Tiptoe Through The Tulips
One of the easiest ways to add color to winter's gloomy days is with a vase or two of fresh-cut tulips. And now is the perfect time to pick up a bouquet at your local grocery store - you can get a beautiful, colorful bunch for not a lot of bucks. Here's a few tips that'll help you get the best out of your blooms:
- Buy tulips with buds that are still closed, but with a hint of color showing.
- Snip off the base of the stems before arranging them in a clean vase to help them stay hydrated longer.
- Tulips are thirsty. Check the water level often, and add water daily.
- Don't be tempted to mix tulips and daffodils in the same vase. The tulips' water channels will become clogged with a substance produced by the daffodils.
- Keep the vase away from heat sources like direct sunlight, radiators, or lamps.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar or a capful of mouthwash to keep the flowers from drooping and losing petals prematurely.
