The Rubino family truly understands the magic of flowers. Since 1955, they've grown their beloved InBloom from a small market garden in St Ives into a thriving ten-acre farm in Galston, and now they run three charming florist locations, including their newest at Chatswood Chase. For nearly 70 years, their passion for flowers has helped to brighten days and celebrate life’s special moments. It’s no wonder then, that Frank Rubino – the current owner and son of founder, Alfio – has a deep appreciation for the joy flowers bring. He knows how wonderful it is to receive a stunning bouquet or indulge in fresh blooms (and that it’s always a letdown when they don’t last as long as you’d like).

To help you keep your flowers looking fresh and vibrant, we asked Frank for his advice.

Flowers are best bought… when still in bud.

When you first get your flowers… unwrap them and make a sharp diagonal cut along each stem. Remove any foliage that will be below the water level. Also make sure your vase is extremely clean. Don’t forget to add flower food to the water.

Water should be changed… ideally every 3 days. Vases should be thoroughly cleaned and stems should be rinsed under the tap and re-cut. By doing this, your flowers should last an extra 4 to 5 days.

The secret to extending the life of your flowers is… a teaspoon of bleach and sugar. The bleach will kill any bacteria in the water while the glucose in the sugar helps unopened buds to develop.

If it looks like your flowers are dying… simply remove them and recut the stems. Sometimes an air bubble has developed in the stem and by doing this the flower will revive.

It is essential that… the flowers are never placed in direct sunlight or near any heat source or draft. Either will severely affect the longevity of your flowers.

For a really long-lasting flower, choose… any of our Australian wildflowers, lilies, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, statice, paper daisy, gladioli, sunflowers and sweet william.

The best trick you don’t know about fresh cut flowers is… you should scold the stems of chrysanthemums, dahlias and hydrangeas in boiling water for 30 seconds before you put them into fresh water in the vase. Also, gerberas don't like too much water in the vase – less is more!

Brimming with fresh flowers direct from the Rubino family farm, InBloom Florist is the place to buy yourself – or someone you love – flowers. Plus, if you order by 1pm, same day delivery is available Sydney wide, 7 days a week. Click here to place your order.