A trip to the florist may brighten the day of the recipient, but may empty your pocket book. How can you avoid being taken to the cleaners on your next trip to the florist? One factor that affects the price of a floral arrangement is its large variety of flowers. Some flowers are so exotic or difficult to grow that they simply come with a high price tag. Less expensive flowers can be very effective, however, and should not be overlooked as an option. One of the common florist choices that costs less is the carnation. In some cases, you can get twenty long stemmed carnations without a vase (as a flower bouquet) for under $30. Daisies are another of the less expensive florist choices and bring a spot of happy sunshine into a room. Proper care of flower arrangements, both at the florist and in the delivery vehicle, will help you get the best value from your floral dollars.
The first rule of cut flower care is to keep them refrigerated until they are to be used. The bouquet will not be as long lasting if it has been allowed to stand at room temperature for a great deal of time, such as at a roadside stand, before you get them. For the bouquet's trip to the vase, make certain you remove the leaves that would be under the level of the water. The leaves will decay if left on, and your whole bouquet will take on an unpleasant odor. Along the same line, change the water if it starts to look a little cloudy. Lukewarm water is best, and be sure to use the floral food included with the bouquet, it can be purchased for less than a dollar at the florist if not included with your arrangement. Stems should be cut at an angle to allow for them to be able to 'drink' best. Trimming the bottom inch of stem every day or two will also help your arrangements last longer. Choosing individual blossoms to arrange yourself is a way to save money at the florist shop. The Peruvian Lily(aelstroemeria) is long-lasting and available in a variety of bright colors, including oranges, pinks, and reds, but only costs about two dollars each. Cut tulips, a classic favorite, run about two dollars and fifty cents per long-stemmed bloom.
Another way to save at the florist shop is to ask about flowers that are starting to get a little bit old. In many cases a florist will discount these, and they will still give a few days of delight for a small price. This might be a way to enjoy one of the more exotic (read "expensive!) flowers for a few days.
For home decor, there are two inexpensive options. One is to grow your own flowering potted plants, and the other is to gather wildflower bouquets. These options save on costs at the florist. (In fact,fire the florist!) Of the flowering plants, African violets are well-known and consistent pleasers. They seem to thrive on neglect; blossoming out in multiple blooms when you least expect it. Some are so sparkly they glisten like sugar-coated candies. Others have a delicate white ruffle outlining each petal. Don't miss these beauties. Wildflower bouquets are very popular in country decorating. At certain times of year, daisies and various sunflowers can be found blanketing the countryside. Be sure to have the landowner's permission, or that the flowers are legal to pick before you make your own bouquet (There are endangered and protected varieties, just like animals!). Be your own florist by arranging these natural wonders in antique pitchers, old buckets, canning jars, or other country-style containers.
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