Practical Vases For FlowersThe dollar stores have become very handy for me. When I go, I get several vases to keep at home. When I want to take flowers to someone, I purchase them for a reasonable price from either a market or a bulk produce place.
Caring For Cut FlowersDid you get some cut flowers? Here's a little prep work you can do to make them last longer. Using pruning shears, make a fresh cut at the bottom of the stem. Do this under running water.
Flower Arrangements and DeliveryMake your own flower arrangements and delivery personally. You will save a lot of money and delivering it will give it a personal touch.
Give Flowering Shrubs Instead of FlowersI would prefer to get a nice flowering shrub or bush to cut flowers any day. I put them in my little greenhouse until the proper planting time. Then I have beautiful flowers that last for more than a couple days and get thrown away.
A Rose Bush For The Couple Who Has EverythingA nice gift for, say, a 25th or 50th wedding anniversary, is a rose bush from the garden shop. They come in a large variety of names (and colors, of course) that can be chosen to describe almost any relationship.
Sending Flowers Long DistanceFor hospital patients, call the hospital's gift shop. They charge less than a florist and there is no delivery charge. They are happy you are supporting the gift shop and will have them sent up to the patient.
Paperwhites as GiftsPotted paperwhites make an interesting frugal gift. For more interest, pot them in a clear dish filled with sand. The bulbs can be found at garden stores and the clear dishes are usually available at thrift stores.
By Lynn
