One stem is enough

A bud vase isn't trying to hold a bouquet. It's for the one stem you'd otherwise throw away: the last tulip from a bunch, a sprig of rosemary from the pot, a seed head from a walk.

Fill it about halfway with cool water. Change the water every couple of days and trim the stem at an angle when you do.

Dried stems need no water at all, and last for months.