Flowers are the perfect gift choice in many situations. They can express congratulations, gratitude, sympathy, and a number of other emotions. While a beautiful gift, they won’t last forever. However, it’s possible to have the next best thing. With these preservation methods, you and your loved ones can get a whole new life out of every petal.

How to Preserve Your Flowers

1. Air Drying

If you want to keep arrangements fresh, the secret is to get the moisture out. You can do this several ways, but the most basic option is air drying. It’s a good fit for beginners because you only need an area with direct sunlight or a steady flow of air—the latter could come from an air conditioner or a fan. You may also want to try hanging them upside down by binding them together with a rubber band and taping their stems to a light fixture or stationary ceiling fan so the moisture can drain out.

2. Book Pressing

You can also preserve flowers by pressing them until they’re flat. Not only does this remove the moisture from them, but it also makes it easy to turn them into artwork. You can mount them on your refrigerator, in picture frames and scrapbooks, or even inside of cards you give to others on special occasions. Be sure to trim as much of the stems off as possible, and put the plant between a couple of sheets of wax paper in the middle of a thick book like an encyclopedia or dictionary. 

3. Silica Gel Drying

If you want to dry them out quickly, try putting them in a substance like silica gel. This material contains silicon dioxide, a key component of sand. Place between a half-inch and an inch of gel in a container, then add the flowers, then another layer of gel until it’s covered. Put a lid on the container and check on it every two days.

Looking for beautiful flowers at an affordable price? Choose Lexington Florist. This florist has been providing gorgeous floral arrangements to residents and businesses of Lexington County, SC, for over 40 years. They offer a wide range of products for any occasion, from weddings to “just because.” To get in touch, call (803) 359-6097. Learn more about their inventory online.