How to bring the scent inside

Cutting. The best time to cut stems and branches is in the early morning or evening when the air is cool. Use sharp pruners.

• Roses: Make cuts above a set of five leaves.

• Shrubs: Cut flowers that grow in clusters, such as lilac and mock orange, before all buds have opened.

• Trees: Clip branches when buds start to fatten, making cuts just above a growth bud (take care not to disfigure your tree).

• Vines: Snip flowering stems of polyanthus jasmine, and remove the lowest leaves and blooms.

Caring. As you cut, plunge all branches or stems immediately in a bucket of lukewarm water. Before arranging woody ones (including flowering plum, lilac, and magnolia), remove the lower leaves, recut the stem ends at a slant, and make a 1- to 2-inch slit through the bottom of each stem.

Preserving. Fill a vase with lukewarm water, then add a floral preservative before inserting cuttings. Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight, and change the water and recut stem ends as needed.