Flowers and plants can lift the appearance of a room, and combat the gloom whether you live in London, Leeds or Liverpool. Here are a few tips for looking after your blooms.

When caring for plants and flowers, the two key ingredients for survival are water and light. Control these attentively, and you'll benefit from healthy blooms.

The amount of water that your plant will require will depend on such factors as the species of plant, the size of the specimen, and the location of the pot or vase.

The sensitivity of the plant to the amount of water it receives varies wildly between species, with some very sensitive to both over and underwatering. Trial and error, regular checking of the plant, and patience will all pay off when you are getting to know a new plant. In addition, a little research will go a long way.

If you find that you plant is showing yellowing leaves, but the soil is still soggy, you are overwatering. Well drained substrate (soil) may lead to the surface drying out quickly in a warm room, but if there is lots of water draining of the bottom of the pot, you may still be overwatering.

The best strategy is to check your plants or flowers regularly, and if the soil is moist, don't water. However, it is equally important not to let the soil dry out, as this will damage the roots ? and this applies to plants both in and outside of the house.

Different plants like different amounts of sunlight; some like to live in shady corners, and receive little direct sunlight; others will only thrive if they are not shaded throughout the day, and get the maximum exposure possible.

If finding the happy medium between these contrasting conditions sounds a bit like hard work, you can always take an instant route to a floral uplift of your mood by getting cut flowers delivered locally from suppliers like Interflora; for example, just search on 'florists in Leeds' online and you'll find your local options.

Maricruz Tennill is the author of this article about plants and flowers. Find a local source of flowers online; for example a search on 'florists in Leeds' will bring up local options like Interflora - if you live in Leeds, of course!