I was trimming my 'Summerwine' ninebark last night, getting some really long stems, between 1-4'. I know it's the "wrong" time to prune, but with all the rain we've gotten this summer, the ninebark decided to take off across the rather narrow driveway, making it absolutely necessary to do the job NOW.

I saved a test bundle of stems in a vase of cool water. This morning the stems looked great, but the water was a weak tea color. My questions are, what is the best way to condition the stems?, how long do they last in an arrangement? (experimenting here to get my own ideas) and what price do you get for a bundle of, say, 10 stems? TIA for any info. I really appreciate all the advice and help given here!