Discover The Secret to Perfect Flowers this Spring and Summer

Finally - the sun's making a proper appearance, the air's getting warmer, and gardens UK-wide are beginning to burst into colour. It's the perfect time to bring some outside magic indoors. Fresh flowers can instantly lift your space (and mood), and this season is full of gorgeous blooms just waiting to shine. Whether picking up a quick bunch at the market or growing your own, there are a few simple tricks to keeping your flowers looking fresh and fabulous for even longer.

A Few Flower Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

Basic General TLC

A tad self-explanatory, but change the water every two days and retrim the stems slightly each time - this helps them drink up fresh water properly and keeps them looking lively.

The Two-Pence Trick

Pop a clean old 2p coin into the bottom of your vase. The copper naturally fights off bacteria, keeping the water (and your flowers) fresh for longer.

DIY Flower Food

If you don't have or have misplaced the little sachet that sometimes comes with supermarket flowers, here's how to make your own! A teaspoon of sugar, a couple of drops of bleach (yes, bleach), and a tiny splash of lemon juice. Simply mix the concoction in the vase of water and voila!

Soda Water Boost

A splash of soda water (even if old and forgotten in the fridge) feeds your flowers with sugars that help them bloom bigger and brighter. The carbon can also slow bacterial growth.

Keep it cool

Flowers love cooler temperatures, so keep your arrangements out of direct sunlight, away from radiators, and even make sure they are far from fruit bowls (as ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to wilt faster)

Best Blooms for the Coming Months

It is the time that British-grown flowers come into their own. Here's what to look out for:

• Peonies - These beauties are at their very best from May to June, not to mention, make a unique centrepiece to any table.
• Sweet Peas - These delicate, climbing flowers have the most notable scent and can add a soft, nostalgic feel to any arrangement.
• Cornflowers and Cosmos - My personal favourite choice, these are ideal for wilder, meadow styled bouquets. Easy, effortless and bursting with Blue.
• Sunflowers - I mean, it's in the name. Big, Bold and unapologetically joyful. As we move into July and August, you'll spot sunflowers left, right and centre.
• Roses - They are classic and timeless. June is the month roses fully come into their own, and there is a variety to choose from. Big blousy Garden Roses to smaller tea roses.

And don't forget Dahlias, starting to show up later in the summer - they come in an array of shapes and colours and are a real show stopper for a late summer centrepiece.

Want to Get Creative with Flowers?

If you're feeling inspired to do more than just pop some flowers in a vase, why not unleash your creative side? Our Flower arranging workshops allow you to experience some true summer Arts and Crafts, the perfect chance to dive deeper into the world of blooms. You'll learn the secrets of building stunning bouquets, stylish centrepieces, and dreamy hand-tied bunches - perfect for beginners and experts alike.

It's a beautiful, hands-on way to connect with the season, tap into your creativity, and walk away with something truly special - the perfect experience for Gardening fans and Summer birthdays.