La Orchidea

La Orchidea

By Christina Burke

White centered green-stemmed fuchsia petals.

Delicate fragrance in the fragile blooms.

Formation is perfect balance.

Unfolding of petals reveal the white center.

Your image inspires something forgotten within.

A perfect beauty, one to get lost in.

Valentine’s Day some people love it, some hate it, others are indifferent. If you love it you probably enjoy giving or receiving chocolates, jewelry and fresh-cut flowers or cards from Hallmark. Like Hallmark says, "Don't wait to show your love."

The day of love has come and gone and here we are two weeks and a day later and my orchids are still thriving. It's not the American Society of Orchids that taught me how to care for fresh-cut flowers, it was my grandmother, a florist for years,who gave me the secret to keeping cut flowers fresh.

Orchids are considered one of the most seductive flowers.

The most important thing is the solution you place them in. Fresh water and flower food or sugar are crucial ingredients in you flower vase. But to keep your flowers fresh and beautiful longer you have to add Sprite. That’s right, fizzy clear soda pop is the key to ensuring your floral arrangements longevity. Somehow the carbonation in the water helps the flowers to absorb the flower food and water.

Before putting them in this magical concoction cut the stems at an angle so they can easily drink up the liquid in their vase. Remember to prune off any dead foliage as it browns and change the water often to keep your flowers looking as fresh as the day you got them.

Eventually the flowers will wilt and fade away. Be sure to have pictures to remind you of how truly lovely they were. In Austin you can visit the botanical gardens at Zilker Park.