Roses...

A rose is chosen first by the size of its head and the length of its stem. That is what separates a florist’s rose from a supermarket one, long before colour comes into it.

The number

Roses are counted. Ten make a bouquet held in one hand; beyond fifty it is carried in both arms and calls for a wide vase. Every quantity stays open, and the number says nothing about the intention: it is your bearing, not a rule.

Colours

Red and white are the most asked for; powder pink, yellow and orange are chosen just as readily. A rose imposes no meaning: it takes the one you give it, and the words you enclose matter more than the shade.

Keeping them

Cut the stems at an angle every other day, change the water, remove any submerged leaves. A good rose lasts eight to twelve days away from direct sun and from ripe fruit, which ages it faster.