Shiluva gives tips on how to take care of your Valentine’s Day flowers
February is often referred to as the month of love, and with Valentine’s Day celebrated on Wednesday (February 14), flowers were the perfect gift.
Herald spoke to horticulturist and the founder of Heavenly Florals Nursery in Nkowankowa, Shiluva Mathebula, about flower care. Shiluva says high temperatures can kill flowers quickly, she advices people to put their flowers inside a fridge on a very hot day to make them last longer. “You can make your own homemade flower ‘food’, which will help keep your flowers fresh.
It easy to do: mix a spoon of bleach, sugar and vinegar together, pour the mixture into water. “The mixture also prevents bacteria from forming. “She says cut flowers have a life span of 21 days, which include seven days of transit, seven days at a shop and seven days at home for you to enjoy.” One factor that plays a vital role as to how long flowers last, depends on where they are from and where they are going.
Also read: Shiluva spreads love with flowers
“There is an advantage to buy flowers locally, because the flowers did not travel long distances, and they will have a longer shelf life. As a florist, she says the new trend is box arrangements, where flowers come in personalised boxes, and are kept in a box for the entire time, unlike putting flowers in a vase. Another trendy gift is balloons with a personalised messages.
“Chocolates, roses, cologne, jewellery and a romantic date always tick the right boxes,” she added. Follow Heavenly Florals Nursery on Instagram and Facebook for more tips
