The Curious Case of the Vase & the Penny
Dearest Homekeeper:
Don’t you just hate it when you buy fresh flowers for a special occasion—like Easter brunch—only to find they’ve wilted before the big day? I recently stumbled upon a curious tip, and while the science is still a bit murky, it’s charming enough to try: drop an old copper penny into your vase. But not just any penny. Make sure it was minted before 1982, back when pennies were 95% copper. Nowadays, they’re mostly zinc, which won’t do the trick.
Copper is believed to act as a natural fungicide, helping to slow the growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi that clog flower stems and prevent them from drinking up water. Some florists swear by this method to keep blooms perkier for longer. Tulips and lilies, in particular, seem to benefit from the copper touch. They're not only classic Easter blooms but also symbolic ones, trumpeting through their flower shape the arrival of spring and pointing to deeper spiritual renewal.
If you’re hoping your centerpiece will last more than a few days, this copper coin method might be worth a try. It's also said that tulips absorb a trace amount of copper, which may even help them stand upright with a bit more pride in their vase. Again, the science is speculative, but the visual payoff could be lovely. You might also experiment with a crushed aspirin tablet (to lower the water’s pH) or a splash of vodka (to slow the production of ethylene gas, which speeds wilting).
Of course, there are the flower-care fundamentals worth repeating: cut stems at a 45-degree angle to increase water absorption; strip away any leaves that will sit below the waterline; and remove fading blooms to prevent mold from spreading. Starting with a clean vase is essential. Those narrow-necked bud vases can be tricky to reach into to clean. I have a collection of them, which I like to group together, each holding a single bloom. For those, I’ve found that fizzy denture-cleaning tablets work wonders, bubbling away the residue.
When our local flower farmers start bringing their gorgeous blooms to the Saturday morning market, I’ll be among the first in line. In the meantime, here's a quick plug: the Lovely Flower Company store has resumed their Friday Flower Bar—$10 bouquets and always a mood-lifter.
Whether it's preparing yummy food, setting the table with seasonal décor, dying eggs, or tidying up before guests arrive, every detail adds to the joy of hosting.
Of course, this Kansas wind has not done us any favors. The spring gusts seem relentless, and as sunlight streams through the windows in the morning, I can’t help but notice trapped in the corners around the door frames uninvited dust bunnies (and dog hair). Not to mention floating dust in the air. I routinely use a handheld dust buster to remove the particles the airborne dust just lands back in the corners.
Here’s a playful trick I came across (again, not guaranteed, but fun to try): balloons. Blow them up, tie them off, and rub them on each other or a cloth to create static cling. Then, place them around the room. Supposedly, they’ll attract floating dust particles like magnets. To dispose of the balloons, do it over a trash bin when it’s time to toss, or the dust will go everywhere. This dust topic may sound quirky, but those with allergies might just thank you for the effort.
Staticky balloons bring to mind another holiday: Halloween. One year, I dressed my daughter up as a bunch of grapes, tying purple balloons all over her body. The school did a parade in some of the assisted living facilities. Due to balloon static, my daughter's hair became weightless and unruly, with strands lifting away from the head. What was supposed to be a cute costume ended up giving an impression of a halo gone haywire.
This weekend may be your first big meal gathering of 2025. I hope your home is filled with laughter, grace, memories, and the fragrance of flowers that last just a little bit longer.
Until next time, warmest regards. Cathenry.ch@gmail.com
P.S. God is in the details.