Trimming Daisies for a Vase

Remove the lower leaves of the daisy stems with pruning shears. Any leaf that will be submerged in water should be removed, or they will rot beneath the water.

Fill a vase half-full with hot tap water. Add 1 cup of lemon-lime beverage and 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to the water, and mix thoroughly. The soda and bleach act as a preservative for the flowers, and the warm water will help the stems absorb water. You can leave the daisies in this vase up to 24 hours before arranging.

Cut 1 inch off the bottom of one daisy stem, cutting at a 45-degree angle. Place it in the warm water solution. Repeat the process with the rest of the flowers.

Fill the second vase about two-thirds full with hot top water. Add 1 cup of lemon-lime beverage and 1/4 teaspoon of bleach, and then mix thoroughly.

Transfer one daisy to the empty vase. This flower will be one of the center daisies. Determine if you are satisfied with the height of the arrangement. If you want the center height to be lower, cut the bottom of the stem to the desired height. Always cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. Cut two to four more daisies at this height so you have a center of at least three to five flowers.

Cut five to seven daisies at a height that is about one to two inches lower than the center flowers. Arrange the flowers so that the heads face out in a circle around the vase and you can see the daisy faces from any angle.

Cut five to seven daisies at a height that is about one to two inches lower than the second row of flowers. Fill in the daisies around the center flowers in a circle, ensuring they face outward.

Trim the stems and arrange the remaining flowers in rows that are one to two inches lower than the previous row until you have a mound of daisies and all of the flowers are incorporated.