Question
QUESTION: What is the best way to fill the vase with cut oranges,lemons,limes. The vase I have is rectangular. It is 6 inches high, inches wide, and 3 inches deep. I want to do one vase of only limes, then one vase of only  oranges, then one vase of only lemons. It is going to be 3 Gerber and Hydrangea on the top of vase. Should I use foam inside or fill it with whole fruits instead? How to put flowers? Directly in a vase with fruits or use small piece of foam? Will the cut fruits harm flowers? Please help! Thank you!


Whimsical Delight   ANSWER: Thank you for your question, Lena.  Before I answer it - please let me know the width of the vase.  It was left blank.  Also, how long of a period would you need these arrangements?  That would also determine ( for me ) on whether I would keep the fruit sliced or whole.  If it is only for a day - - slice away!  :-)   The ethylene gas  will kill the flowers and it wouldn't last more than a day or two.  Also, keep in mind that the gerbera and hydrangea are two of the most susceptible to ethylene gas.  What determines my options will be the width of the vase.  Once I get the dimension - I'll gladly email your options back to you!  Also - do you have colored Oasis?  Bright yellow oasis would be great - that way you won't really have to cover your mechanics!

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QUESTION: I'm sorry! Yes I did mistake. The vase we have is small rectangular vase. It is 6 inches high, inches wide, and inches deep. It is for wedding centerpieces. Wedding date is August 29 2009. It is outdoor wedding. I'm planing to do them on Friday  for Saturday. I really want them to be sliced! will flowers alive during Saturday? thank you so much!

Answer
If it is possible - find a small clear container that you can work with ... place it in the middle of the glass vase.  Place the sliced fruit between the plastic container and the glass vase.  Tape the container opening with clear floral tape to pattern a grid.  This will help hold the stems in place.  If you can't find a cheap plastic container - try the colored Oasis.  Cut a block of it to place within the vase - making sure that the slices of fruit can also be seen.  The colored Oasis gives it flair and you won't have to hide your mechanics.  Or line the glass vase with fruit slices and carefully pour in colored marbles, decorative colored gel balls or crystals and insert stems of the flowers between them.  As for the fruit & flower combo - it should last for the wedding.  If you can place them in coolers ( 40 degrees F ) that will help slow the ethylene gas.  Good Luck!