Summer Flowers Need Not Be Memories

The technique is easy, and the results satisfying if flowers are chosen that retain their colors well. Start in August, when flowers are still abundant, to develop a good supply for fall and winter decoration. Flowers can be dried when carefully covered with one of several materials or mixtures. A commercial material called silica gel is available under different trade names and provides quick drying of flowers to aid color retention. It absorbs water from the petals, and many flowers will dry in 36 to 48 hours. When the material has absorbed too much moisture to lie effective, it can be placed in an oven and dried again for reuse.

Mixtures of borax and sand, or borax and cornmeal, are also good for drying flowers. Drying flowers in these materials is not as rapid as silica gel and generally takes about two weeks. The container of it and the flowers must be placed in a warm dry location. In using any of these materials, sift them carefully between the petals and around the flowers. They need to fill between the petals so they are held in a natural position. Petals will dry in the position they are held, and if they are deformed, they will be wasted.

Full, double flowers are generally best for drying. As flowers dry the petals shrink, and flowers with few petals often look very sparse. After flowers are dry, remove them carefully from the materials to prevent breakage. A wire may be inserted in the flower before drying so that a false stem can be added later to make the flower easier to arrange. One of the most satisfying flowers for the beginner to dry is the large-flowered African marigold. Both the yellow and orange colors hold well after drying, and the many petals give the dried flower a full appearance.

Another good flower for the beginner is the zinnia. Use the large-flowered types also. Do not use dark colors as they further darken after drying, and deep reds become almost black and dull. Pinks, yellows and orange colors are best. Roses also make suitable flowers for drying. Again, the dark colors and shades should be avoided, pick the rose before it is fully open since petals will spread somewhat after drying. Because of the dense center, rose buds will take slightly longer to dry then open flowers.

Other garden flowers suitable for drying include dahlia, aster, snapdragon, carnation, chrysanthemum, gloriosa daisy, cone flower and lilies. Either the silica gel or sand-borax mixtures provide satisfactory drying for any of them. In addition to these flowers there are everlastings such as globe amaranth and strawflowers to use along with a wide variety of weeds, grasses and seed pods to make the fall and winter arrangements interesting and ever changing. Don't forget to preserve some foliage as well as flowers.