Celebrity personality Anna Nicole Smith is known for many 
things, and while there's no question that she has had 
notable successes in her life, let's face it-she's not known 
for her intelligence. In fact, for many people, her dizzy 
blonde personality is part of her appeal. Does that mean 
she'd have trouble with simple tasks like keeping fresh 
flowers alive longer? Not if she follows some simple tips 
for keeping floral arrangements fresher longer. 

In general, flower arrangements will stay fresh for 
somewhere between four and seven days. That, of course, 
depends on what kinds of flowers are used and how they are 
cared for. The care they'll need will depend on whether 
they're a part of an arrangement or loose flowers. Below are 
some care tips for both. 

Floral Arrangements

 * If the arrangement is in a vase, keep it filled with water 
that has flower food in it. Many florists include a packet 
of flower food with their deliveries, but if not, your local 
florist should have some available for purchase. 

 * If the arrangement is in a floral foam, keep the foam 
soaked with water containing flower food. 

 * Be sure to precisely follow the mixing instructions on the 
flower food package. Do not dilute the solution to make it 
last longer. 

 * If the water and food solution gets cloudy, promptly 
replace it with fresh solution. If possible, trim one to two 
inches from each stem using a utensil that will not crush 
the stems. 

 * Place the arrangement in a cool place that is not subject 
to direct sunshine. You should also avoid drafts from fans 
and heat from vents or appliances. 

Loose or Boxed Flowers

 * Flowers should be kept cool until they can be placed in a 
water and flower food solution.  

 * Precisely follow the mixing instructions for the water and 
food solution. 

 * Make sure the vase you place the flowers in has been 
cleaned with a mild detergent or antibacterial cleaning 
solution. Thoroughly rinse the vase. 
 
 * Take off any leaves that will be below the water line.

 * Trim one to two inches from the stems.

Many people purchase loose flowers to create their own 
arrangements. When you purchase loose flowers, it's 
important to look for a few things to make certain you're 
getting good quality flowers that will last as long as 
possible. In general, look for flowers that have firm, 
upright petals and a few buds that are just beginning to 
open. Avoid flowers that are yellowish, droopy, or have 
brown spots. If you're making an arrangement of flowers with 
woody stems, like lilacs or forsythia, use a sharp shears to 
cut the stems and avoid crushing them. Crushed stems will 
limit water flow to the blossom and cause them to fade 
faster.  

You see, there's really no big secret to keeping flowers 
alive longer. Just follow these ideas and consult with your 
florist should you have any questions or problems. He or she 
will be happy to help you get the most out of your flowers.  

Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, 
a successful multi-million dollar business that was 
established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the 
Professional Florists' Institute, a floral design school 
located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the 
web at http://www.800wesleys.com.