Did you know that, if cared for properly, cut roses can last for two weeks or more? Here are 15 ways to help you have beuatiful, long-lasting blooms.

1. GATHER YOUR GARDEN ROSES early in the morning, just after sunrise, or late in the day, just before sunset. Stems will hold maximum water at these times.

2. CUT SINGLE-PETALLED ROSES just as their sepals (the leaflike coverings of rosebuds) are emerging; many-petalled varieties should be left ot open more fully.

3. STEMS EXPOSED TO THE AIR for too long will start to wilt as the cut seals, so transfer your cut roses to a bucket of tepid water. (Some experts recommend using hot water, as stems absorb hot water faster than cold.)

4.USING SECATEURS, cut above a set of two or three leaves and above an outward-facing leaflet set ( in the direction you would like the replacement roses to grow).

5. ONCE THE WATER has cooled to room temperature, using a sharp knife or flower shears, recut the stems under water. This seals them, so that air bubbles won't form, making it difficult for the flower to get the water it needs. Trim 2cm or so from the bottom of each stem, at a 45-degree angle. Cutting at an angle prevents the stems from resting flat on the bottom of the vase. This process can double the life of your blooms.

6. REMOVE FOLIAGE under the water line in the vase. When submerged, leaves rot and encourage the growth of algae and bacteria.

7. USING A SHARP KNIFE, remove thorns to make the roses easier to handle. Start from the top, as it puts less stress in the stems.

8. DON'T BE TEMPTED to store your roses in the fridge---this will draw moisture away from the plant's cells. If you've cut roses for a special occasion the next day, place them, unarranged, in a cool, dark spot.

9. CLEAN YOUR VASE with a mixture of water and bleach. This will remove any bacteria remaining on its surface.

10. FILL THE VASE with tepid water and add a floral preservative. A preservative will provide the right mix of food and substances that will extend  the life of your flowers---and also slow the growth of bacteria.

11. IF YOU DON'T HAVE and floral preservative on hand, you can add one of the following substitutes to the vase water:
# a teaspoon of sugar
# an aspirin
# a dash of lemonade
# two drops of white vinegar
# a capful of Multicrop's Plant Starter(a plant food)
# 1-2 tablespoons of  Hortex's Rain Saver Water Storing Crystals expand.

12. IF USING AN OASIS BLOCK (floral foam), make sure it's wet at all times.

13. POSITION CUT ROSES away from direct sunlight and sources of heat such as videos, televisions and computers. If flowers get hot, they will transpire quickly.

14. CHANGE THE WATER and recut stems every second day.

15. IF ROSES START to stoop, recut and put them in cool water. Covering their stems with a towel will help them absorb water.