You can make your own preservative to keep cut flowers fresh. To each 2 pints/ 1.1 litres of water add a drop of chlorine bleach.
Before setting flowers in the water, remove 1-2in/25-50mm of stem by making a diagonal cut with a sharp knife (scissors crush the stems). Wash bowls and vases with hot soapy water before using; fill them with lukewarm water.
Keep flower arrangements out of direct sunlight; store them in a cool room (5 -10°C/ 40-50°F) until ready to display. Although florists keep cut flowers in a cooler, the home refrigerator is not a good storage place, especially if it contains fruit; fruit releases ethylene gas, which will cause the flowers to age prematurely.
