How to Arrange Hydrangeas

Cut the stems of your flowers at a 45-degree angle. This allows the flower to take in more water.

Keep the flowers from wilting too quickly by dipping the cut ends in boiling water. After cutting the flowers dip the cut stem into a cup of boiling water for 30 seconds; immediately put it into a container of cool water to keep until ready to arrange the flowers. This will help the flowers to last several days longer in the arrangement.

Add the small white marbles or glass stones to the vase, filling it about one-third full. Fill about two-thirds full of water.

Slice the lemon and/or lime into thick slices approximately 1/2-inch thick. You can use just the lemon or lime or combine them. Put one slice in the vase, sliding it between the marbles and the side of the vase; this will hold in place. You can put just one fruit slice on every side of the container or two to three slices per side. Be sure the slices are between the marbles and the side of the container so they will stay in place.

Arrange the hydrangeas in the vase by placing the tallest flowers in the center with shorter flowers towards the outside edges. To measure how tall the flowers should be, hold on the outside of the vase with the bottom of the stem even with the bottom of the vase. Cut to fit; place in the vase. Push the stems down through the marbles to help hold.