Cosmopolitans, roses and long-lasting cut flowers

One of the comments I love to hear most at Laura Jane's is, "Your fresh cut flowers last so long!". Let's face it, flowers cost money and you want to make sure your purchase lasts as long as possible. There are several "home remedies" that I have heard over the years claiming to prolong the life of fresh cut flowers. Some work. Some don't. And one may surprise you. First, let's talk about what we do here at the shop.

We receive most of our flowers through flower farms. They come to us, shortly after being cut. This means that you receive them early in their life cycle- but time is ticking as soon as they are cut. When our shipments arrive it is time to get busy! The flowers have not had a drink in a while and they are thirsty. We process our flowers quickly, adding bleach to the water, removing lower leaves and giving them a sharp angled cut. We then dip the stems in a solution that helps the flowers take a good long drink. After the flowers drink for 24 hrs., we place them in a specialized cooler, custom built and controlled by a device which optimizes the temperature and humidity. We recently conducted an experiment in which a container of mums lasted 5 weeks. We eventually threw them out because we needed the bucket!

Now, here's what you should do at home after bringing fresh cuts home.

1. Add a SMALL amount of bleach to the water.
Bleach kills bacteria which can build up in the water. Mostly due to the leaves. Which leads me to...

2. Remove any and all leaves that may reach the water line. We make every effort to do this as we process the flowers, but if you are purchasing cut flowers, your vase and cut will be different than our.

3. A fresh cut on all stems. A flower takes in water through its stem. If that stem becomes clogged, no water gets through. One of the best ways to add to the life of your fresh cuts is to cut the stems- when you get them and a couple of days after. Cut the stems at an angle as well. A flat stem end will sit at the bottom of the vase. One cut on an angle will have more surface area exposed, hence it will drink better.

Now for the old wives tales. Many will tell you to add the following to the water in your flowers container- Can you guess which one will help?
A penny?
Some vodka?
A bit of sugar or a dash of Sprite?
An aspirin?

Actually two of them will. A pinch of sugar or a splash of Sprite or 7-Up will help to give energy to the flower (not too much though- remember that sugar can encourage bacterial growth). The most surprising additive to me was a dash of vodka. Go figure. According to John Dole, a horticulturalist at North Carolina University,
"Vodka is often claimed to help flowers due to antimicrobial properties, but the spirit also has a different effect. When you add a few drops of vodka to the water, it delays wilting by inhibiting the flower's production of ethylene, a ripening gas that plants emit."
Gives new meaning to giving your flowers a drink, right?

Welcome to Laura Jane's Flowers....

So in the words of Julie Andrews, "Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start." Let's see. It started with an art show. At the time I was a 16 year old high school student who spent most of her time in the art room or the printing room. Watercolor was my current interest and my work was being featured in a small art exhibit. A local woman saw my work; mostly florals, and somehow thought- "She could work at the flower shop!" How you make that assumption, I don't know, but I am glad she did.
I began working during school at the local florist two hours each school day for school credit. Anything past that, I got paid for. YES!!!! Ironically, two years before- in another state, I had approached a relative about working in her mothers flower shop. I was told (rather bluntly) that I didn't have what it takes. After one day working with flowers- I and my boss realized, they were wrong. Designing came easy and when I graduated I became the Asst. Manager of the shop.
Over the years I have worked at over a dozen different kinds of floral/design business'. Always learning more, gaining experience by working with some of the most creative people in the country. And then a decision...I quit.
Now married and expecting our first child, Jim and I decided that being a mother was going to be a full-time vocation for me. Medical issues made this my one chance, and I wanted to give it all I had. Occasionally I did holiday work or a friend's wedding; but for the most part my floral career was over. Or so we thought. Fast forward ....uh...let's just say a looooong time.
Jim had been a successful facilities manager with the same company for 36 years. His career afforded us travel, a good salary and the ability for me to be a full-time stay-at-home mom. It was a good life. Sadly the company was sold and the business took a new direction. It was time for a change. Jim had always mentioned opening up our own business. I had always said "No"- usually with colorful metaphors accompanying. But this time it was different. Our house was paid for, our son was grown and I longed for an outlet for my creativity.
"Let's open a flower shop!" my wonderful husband suggested and in a moment of weakness, I said yes. I never thought, "Can I still do it?"- at least not until the papers were signed. Then the fear set in. Surprisingly, the first time I picked up a floral knife again, it was as if I had never left the business. It was there, the knowledge, the skills, the color sense and balance- just as if I had never left.
And so here we are. Laura Jane's Flowers & Gifts in Adairsville, GA
To say it is a wild ride would be an understatement. In addition to a full-service florist, we also have vintage furniture and repurposed decor; which means many picking trips and hours spent in auctions.  Jim handles the bookkeeping and store management; I design, do marketing and purchasing. We work side by side- which is interesting, challenging, stressful and entirely wonderful. It is truly the adventure of a life-time.
We invite you to follow along by visiting us- at the shop or virtually here as we recount our adventures.