What to (re)use when you don’t have a Vase for your Freshly Picked Flowers (and How to Keep them Looking Fresh for Longer)

One thing I have loved so much about becoming a Mother is the endless love that grows with every new tradition that begins to flourish.

Every year on Mother’s Day, my girls request to go flower picking and not only has this tradition served as a way for us to spend time together, but to also honour my Mother who is no longer with us. ⁣

Everyone who knew my mom would agree that she was basically a flower in human form. The red ones especially remind me of her — bold, beautiful, and stubborn as hell. And although they didn’t quite make the cut for the bouquet we made (the stems being too stubborn) go figure, we admire the fact that we were able to leave more room for them to grow, much like the memories we share and the memories of her.

Now, the flowers that did make the cut, needed a place to go, but I didn’t have a vase. In fact I can’t remember the last time I actually had one, because I’ve used jam jars for so long. My mom was big on reduce, reuse, recycle, upcycle, and any opportunity to craft, decorate, or RE-decorate, so that’s where the Mason Jar inspo comes from.

Below I have listed steps to care for freshly picked flowers, starting with the steps you’ll be taking around the house to search for a place to put them…

Firstly find a vase (obviously). If you don’t have one, look around your house for an empty or nearly empty canning jar (or any jar / container).

Thoroughly wash out any left overs preserves.

Paint jar (optional). I skipped this step, because I like the transparency.

If you painted your jar, allow to dry overnight.

Add one tbsp of sugar to jar (or less for smaller jars) and a generous splash of lemon juice (vinegar also works). This helps feed the flowers so they last longer. And yes, I’ve tested this and yes, it works.

Fill jar 3/4 of the way with lukewarm water.

Cut ends of stems and pick off any unnecessary leaves.

Arrange flowers in jar to desired look. Place on surface of choice with good lighting and change water every second day.

This is such a simple way to add life to any room and would also make a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day or the day after, or the day after that.

What’s your favourite way to re-use your glass jars? Let me know on my IG stories or in the comments below!