fresh as a daisy
As a florist living in the south, I’ve had plenty of experiences working in record breaking heat. Outdoor weddings are very popular in the summer so it’s important to understand how to extend the life of flowers in these hot conditions. Flowers wilt faster in extremely hot weather but there are a few things you can do to slow down the wilting process.
pick your flowers with care
Using seasonal flowers for your area is my first suggestion. If the flowers are grown in hot temperatures they’ll be able to survive longer in the heat. In Arkansas, we can get tulips and peonies in August but they aren’t grown here. This means they’re much more heat susceptible. Make sure you explain this to your clients when they request specific flowers that aren’t grown in your area.
Some flowers are jus sturdier than others. These heartier flowers will outlast your more delicate flowers in the heat. Mums and carnations are some of my favorite to use. And, while gorgeous, garden roses can be delicate.
Proper processing makes a difference
Properly process and hydrate your flowers to extend their life. Hydration is so important for you AND your flowers. Just like you, flowers will drink more in extreme heat. You also should be acclimating the flowers to these temperatures. Taking flowers from a cooler to the heat can shock them and cause extra distress. Give them time to warm to room temperature before taking your flowers into the heat.
Finishing Sprays-the final touch
Use an anti-transpirant finishing spray, like Crowning Glory on your flowers to seal in moisture. This will help but it won’t fully prevent wilting in 100 degree conditions. But every little bit helps!
Faux flowers = your secret weapon
Consider using some faux flowers mixed in your designs, especially for installations. Faux hydrangeas are one of my favorites. When mixed with fresh flowers and greenery, it’s difficult to tell that they aren’t fresh — and they won’t wilt. And when you think about how quickly hydrangeas wilt on a regular day, using faux hydrangeas is an easy way to make sure you outdoor installation is gorgeous all day long! Faux flowers range from wow-that’s-obviously-fake to I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-real!, so you can balance budget with look AND they can be used over and over.
Planning for the win!
Even with all of the proper planning, flowers are affected by the heat and if you leave something in the heat for 6 to 8 hours in record breaking full sun heat you can expect some wilting! Plan out the event day and create a timeline so the flowers don’t have to sit outside as long. This may mean setting up closer to the event times or it may mean designating someone to place the flowers out at the last moment. If you are designating the work make sure you explain clearly how to set up the flowers because it needs to be done correctly. It’s also a good idea to pick designs that can be moved and placed quickly rather than installations that need skilled setup and several hours ahead of time.
Don’t forget about the people!
As important it is to properly care for the flowers in extreme heat, it’s more important to take care of yourself.
Plan for the heat and set aside time for extra breaks. You don’t want to have to stop your setup to call an ambulance because someone passed out from heat exhaustion!
Plan outdoor ceremonies and receptions for the shade as much as you can.
Make sure you bring plenty of extra water and/or Gatorade with you. Staying hydrated is crucial when working in 100 degree weather.
Pay attention to symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat sickness such as:
headaches
dizziness and confusion
loss of appetite and feeling sick
excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
fast breathing or pulse
If you or your coworker begin to experience one or more of these symptoms take a break in the shade and drink some water to cool down. Some outdoor venues don’t have any shaded spots so pack a sun hat with you. An umbrella would be a good idea too. A quick tip to cool off is to put your hands in the bucket of water that has been in the cooler, it will make a huge difference immediately. Watch each other and don’t do setups by yourself because the heat can hit you very fast.
Always have someone with you when using a ladder for installations. Working with your hands above your head can make it worse and you can become dizzy quickly. Be especially careful on ladders with hands above your head in the heat!
Now, hopefully it will rain today—we need a break!