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BLOOMIN’ LOVELY
A healthy drink for humans can also be just as good for flowers
- Caron McKinlay, TV Reporter
SPRING brings longer days, warmer weather, and bursts of colour everywhere, especially in the way of flowers.
From cheery Daffodils and humble Bluebells to elegant Lilies - learn how to help your flowers look fabulous for longer.
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Whether you've picked up a treat at the local supermarket or you’ve been gifted a beautiful bouquet, it's devastating when your flowers die almost instantly.
But don't despair because a flower expert has shared a secret that will help your flowers last longer.
What is the secret ingredient?
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Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, said: “Hydration is key for keeping fresh-cut lilies for longer but the acidity of the water is important, too.
"A splash of lemon juice can lower the water’s pH which helps lilies absorb water easier and keep them vibrant for longer.
Garden Hacks
“Lemon water is a healthy drink for humans but many don’t realise it can have benefits for flowers, too.
"A vitamin C tablet crushed into the vase can also be effective.”
If you haven't got a lemon lying around at home, you can pick one up for around 30p at your local supermarket.
Most flowers absorb water more effectively in an acidic environment which helps them stay hydrated and fresher for longer and keeps bacteria growth at bay.
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What causes flowers to wilt?
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“One of the biggest culprits behind wilting flowers is bacteria as it can block flower stems’ vascular systems.
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"This prevents water and nutrient uptake and causes petals to droop and leaves to start yellowing.”
Elise added: “Lowering the pH keeps vase water clearer, the growth of harmful bacteria is reduced, keeping stems clear and expanding your flowers’ lifespan.”
Elise also recommends refreshing the water in the vase every two or three days and trimming stems at a 45-degree angle to improve water uptake.
She added: “Direct sunlight can be too harsh on flowers, so if you want to keep your bouquet for as long as possible, place them somewhere cool and shaded.
The 5 best flowers to help bees to thrive
Nature experts at Faith In Nature have shared the 5 best flowers Brits can plant in their gardens to help bees thrive.
Rebecca Miller, Fabulous' Associate Editor and keen gardener explains why "bees are brilliant".
"They are vital. They pollinate our food and play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But climate change, the increasing use of pesticides and loss of habitat means bees are endangered. No matter how big your garden or outside space is, you can plant a flower or two to help bees."
Lavender
Lavender can thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It's fragrant and flowers all-summer-long meaning it's a big hit with bees - especially bumble bees.
Sunflowers
This cheery flower giant are bee-magnets. And if you look closely at a sunflower head, the big ‘flowers’ are actually a cluster of small flowers, called an inflorescence which attract pollinators.
Ideally, grow sunflowers in groups to provide nectar and pollen for as many bees as possible. At the end of summer, collect the dried seeds from the sunflower heads tofeed the birdsor plant next year.
Heather
These abundant, bell-shaped blooms are brimming with nectar and pollen – which is good news for bees.
Cornflowers
A vivid blue wildflower, cornflowers are often planted alongside other meadow blooms, like ox-eye daisies and poppies.
They grow on tall stems and are packed with nectar, making them particularly attractive to bees. Cornflowers bloom for a long time and are simple to grow, so they're perfect for first-time gardeners and experienced alike.
Crocuses (and snowdrops)
Later this summer, when you're starting to plan for your Spring displays, consider crocuses and snowdrops.
They provide bees, such as the queen buff-tailed bumblebee and male hairy-footed flower bees, with vital early pollen as they emerge from their winter hibernation.
"Retrimming flower stems can also extend the life of your lilies.
"Over time, the cut ends of blooms can become blocked by air bubbles which can block water and nutrients accessing the flower.
“Trim half an inch off your stems after a few days to expose a fresh surface to absorb water.”
Meanwhile, you can give yourflowerbedsand lawn a spring spruce up without spending any extramoney.
Instead of investing in bags of pricey fertiliser, simply repurpose an item that's already in your fridge.
However, with the sun shining, many people might begin to noticeweeds growing on their patios.
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But you don’t have to fork out on expensive products to get rid of them, asgardeningfans have revealed a simple two-ingredient hack that they claim will make stubborn gravel weeds disappear.
Even better, they say it works in less than 24 hours.
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