Three ways to make flowers last longer

1. Hold the stems under running water and cut two inches off at an angle, then gently place in a vase - dropping them bruises the vascular system that draws water to the flowers.

2. Pour floral preservative into lukewarm water (it can double a bloom's lifespan) or a spoonful of sugar can sub in as flower food. Change the water every couple of days - don't just top it off - it helps flush out bacteria that prevents buds from opening.

3. Keep flowers out of direct sun and off the radiator and they won't wilt as quickly. Drooping tulips can be revived by wrapping stems tightly in newspaper and standing in 2-3 inches of water for a couple of hours.