Follow these simple suggestions for extra enjoyment and long life for your roses. Remove any leaves that might decay under water. While holding the stem end under water, cut about 1/2 inch off the stem with a sharp knife. Heavier stems, crush with a hammer. When removing bark leaves or thorns, do not cut through the bark or scrape the bark. Place roses in a clean deep vase of warm water. If possible, leave them in a cool room or refrigerator to "condition" for 2 to 4 hours before arranging. Water, to which a good "floral preservative" has been added, is the best medium in which to arrange roses. For lasting satisfaction when you receive a vase of roses. Add water immediately and refill the vase daily... Roses are heavy drinkers!! If a "porous foam" material is used to hold the roses in place, keep the foam covered with water. Ends of stems should be below water. Roses say so much beautifully. If a rose should wilt prematurely: Premature wilting is not a sign that the rose is old. It sometimes occurs if the bud has been cut before sufficiently mature, or if a cut has been made through the bark, or the bark has been scraped. Also, wilting occurs when leaves decay under water. Cut off stem above damaged place, or take away leaves and cut off 1/2 inch of stem. Then allow the entire rose to float in a tub (bathtub) of deep warm water for a couple of hours. When it revives, place it back in the vase arrangement. Another option is to remove the rose head and let it float in a water filled bowl.