As the colder months set in and the weather becomes less predictable, many gardeners and plant lovers worry about how to maintain fresh flowers all year. However, lifestyle influencer and gardener Brandi Rondinelli has shared a brilliant, affordable solution that could keep your flowers looking their best throughout the year – and it costs just £1.50.
With a large following of 570,000 on Instagram, Brandi is known for her practical gardening advice and creative homemaking tips. Recently, she introduced a clever trick for maintaining fresh flowers using an everyday item found in many homes: baby oil. This inexpensive and easy method has taken social media by storm, inspiring many to give it a try.
The £1.50 Hack for Fresh Flowers All Year
Brandi’s hack involves using Johnson’s Baby Oil, which is available for as little as £1.50 for a 200ml bottle at Tesco. She suggests that placing fresh flowers in a vase filled with baby oil can preserve their beauty for up to a year. If baby oil isn’t available, she notes that mineral oil or paraffin oil can also be used. This simple solution allows flower enthusiasts to extend the lifespan of their blooms well beyond the summer months.
Brandi shared her results with her followers, saying, “I LOVE fresh flowers in the house, but they die too fast. This trick gives you fresh flowers to enjoy for a YEAR!” She even posted photos on her Instagram account, showcasing the stunning floral arrangements she had preserved using this method.
How Does It Work?
The idea is simple: fill a glass container with baby oil and immerse the stems of your flowers in it, ensuring the flowers are fully covered. Then, seal the container with a cap. According to Brandi, this technique will help maintain the flowers’ appearance and prevent them from wilting, keeping your home vibrant and full of colour no matter the season.
However, not everyone is convinced. Some sceptics have voiced concerns over the potential for mould and bacteria build-up when fresh flowers are submerged in oil. One Instagram user commented, “If you mix oil, water, and fresh flowers, these will 100% mould in my experience! If you want to do this, try drying flowers like baby’s breath or strawflower instead.”
A Divisive Hack
While some are uncertain about the long-term success of the method, others are excited to test the theory. Many have praised Brandi for sharing such a budget-friendly idea, with some commenting on how refreshing it is to see affordable hacks for keeping homes lively during the darker months.
Whether the hack works for everyone remains to be seen, but Brandi’s loyal followers are eager to experiment. If you’re looking for a creative way to extend the life of your favourite flowers, this inexpensive solution could be worth a try. At £1.50, it’s a low-cost option that could add a bit of brightness to your home throughout the year.
