Tip of the Day - Homemade Flower Food

Today we're talking homemade flower food recipes and prolonging fresh flower life. Unless you're like my mother and have a random flower food packet drawer in your kitchen you might be out of luck when coming home with a fresh bundle of flowers. Flower food is important if you'd like to extend the life of your flowers - it not only provides nutrients but also prevents bacteria from growing in the vase (you know the muddy green algae looking situation? Flower food keeps this from happening, keeping the water in your clear glass vases looking clean).

Here are a few simple homemade flower food recipes:

• Citrus Soda: mix 1 part clear soda beverage (e.g. 7-Up - make sure it's not diet) with 3 parts water
• Lemon Juice, Sugar & Bleach: mix a quart of water, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, a tbsp of sugar, and 1/2 tsp of chlorine bleach
• Sugar & Vinegar: mix a quart of water, 2 tbsp of white vinegar and 2 tbsp of sugar

Enjoy fresh flowers from your garden or the store for much longer!

"Flower" Food

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Hello - hope everyone had a great weekend!

Although here in the District we've had nothing but rain all weekend I strongly believe that summer is almost here :) The best part of summer (for me at least) is outdoor entertaining. This week we'll be bringing you tips on how to prepare for this social season and incorporate flowers.

Today's topic: "Flower" Food.

During the summer we are lucky to have plenty of fresh produce. With so many fabulous and readily available ingredients one can't help but make salads. Tired of your everyday arugula, spinach, or Caesar salad? At the next party how about wowing your guests by adding edible flowers to your salad. Flowers such as nasturtiums are perfect for summer salads - they add a delicate, piquant flavor. And not to mention beautiful, bright color!

Borage flowers and geranium leaves are fantastic for creating a sweet fragrant atmosphere. Use either to decorate melon and you'll forget about scented candles.

a beautiful dessert decorated with a borage flower

I can't wait to add these beautiful bold colors to my dishes!