I LOVE  flowers, especially on my desk. When I need inspiration, I look at them, marveling at their brilliant colors, shapes, and forms, true gift from Mother Nature. Brimming with positive energy, they make people happy.

These gorgeous blooms have been sitting on my desk for more than a week, and I can’t believe that they are still as perky, beautiful, and alive as ever. But, there is a secret here, that I will share.

Over the years, I have found that different flowers seem to like different water levels in the vase. For tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers that drink a lot, I fill the vase about three-quarters full. For roses and lillies, I remove all the leaves below the water line and fill the vase about half way. For orchids and mums, I drop the water level to about one-third. I haven’t seen these formulas written anywhere else; they are my simple observations.

Now, for the Flower Power Secret Recipe. First, make a batch of homemade plant food (remember my “Homemade Rocks” theme for 2011) by mixing one part Sprite or 7-Up with three parts water. Add 1 teaspoon bleach for every 4 cups water. Second, cut the stems under water before arranging them. And third, when finding the perfect spot for your blooms, avoid direct sunlight and fans or vents. Also, remove any dead flowers or greens immediately as they tend to cause other blooms to wilt prematurely.

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