STARTING OFF
When arranging or rearranging, re-cut the stems diagonally using a knife or garden shears. Cutting the stems gives maximum exposure to waterallowing more water to reach the leaves and flowers.  Hold the stem under a steady flow of lukewarm water while cutting. Insert each flower separately into a vase or container filled with room-temperature water. Dip rose stems into peppermint oil before placing them into water.

EXTENDING THE LIFE OF YOUR BOUQUET
Add a few foxglove stalks around the existing flowers. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the water for anemones, lilies, and gladioli. Drop a pinch of salt into the water for roses, snapdragons and violets. Mix two teaspoons of sugar or lemonade to water containing asters and delphiniums. Drop a penny into a vase filled with tulips. Reduce murky water by adding one aspirin tablet. Spray a fine mist on leaves and blossoms during hot-weather periods. Place your arrangement in a temperate location, away from direct sunlight and electrical appliances. Avoid particularly humid or draughty areas.

REVITALIZING YOUR BOUQUET!
Dip the flower stems into a cup of vodka or gin for up to 5 seconds, then replace into fresh water. Immerse the whole flower ? stems and blossoms ? into cool water for no more than 15 minutes. If only the blooms are drooping, use a pin to prick the stem just beneath the flower.

ACACIA...Secret love,elegance; friendship
AMARYLLIS...Beautiful; timid; proud
ANEMONE...Fading hope
ASTER (China)...Love of variety
AZALEA...Your blush has won me
BACHELOR'S BUTTON...Hope in love
BEGONIA...Deformity
CACTUS...Grandeur; warmth
CALLA LILY...Magnificent beauty
CANDYTUFT...Indifference
CARNATION...Woman's love
CATTLEYA...Mature charms
CEDARI...Live but for thee; think of me
CHRYSANTHEMUM...Loveliness and cheerfulness
CORNFLOWER...Delicacy; refinement
COXCOMB...Foppery
DAFFODIL...Deceitful;hope; unrequited love; regard
DAISY...Innocence
DIOSMA...Your simple elegance charms me
GARDENIA...Refinement
GLADIOLUS...Ready-armed
HOLLY...Am I forgotten?; domestic happiness; foresight
IRISMessage, my compliments; eloquence
IVY...Fidelity; friendship; marriage; wedded love
LARKSPUR (pink)...Fickleness
LARKSPUR (Purple)...Haughtiness
LILAC (white)...Youthful innocence
LILY (calla)...Maiden modesty; beauty
LILY (tiger)...I dare you to love me
LILY (white)...Purity and sweetness
LILY (yellow)...Coquetry, falsehood, flirtation
LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY...Perfect purity; return of happiness
MISTLETOE...I want to be kissed; you
MYRTLE (wax)...Discipline; instruction
MYRTLE...Love in absence
NARCISSUS...Egotism; you love yourself too well
ORCHID...You are a belle; you flatter me
PEONY...Anger; indignation; bashfulness
PETUNIA...You soothe me
RANUNCULUS...I am dazzled by your charms
ROSE (red)...Unity, romantic love
ROSE (white)...I am worthy of your love; silence; innocent love
ROSE (yellow)...Jealousy
SNAPDRAGON...No; presumption
STAR OF BETHLEHEM...Atonement
STEPHANOTIS...Come to me
STOCK...Lasting beauty
SUNFLOWER...You are splendid
SWEET-WILLIAM...Grant me one smile
TUBEROSE...Dangerous
TULIP... (red)Declaration of love
YARROW...Cure for heartache

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