Flowers bring me oodles of joy, and they always have. I remember a family trip to Canada when I was a child, and my mom handed me the camera when we visited a garden. These were the days when a family had one camera, and it had film with a limited number of exposures, and film wasn’t cheap. (Yes, I’m that old.) Within minutes I had used the entire roll of film taking picture of flowers. My mom was perturbed with me, but I was enraptured by the colors, the design of the flower beds, and the absolute abundance everywhere I looked.

Today it’s rare that I don’t have some kind of flower in my home, whether it’s an orchid plant or two, or a bunch of daffodils from the grocery store. Even when I was on a strict, no-frills budget, every chance I could find an extra $5 I would buy flowers. When I don’t have flowers, I can feel the difference: everything seems a little dull and bare.

The downside is, most flowers don’t last very long. But with a few tips and tricks, you can make a bunch of flowers last longer and bring you joy for days. Here are 4 tips to make the most of any fresh cut flowers.

1. Buy flowers in bulk.

One of the best things about springtime is the abundance of fresh flowers at local markets and grocery stores. Look for blooms such as daffodils and tulips sold in bunches without the frills of filler such as baby’s breath or ferns. One of my go-to bunches any time of year is roses. Many times, these “grower’s bunches” are lower in price since there’s less processing involved. Buy what looks the freshest, and as many bunches as your spending plan allows.

2. Keep it clean.

No matter how many stems you’re displaying, the container in which they’re kept must be scrupulously clean to help keep bacteria at bay, which in turns keeps the flowers fresher longer. I keep a small bottle of bleach under the kitchen sink and wash each vase after use, so it’s ready for the next bunch of flowers. 

Fill the vase with a hot water and add a couple teaspoons of bleach. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it with a paper towel (or a washcloth that is bleach-resistant). Use a small bottle brush to get any grunge out of corners or crevices and rinse with hot water. If it’s a clear vase, check for any ring of crusty residue where the water line was; if so, a cloth moistened with white vinegar will clean it right off. Then, dry crystal or clear glass vases with a linen cloth to ensure a lint-free sparkle.

3. Cut them fresh.

Fresh flowers must be re-cut as soon as you get them home. Even if you don’t arrange them right away, cut them and place them in water. This helps the stem take in water, keeping the bloom fresher longer. Cut the stem at an angle with scissors or pruning shears, or, if it’s a woody stem like lilac, smash the end of the stem with a small hammer on a protected surface like a cutting board. (Tip: Keep a large mason jar under the sink and pop your bunches in there until you’re ready to arrange them.) When you arrange your flowers, cut the stems again and use fresh water with a bit of flower food. (Yes, the stuff in the little packet in the grocery bunch works just fine.)

4. Spread the love.

Because you bought in bulk, there’s plenty of flowers to go around, and you’ve got some options. One of the prettiest, and easiest, Easter centerpieces I ever had was 3 dozen yellow tulips in a glazed Wedgewood reverse Jasperware vase. It was simple, yet breathtaking.

Then, add a couple of stems to a bud vase on a night table or bathroom vanity for a pop of color. Or, if you purchase a mixed bouquet, make smaller arrangements rather than one large arrangement. I have a small green vase that was my mom’s favorite, and every time I bring home a bouquet it gets a stem or two. I can usually get three or four smaller bouquets from one bunch of flowers, and place them on my desk, my dresser, by a photo of my parents, and on the dining table.

Why not treat yourself to some fresh bursts of color (and fragrance, depending on the bloom) the next time you’re out shopping? Use these tips to make them last, and see what some lovely flowers do for your mood.