Flowers, Fresh From The Farm

While sun-ripened vegetables seduce us with their take-me-home-for-dinner appeal, cut flowers are an equally tempting commodity.

August can be deceptive. Defying the idea that it's too hot to bloom, sunflowers peak; zinnias explode with color; and tuberoses, cockscombs, and crinum lilies just beg to be cut and enjoyed indoors. Saturday markets and produce stands offer a kaleidoscope of colors at bargain prices, and you can often choose assorted blooms by the stem.

The benefits of shopping for flowers in these seasonal outlets are numerous. Buckets of garden flowers-cut with abundant TLC by the person selling them-offer homegrown beauty without getting a bit of dirt under your fingernails. And there's often the pleasure of standing in the morning air, enjoying the festive market atmosphere, choosing flowers with an excellent cup of Java in hand, and knowing that a bit of summer's best is heading home with you. It's good for the soul.

Here are some tips for getting your flowers home in the best shape and treating them nicely once you get there.

At the Market

* As you choose, observe the foliage, not just the blooms. It should be fresh and crisp. Avoid stems with wilted leaves.

* Don't leave fresh flowers in your vehicle while you do other shopping; buy them last. Or ask the proprietor to keep the flowers you've purchased in water until you're ready to leave the market. Remember: The day heats up quickly, and fresh flowers dehydrate rapidly when out of water.

* Bring a small bucket halfway full of water to hold the blooms during the car ride home.

At Home

* Recut the stems at an angle using a sharp pair of shears. Dull blades crush stems, making it difficult for water to travel up to the blooms.

* Put your flowers in a bucket of cool water, and allow them to rest for a few hours in a dark place.

* Once the blooms are arranged in the vase, change the water every few days. If time allows, recut the stems as well.

* Never place cut flowers in direct sun. This will dramatically shorten their lives. ELLEN RUOFF RILEY

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Aug 2005
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