By Tim McVey, Creative Director, Perennial Gardens Bedford
Fall flowers last longest with clean water every day or two, a fresh cut on the stems, and a cool spot away from the oven and the fruit bowl. Do that and an arrangement delivered on Wednesday still looks its best on Thursday evening.
Thanksgiving flowers have a hard job. They arrive into a warm, busy kitchen and are expected to look their best on the one day the house is fullest. A few habits make the difference.
Water first
Top up the water as soon as an arrangement comes in, and check it every day. Dahlias, roses and ranunculus drink heavily in their first days. For a hand-tied bouquet, trim the stems at an angle and change the water completely every second day.
Keep it cool
Heat and ripening fruit shorten the life of cut flowers. Keep arrangements away from the oven, radiators, sunny windows and the fruit bowl until the table is set. A cool front hall is the best place to wait.
Time the order
For Thanksgiving, order by 3 PM on Tuesday, November 24 for delivery on Wednesday, November 25, or pick up at the shop until noon that day. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Wednesday delivery gives the flowers a night to settle before the meal.
This year's designs
Our team designed four arrangements for Thanksgiving this year: Family Gathering, made long and low for the middle of the table, Citrine Glow, Shiraz Spritz and Bonfire. See them in our Thanksgiving collection, or browse our seasonal arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Thanksgiving flower order cutoff?
Order by 3 PM on Tuesday, November 24 for delivery on Wednesday, November 25. Pickup at the shop is until noon on Wednesday. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
How long do fall arrangements last?
With clean water and a cool spot, most fall arrangements look their best for about a week. Dahlias are among the first to fade; roses and hypericum usually last longer.
Should I add flower food?
Use the packet that comes with your arrangement when you change the water. Clean water matters more than anything you add to it.
