As evidenced by the discovery of preserved flowers in ancient
Egyptian tombs, people have for centuries engaged in the art of preserving
flowers. Today, a large variety of annuals, biennials and perennials are
successfully preserved. Because properly dried flowers can persist for
years after harvesting, they are often referred to as everlastings or
immortelles.
To ascertain the optimum growing conditions and harvesting time for
a particular species, one should not rely solely on books or articles.
Experienced growers will frequently be the best sources of information. In
general, flowering plants require ample sunlight, good drainage and a
growing season with a minimum of 80 days. Harvesting flowers at the
appropriate time is critical. Flowers which are without blemishes, insects
or diseases should be picked on mornings of low humidity after the dew has
evaporated from the petals.
Several techniques can be utilized to remove moisture from the
collected flowers. The simplest method is to tie a rubber band around a
bunch of flowers after their leaves have been removed, and to hang them
upside down out of direct sunlight in a dry, well-ventilated attic, closet
or garage.
Ideally, the drying area should have a temperature between
60 and 80 F and a humidity rate less than 60%. Another method is
to place the flowers in a container and to cover them with clean, fine
sand, or a mixture of borax and cornmeal, or a nonchlorophyll kitty litter.
These inexpensive substances provide the flowers with support, enabling
them to maintain their shape while they dry naturally.
A more costly method is to use an airtight container and to cover
the flowers with silica gel, a desiccant, which not only provides support
to the flowers but also removes moisture from them. Overall, the more
rapidly flowers dry, the less likely they...
Preserved flowers
This is a far more complex process than I would have thought.
You have written an interesting and enjoyable essay
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