Even when it feels too hot to go outside, having the freshness of summer around just feels good. Bringing the outside in with beautiful flower arrangements is a no-brainer, but paying for those flower arrangements...well, that's a bit of a drawback.

Of course, with the right info, you can arrange your own flowers as good as (if not better than!) a florist. Here are 7 tips to get you started!

Tip #1: Use Odd Numbers

It sounds weird, but it's a true ideal that florists use to create more balanced, more full looking arrangements: use odd numbers of flowers. As you're building your arrangement, add 3 or 5 of one type of flower, and 7 or 9 of another. 

Also, as you're arranging, unless you're intentionally making it symmetrical, put the flowers at different distances from each other. This provides a more natural, fresh cluster of flowers.

Tip #2: Don't Let Leaves Touch the Water

When you're preparing your flowers for arranging, remove any leaves that would touch the water in the vase. Leaves can dirty the water, not only making it look muddy around your flowers, but also shortening their lifespan.

The leaves can rot in the water, and that's not good for the flowers, especially if you're hoping to make them last as long as possible!

Tip #3: Create a Natural Support

Instead of using a grid made of tape or a florist's block, use stems to create a natural lattice to support your flowers. Using branches and flowers with long stems, arrange them diagonally from each other. As you add more, they will create their own inner lattice for support.

It's brilliant, time- and money-saving, and looks professional and clean. 

Tip #4: Cut Stems at an Angle

During the prep stage, if you need to cut stems to fit your vase, cut them at an angle. This is a nifty trick that allows more water and nutrients to reach the flowers and significantly improving the life of your fresh flower arrangement.

The best way to clip stems is with a pair of gardening or florist shears, but if you absolutely have to, you can (very carefully!) get the same effect with a knife.

Tip #5: Use More Than Flowers

Flowers might be the star of the show, but if you want to make a truly eye-catching, full-looking arrangement, your best bet is to throw in some variety. Think textured branches or leaves. 

Queen Anne's Lace and Flax, for instance, are textural options outside of the normal blooms you might think of and make great fillers.

Tip #6: Feed Your Plants

Cut plants can live a lot longer if you provide nutrients for them. You can buy flower food at most local craft shops, or you can make your own by adding a bit of bleach and sugar to the vase water.

Be careful, though--in this case, there is such a thing as too much. It only takes a drop!

Tip #7: Change the Water

It's a hassle for sure, but if you want to keep flowers fresh as long as possible, changing the water is a necessary step. It's best to remove all of the flowers, wash the vase, and add the fresh water and flower food before returning the flowers.

However, depending on the vase and the amount of plants, you might be able to cheat the system by putting the vase in the sink and running water into it, forcing the old water out and the new water in. Just remember to add your flower food again. 

Fresh flowers in your house can be a huge mood lifter; there's something genuinely cheery about bright flowers, and with these tips, they'll look great and last a long time!