One of the things I love most about flowers is that they are ephemeral. But that doesn’t mean they should be wilted tomorrow.

I recommend these three simple steps to keep your blooms fresh and vibrant for as long as possible.

1. Prepare your vase. Fill it halfway with cool water and add the included packet of flower food. 

2. Unwrap your bouquet carefully. Trim 1” from the stems using clean scissors or garden clippers, then place your bouquet directly into the prepared vase. Everything except the rubber band is compostable.

3. Change the water often. I aim for daily, but every other day works too. When you change the water, check for any discoloration at the base of the stems. You may need to trim again. Discard flowers that are wilting or slimy.