How to arrange 6 flowers?

To arrange 6 flowers, trim the stems, remove the lower leaves, hold the flowers in a loose spiral, and place them in a vase that is about half as tall as the stems. Six stems make a neat small bouquet.

Steps

1. Prepare. Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Trim about an inch off each stem at an angle.
2. Strip. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
3. Start with 3. Hold three stems in one hand, crossing them slightly to make a spiral.
4. Add the rest. Add the other three one by one at the same angle, turning the bouquet a quarter each time.
5. Place. Tie with twine if you like, then set it in the vase and adjust the heights.

For a hand-tied look, use one flower type with two or three stems of greenery. Change the water every day or two and keep the vase out of direct sun.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not crowd the stems into a narrow vase, because flowers need room and water. Do not leave leaves under the waterline, since they rot and shorten the life of the bouquet. And do not cut the stems straight across: an angled cut lets each stem drink more water. A clean vase and fresh water every day or two make the biggest difference.