Arranging Roses

February is a very popular month to give roses, but they're always popular for weddings. If you're planning on arranging your own roses, click here for some great tips. With a knife, trim off any leaves that will fall below the water line. Submerge the end of the stem in lukewarm water and cut an inch off at an angle. Fill whatever non-metal container you'd like to use halfway with warm water and add flower preservative. Change this water every day or so. If you aren't ready to arrange them yet, keep them closed by trimming the stems as above, place in water and preservative, and then put them in a refrigerator set to 35 degrees. If you're ready to arrange them, but the buds are still closed, you can force them open by first doing the above trimming and preparing the water and preservative. Then dip the heads in water and cover them with a plastic bag. Put the arrangement in a sunny window until the roses open. For more advice on arranging your own flowers at a wedding, read this FAQ.