Sparkling sunshine. Pretty blossoms. Evergreen leaves. Fresh zephyr. All these and more, aptly describe April approaching. Far from the knowledge of many, such month makes the desert region look stunning. It is there that bright color abounds with the sprouting of the hedgehog cacti, penstemon, acacia and palo verde, among the others.
A lot of roses are also at its peak, which is why there are plenty of locals who take the opportunity in preserving flowers that have been freshly picked. The result will not only enhance the aesthetic value of your interiors but you can also enjoy it for years.
There are actually a lot of methods in preserving flowers namely air ventilation, microwave and chemical application. The common denominator among the three is that they undergo the process of drying. All of those only have one principle, which is to remove the moisture slowly but still able to maintain the flora's original color, shape and texture as much as possible. It does not really take much effort on your end to achieve satisfactory results.
You just really have to be careful that the steps have been religiously followed. When you do, you will be surprised with the great result of what you were able to make. The elements needed are also not hard to find since they are available in hobby shops or craft stores all year-round.
Air ventilation is the most common technique in preserving flowers. This is perfect for those who are tight on their schedule because it only takes a short time for completion. Any type of flower that does not wither immediately can be applied.
First is to tie the stems into loose bunches with bands or wires. Hang it upside down in a dark room where a great amount of breeze can enter. It takes several days or even more than a week for it to be totally done.
However, it depends on the thickness of the foliage since the fleshier it is, the more time is asked for it to be desiccated. For those that quickly wilt away, there must be a supportive substance to keep its form.
One of the aspects for preserving flowers that become immediately arid is the utilization of fine sand. It is a conventional manner but definitely one of the best. The problem though is that it is heavy so it bruises the delicate petals.
Another desiccant is borax, which is relatively cheap to buy. Much caution is considered necessary for this since it can irritate the eyes. The one that is pure can achieve a rapid aftermath but there is the peril of burning or bleaching. For an agent that is mild, the said substance can be combined with white cornmeal. Even if it has been utilized before, it can still be applicable for recycling.
