The Fix: Fresh Water

In Theory: Clean water will contain fewer bacteria.

Day 1: The ends are snipped by about 1/4 inch, as they will be every day. The vase gets fresh water every day, too.

Day 4: The stems are still relatively upright, and the blooms remain healthy.

Day 7: A few blooms are ready to be discarded, but with a little rearranging, the bouquet has life in it yet.

The Verdict: Opened beautifully, but the petals dropped like flies after Day 4.