Packing Flowers

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 32, 22 February 1929, Page 12

Packing Flowers

ANY people who delight in sending flowers frop? their gardens to friends in town wvuld be painfully surprised if they knew that the blooms are often only fit for the dust-bin when they arrive. vi The disappointment of opening 4a box of withered roses, gladioli, or othjer blossoms when it reaches its destination can be easily avoided if a little eare is taken in the packing. When to Pick. A light wooden box is essential, as eardboard boxes are liable to collapse if they become damp. Flowers which have to travel a day’s journey must never be packed immediately they are picked. They should be gathered early in the morning and allowed to stand for several hours in water in a cool place to enable sufficient moisture to be absorbed to stand the journey. © Plants from which flowers are cut must not be limp or drooping. They should be well watered several hours beforehand so that the blossoms are stiff and fresh. Most flowers are best picked when half open, or, in the case of roses, carnations, and gladioli, the bud stage. Fully-developed flowers will quickly fade when unpacked, even if they arrive in good condition. Blooms look more attractive if they are made up in bunches with a little of their own foliage. When They Arrive. Before packing line the box with large sheets of tissue-paper which will fold over the top when the box is full. A layer of moistened moss or cotton wool will make 2 good foundation on which to lay the blossoms. Take care that this is just damp, and not very wet, or the postman may have something to say about it at the end of the journey. Arrange the flowers in layers with their heads facing the lid, and place the heaviest blooms at the bottom. They will travel better if packed firmly enough to prevent them moving about. cas Contrary to general béelief, it mistake to sprinkle flowers with water. This is inclined to cause heating, and often spots the flowers. . Before folding over the tissue covering fill in any gaps with crumpled tis-sue-paper. If the journey is very long, a hole can be made at each end of the box to admit air. Label the box "F'lowers, with care," and write the address plainly to avoid any delay. When the flowers arrive they will be quite fresh if placed in lukewarm water for an hour or two.