(SPM Wire) It's the time of year to give and get fresh flowers. So how can you make them last longer?

Here are a few tricks of the trade from the Flowers & Plants Association in the U.K.:

Be sure your vase is very clean and use fresh lukewarm water with some commercial cut flower food added. Regularly top-up the water, adding flower food in proportion.

Remove all leaves below water level. Cut at least one inch off stems, cutting on an angle with a sharp knife or scissors. 

Avoid direct heat, sunlight or drafts, taking care to keep flowers away from fruit. Remove flowers that fade as they occur.