Gardens and local farmers market are abundant with flowers. Wedding season, birthdays and just because blooms grace our homes and special events. Take advantage of the occasion to preserve fresh flowers for your fall and winter decorating.
The pictures show a rose and several petals emerging from the drying process. It should be noted that they have been stored in the Borax boxes since 2009.
To preserve your flowers, you will need the following materials:
Cut the blooms at early bud stage to fully open. Keep in mind that a flower that is close to the end of its life cycle will not preserve as nicely. Sort the blooms as to density. Pansies, buttercups, some poppies and other flowers with single petals can be dried together. Carnations and open roses together. Rose buds should be dried with any other types of tight buds.
Flowers from the garden need to be given a gentle shake to ensure all bugs are dislodged. Cut the stem about one inch from the base of the bloom. Remove any outside flower petals that may be damaged.
In the bottom of the container pour an inch and a half of Borax. Settle blooms into the container, with stems inserted into the crystals. Flowers should not touch each other or the side of the container.
Using a spoon, carefully sprinkle more crystals on each bloom and around it. Be sure to support any petals that may be odd shaped by adding more Borax in/under those spots. Once you have approximately half inch of crystals on top of the blooms, use a funnel to continue pouring the crystals evenly over the container until there is a two inch layer on top and all bloom petals are covered completely.
Wait three weeks. It is then safe to check your blooms. Some may be ready to be removed and some may need more drying time. Carefully spoon away the top layer. Using the spoon or your hands, gently lift out flowers. Don't lift by the petals. Holding the bloom by the stem, very, very gently shake to remove any crystals left.
Carnations, roses, and any types of buds may take longer to dry. When a bloom is dried, it will have a transparent look about it. Some blooms that have a strong scent may even retain some of that aroma. They are now ready for display.
After you have removed your blooms from the Borax, pour the crystals through a colander to remove any leaves or petals you have missed. Place sifted crystals back in the bucket and leave the lid off for a few days. Stir occasionally. This allows all of the crystals to air-dry. Place lid on bucket and store in a cool dry place until you are ready to dry your next batch of blooms. The crystals can be re-used three to five times.
- Clean containers with tight fitting lids (at least 6 - 8 inches deep) such as ice cream buckets
- Large box of Borax crystal
- Small funnel
- Small spoon
- Toothpicks
- Blooms of varying types from the garden, bouquets or corsages.
Cut the blooms at early bud stage to fully open. Keep in mind that a flower that is close to the end of its life cycle will not preserve as nicely. Sort the blooms as to density. Pansies, buttercups, some poppies and other flowers with single petals can be dried together. Carnations and open roses together. Rose buds should be dried with any other types of tight buds.
Flowers from the garden need to be given a gentle shake to ensure all bugs are dislodged. Cut the stem about one inch from the base of the bloom. Remove any outside flower petals that may be damaged.
In the bottom of the container pour an inch and a half of Borax. Settle blooms into the container, with stems inserted into the crystals. Flowers should not touch each other or the side of the container.
Using a spoon, carefully sprinkle more crystals on each bloom and around it. Be sure to support any petals that may be odd shaped by adding more Borax in/under those spots. Once you have approximately half inch of crystals on top of the blooms, use a funnel to continue pouring the crystals evenly over the container until there is a two inch layer on top and all bloom petals are covered completely.
Wait three weeks. It is then safe to check your blooms. Some may be ready to be removed and some may need more drying time. Carefully spoon away the top layer. Using the spoon or your hands, gently lift out flowers. Don't lift by the petals. Holding the bloom by the stem, very, very gently shake to remove any crystals left.
Carnations, roses, and any types of buds may take longer to dry. When a bloom is dried, it will have a transparent look about it. Some blooms that have a strong scent may even retain some of that aroma. They are now ready for display.
After you have removed your blooms from the Borax, pour the crystals through a colander to remove any leaves or petals you have missed. Place sifted crystals back in the bucket and leave the lid off for a few days. Stir occasionally. This allows all of the crystals to air-dry. Place lid on bucket and store in a cool dry place until you are ready to dry your next batch of blooms. The crystals can be re-used three to five times.
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