more surface area for better hydration — the key to keeping flowers at their best.

LEAF IT OUT: Remove any leaves on the stems that will sit below the waterline in the vase.

If left on, they can quickly rot, which not only smells bad but means the blooms will fade and die faster.

POSY PICK-ME-UP: Add a spoonful of sugar to the water, to encourage your flowers to flourish.

A splash of white vinegar can also help keep water fresh.

CHILL OUT: Refrigerating flowers is one way to keep them lasting longer but a more practical option is to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.

A cool hallway or side table works perfectly and should keep blooms fresher for longer than if they are on a warm kitchen surface.

PRESS PAUSE: Don’t throw away wilted flowers. Instead, air-dry them by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry space such as a cupboard, then use later as table decorations.

Or, if you’re feeling creative, press your flowers.

Hobbycraft is selling a deluxe pressing kit for just £15 down from £20.

It has everything you need to make great greeting cards.

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• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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