With all the summer flowers, like dahlias, monardas, zinnias, and Echinacea in bloom, it’s a real treat to use freshly cut flowers from your garden for indoor arrangements.

 

Here are few key rules to help them last longer.

 

First, the best time to snip is early in the morning when the stems are filled with moisture.   Use a sharp-edged pruner and cut on the diagonal. 

 

Place in cool water in a vase or sink and then re-cut stems on diagonal to desired height.