Alta Gardening

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It's Easy to Learn Flower Drying
by Villette Mastase
http://www.flowerki.com

Before beginning the process of flower drying, it is
important that you choose the right flower for the right
project. To do so, you must bear in mind two key
characteristics of the blossoming bud. The first truth is
that in order to keep that color vibrant, you must dry it
as fast as you can. However, the second truth is that the
more heat you apply, the more shrinkage will occur.

Depending on your purpose, there are three main methods of
flower drying to choose from. The application of silica gel
(or proper alternate), drying by use of a dehydrator, or
the absorption of glycerin are the most efficient ways for
turning that blossom into a craft.

Perhaps the most popular drying method for a flower is
using silica gel. Silica is actually a form of sand. Clean
sand, borax, or cornmeal can be substituted for silica. To
use silica gel you will need a dry container. Place a thin
layer of silica gel on the bottom. Place the flower in the
container. Start building silica around the bloom to give
it support, so it is not crushed during the drying process.
Next sprinkle more silica gel on top until the flower is
completely covered. Place the top on the container and
forget about it for a week or so. If the flower is not dry
when you check it, just leave it for a few more days and
check again. A small paint brush may be used to clean the
silica gel from the flower.

If you want to dry a flower for potpourri, it is much
easier to simply use a dehydrator. If you don't have a
dehydrator, you can place the flower in a loosely woven
basket and leave it hanging in a dry place. Remember the
more heat, the quicker the flower will dry.

If the project at hand calls for the bud to remain pliable
once dried, glycerin should be used. In order to do so, the
stems of the plant should be placed in glycerin and thusly
absorbed. Glycerin can change the color of your flower.

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