Kremp Florist is a family-owned family flower shop that has been bringing bouquets to customers for over 65 years. Throughout the generations, Kremp has been able to get to the bottom of a few common misconceptions about purchasing and caring for fresh flowers. Have you heard the following floral myths?
You shouldn’t buy flowers because they will die anyway…
Some people think that you should not buy flowers because they are a perishable item that will eventually be sentenced to the trash. While it is true that fresh flowers are not everlasting, they have long been seen as important cultural symbols. Ancient mythology tells us that lovers exchanged flowers, and in the middle ages special meanings were assigned to many flower varieties to help people express their sentiments to loved ones. Beyond words, flowers can be used to convey your feelings to friends and loved ones, whether in times of joy or sorrow.
Additionally, flowers can be compared to other fleeting pleasures like a meal at your favorite restaurant or a fabulous vacation that will live on in your memories. Not all of life’s joys are meant to be held on to forever, and the flowers’ limited lifespan can make their beauty all the more special.
You can’t have flowers in the house if you have allergies…
Some people who suffer from severe allergic rhinitis, or pollen allergy, cannot have flowers in their homes. However, not all flower varieties are equal when it comes to inducing sneeze attacks. People with a true floral allergy will experience an immune response and release of histamine when they come in contact with pollen in the air. Others, though, are merely irritated by strong fragrances of any type, which could come from flowers, perfumes, or soaps.
People who fall into the second category can shop for flowers with less fragrance such as carnations, hydrangeas, irises, orchids, and snapdragons. Some flowers that have been hybridized by the floral industry have lost much of their fragrance in the process of enhancing other qualities like color or size. These types would also make good gifts for allergy sufferers.
You should put pennies, bleach, sugar, or aspirin in your vase of flowers to make them last longer…
Some of these myths have their roots in fact. Both copper and bleach can inhibit bacterial growth, which is important in floral care. And sugar simulates the “food” that the flower would create if it were enacting photosynthesis. Aspirin is one agent that has the ability to keep cut flower stems clear so they can act as straws, bringing nutrients to the blooms’ heads.
Professional florists, though, always recommend sticking to the flower food packet that comes with your bouquet. Flower food contains all the ingredients your arrangement needs, in the correct proportions to make your flowers last. In fact, exposing your blooms to the bacteria that can be found on pennies can be harmful to the blooms, and an overdose of bleach could be enough to end an arrangement. It is all about getting the correct ratios of chemicals to keep flowers looking their best, so follow the instructions on flower food packets carefully to help your vase thrive.
You should store flowers in the fridge before giving them as a gift…
Ideally, you should pick up your flowers from a florist on the day you plan to give them, but that is not always possible with people’s busy lives. If you have to store flowers overnight before giving them, you should not put them in the refrigerator. While it is true that florists refrigerate their flowers to make them last longer, they have special coolers that are kept at the optimum temperature and humidity to preserve the blooms. Any colder, and delicate blooms can easily freeze causing them to wilt. Some fridges contain unknown cold spots that can easily ruin bouquets.
So where should you store your floral gift? Flowers will fare best when kept in a cool dry room, away from direct sun, heat, or drafts. Store your bouquet somewhere you would feel comfortable leaving your pet—after all, flowers are living things too!
You can’t have flowers if you have pets…
Some flowers and houseplants are indeed poisonous to pets, while others (think grass) are relatively harmless. It is important to prevent your pets from eating any plants or household substances not meant for consumption, but you don’t have to forgo flower arrangements all together just because you reside with man’s best friend. Shop with caution to avoid purchasing some of the most poisonous plants to pets, and keep flower arrangements on high shelves or at the very back of your countertop where pets are less likely to reach them. Consider placing your flower arrangement inside a room with a door so you can prevent your pet from entering the space if you are worried he or she will try to disturb the flowers.
This article was posted by Chad Kremp