• Inspection: Check incoming flowers for pests, disease, or dehydration.

• Hydration: Immediately place stems into clean buckets filled with water mixed with floral food (avoid, or properly calibrate, water softeners).

• Sanitization: Use specialized floral cleaners on buckets, knives, clippers, and work surfaces.

• Stem Care: Cut stems 1–2 inches using a sharp, sanitized knife or clippers.

• Cleanup: Strip foliage that will be below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth, which causes wilting.

• Temperature: Store finished arrangements in a cooler to maintain freshness. 

Arranging & Arrangement Maintenance:

• Preparation: Allow flowers to hydrate for at least one hour (or two, according to some) after cleaning before arranging.

• Designing: Remove wilted or damaged outer petals.

• Hydrangea Specifics: Remove large leaves to save water for the bloom; submerge entire heads in cold water if they wilt.

• Longevity: Change water every few days, re-cutting stems, and adding flower food. 

Quality Control (Inspection) Requirements:

• Initial Inspection: Upon receipt, check for diseases, insects, and damage.

• Condition Check: Reject or immediately hydrate wilted, damaged, or faded stems.

• Stage of Development: Select blooms at their proper, consistent stage of maturity.

• Sustainability: Use eco-friendly, biodegradable foam and re-purpose or compost waste. 

Cleanup and Conditioning Requirements:

• Sanitization: Clean buckets, vases, and tools with anti-bacterial cleaners to prevent stem blockage.

• Hydration: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife or shears, removing leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent rotting.

• Solution Management: Use proper commercial hydration solutions or flower food, ensuring they are mixed to the correct concentration.

• Storage Maintenance: Regularly clean the cooler, sweeping up debris, and wiping down surfaces with sanitizing solution.

Arrangement Requirements:

• Preparation: Use clean containers; ensure floral foam, tape, or mechanics are concealed.

• Handling: Remove foliage below the water line to prevent bacterial growth.

• Technique: Use quick, efficient methods like mechanical strippers for thorns and leaves on roses.

• Environment: Arrange in a cool, draft-free area, keeping finished products out of direct sunlight