GENERAL FLOWER BOUQUET CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the bottom of the flower bouquet stems diagonally under running water, using a sharp knife
   WHY? This increases the surface area of the flower stem underwater, and allows the fresh flower bouquet to draw in water instead of air
2. Remove all the leaves that fall below the water line.
   WHY? These leaves breakdown and decay, which promotes bacterial growth, which can block the stem and stop the flowers taking up the water
3. Arrange your flower bouquet in a vase with lukewarm water mixed with the first packet of flower food
   WHY?   This will help the closed flower buds to start opening and help to prolong the life and beauty of your flower bouquet
4. Place your flower bouquet in a location away from direct sunlight, electrical appliances and drafts.
   WHY? Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Appliances such as televisions give off heat, causing flower bouquet to dehydrate.
5. On the 3rd Day - Re-cut stems, replace vase with fresh water adding the 2nd packet of flower food while removing any fading flowers.
   WHY? This helps to prolong the life and vibrancy of your flower bouquet.

Carnation Flower Meanings: The Carnation symbolizes different things in different countries. In Rome it was known as "Jove's Flower", after a beloved Roman God. In Korea, young girls put carnations in their hair, believing the order of the death of the carnations determines the difficulty level and order that they will face in their life. In Portugal it is a symbol of the Portuguese Carnation Revolution that occurred in April of 1974.

Each color of a Carnation has a different meaning. Light red carnations symbolizes admiration, while dark red symbolizes a deep love. White carnations symbolize both pure love and luck. While Striped Carnations symbolize regret. Purple Carnations are said to indicate capriciousness. Green Carnations are used predominantly on St. Patrick's Day. Pink Carnations are said to be a symbol of a mother's undying love, going back to biblical times when Carnations sprang up out of the ground where the Virgin Mary's tears fell as Jesus was carrying the cross.