The life of
cut flowers can be prolonged by putting a small quantity of
sodium carbonate, ammonium chloride or potassium nitrate into
the water in which they are standing.
Doing this keeps the flowers fresh by stimulating cells and
slowing the growth of germs. However this is only a temporary
measure.
1. Mix one part silica gel with four parts
borax, having first removed any lumps from the borax using
a sieve.
2. After picking the flowers, cut the stems
near the base.
3. Put a layer of the preserving powder in
the bottom of an air-tight jar or plastic bag and place the
face of a blossom onto the powder.
4. Cover the flower with more of the powder
and repeat the process until the jar is full of flowers.
5. Squeeze all of the air from the bag
and tie it with string or put the lid on the jar.
6. Leave the bag or jar, for around four
weeks, in a dry place.
7. After four weeks carefully open the jar
or bag, remove each of the blossoms and blow off the powder.
8. Create a stem using florist's wire run
through the underside of the blossoms.
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