Ten Dollar Bouquet of the Week! Awesome Alstroemeria!

Alstromoeria are Awesome!

AND......

• Amazing.... they last almost forever!
• Affordable....they are usually under $8 for a bunch!
• Adaptable.... they come in so many colors!
• Available... you can find them throughout the seasons!

I used Alstroemeria and some greens to create this flower arrangement for way less than $10.

NEVER EVER go to Trader Joe's without looking over the flower selection!

Alstroemeria bunches were a great deal last week. A big bunch for $3.99.



I added some variegated Pittosporum that cost $2.99.
Almost any greens would work and soon there will be greens from the garden.


The cost was actually closer to $7.00 for the arrangement.







There were even enough stems to put one in each of these matching pottery vases at the computer station.

Alstroemeria really do last a long time as cut flowers.


Here is that same arrangement after a week.  The only visible difference is that the water is a little cloudy.

So....you probably should remember that it is good to change the water in your vase every couple of days.....do as I say.... not as I forget to do!












Then......a couple of days ago.....I used the stems to fill in this arrangement!

Even after 10 days these flowers still looked strong.

The new cut will probably prolong their life for another 5 days!













Alstroemeria is also known as Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas.  They really do look like clusters of little lillies.  I think they also look a bit like orchids.

They come in so many colors.

These tips will help you make your Alstroemeria last as long as possible:

1. Remove any leaves that will be below the water line.
2. It is best to hold the stems under water when you cut them to the length you want. USe a sharp knife.
3. Use a floral preservative in the water.  (Most floral bunches come with a packet)
4. If you have time, condition the flowers in a warm preservative solution for a couple of hours before you arrange them.
5. If you can, keep your arrangement cool and out of direct sunlight.
6. Alstroemeria are thirsty flowers. Check to see that the vase is full and water as needed.  If you are using floral foam, add water to be sure it is saturated.

That’s all there is to it.
I hope you grab a bunch of Alstroemeria the next time you need a "flower fix"!

Watercolor by Shari Blaukopf

Have A Great Day!