Mondays are my “fresh flowers” days. Every Monday, I go to Trader Joes and stock up on my favorites and then switch out the old flowers in all the vases around my home. This simple routine is an act of self-care for me–a way of inviting peace and cheer into my home each week. We spent the entire summer in Lake Arrowhead this year and there is no Trader Joe’s, lol. Instead, Sawyer and I made a new tradition of weekly foraging. We found our favorite spots around our cabin and out in the woods to pick and snip wildflowers and tree branches. Then we’d bring them home and add them to the vases in each room. Finding wild florals with Sawyer quickly became my favorite new weekly routine and after returning home at the end of summer vacation, we have started flower and branch hunting around town.
In addition to putting together arrangements around our home, I also started getting into flower pressing. My inspiration: creating a journal logging flowers and greenery from different locations and moments that are special to our family. These little hobbies force me to slow down, be creative and remind myself of my blessings.
I have some quick tips I’ve picked up over the years that help keep fresh flowers and greenery alive much longer!
Fresh Flower Longevity Tips:
1. Make sure your vase is super clean and free from previous plant debris that can cause bacteria to grow. I suggest using Thieves Household Cleaner (plant-based, non-toxic).
2. Cut stems at a 45 degree angle.
3. Fill the vase with room temperature water.
4. Combine 2 T sugar, 2 T apple cider vinegar, 1 drop of Thieves essential oil and 1 drop of Tea Tree essential oil to the water in the vase.
5. Freshen the water and mixture every 3-5 days.
Here are some of my foraging and garden favorites. These goodies would make a really fun gift basket as well, especially as a house warming or neighbor gift.
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