fresh flowers 101 stick with these basic rules of preparation and design to have your friends and family wondering where you've been hiding your secret florist soon as you get home stems before arranging this step every 3 days to make the blooms last as long as possible below the water line to prevent rot open tightly closed buds the foam in water for 15 minutes before arranging "vase;" it could be nearly anything you have around the house will help make the work your stems in a purposeful way from direct sunlight and heating vents to help prolong their life pete's market