Preserving your Flowers

Preserving flowers at home allows you to enjoy their beauty for an extended period. Here are four popular methods for preserving flowers:

1. Air Drying:

   • How to Do It:
     • Bundle a small number of flowers together with a rubber band.
     • Hang the bundles upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated space.
     • Allow the flowers to air dry for about two to three weeks until they are fully dry.
   • Best for:
     • Flowers with sturdy stems and petals, such as lavender, roses, and statice.

2. Pressing:

   • How to Do It:
     • Place the flowers between sheets of absorbent paper, such as parchment or newspaper.
     • Put the paper with flowers inside a heavy book or a flower press.
     • Leave the flowers pressed for 2-4 weeks until they are completely dry.
   • Best for:
     • Delicate flowers like pansies, daisies, and violets.

3. Silica Gel Drying:

   • How to Do It:
     • Pour a layer of silica gel into a container.
     • Trim the flower stems and bury them in the silica gel.
     • Gently cover the flowers with more silica gel until they are completely immersed.
     • Seal the container and leave it for 1-2 weeks until the flowers are dry.
   • Best for:
     • Flowers with intricate shapes and fragile petals, like orchids and lilies.

4. Glycerin Preservation:

   • How to Do It:
     • Mix a solution of one part glycerin to two parts water.
     • Cut the flower stems at an angle and place them in a vase with the glycerin solution.
     • Allow the flowers to absorb the solution for several days to a week.
     • Remove and air dry the flowers.
   • Best for:
     • Flowers with thicker petals, such as roses and carnations.

Tips:

• Harvest flowers in the morning when their moisture content is higher for better preservation results.
• Experiment with different methods to find what works best for the specific flowers you want to preserve.
• Consider using commercial flower preservatives or adding a bit of borax to your drying agents for better results.