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Preserving Blossoms
Thyme Everlasting
Preserving Blossoms It can be
sad to see the beautiful blooms in your garden wilt and die.
With a little effort, you can preserve the colors of your
flowers and herbs for months or even years to come. These
projects are a wonderful way for you and your child to
discover the miracle of the garden:
 AIR
DRYING—The most practical approach. First, you need a warm,
dark, and well-ventilated place (attic, closet, furnace
room) where flowers and herbs can hang undisturbed for weeks
at a time. Pick in the morning and simply hang upside down
to dry, hanging large flowers individually and smaller
blooms in rubber-banded bunches.
DESICCANT
DRYING—Makes use of a material that absorbs moisture and
hastens the drying process. The material (cornmeal, borax,
sand or silica craft gel) is poured around and over a flower
in a box, taking care that the flower is supported and the
material reaches between the petals. After two weeks, brush
away the material—do not use for herbs that will be used for
food.
PRESSING—Preserves
flowers in a flat state for use in paper decorating. Press
flowers or leaves between two paper towels and place between
two heavy, flat objects (encyclopedias, phone books). Wait
several weeks and affix to the paper background of your
choice.
FREEZING—Best
method for herbs. Blanch small bunches one minute in boiling
water. Plunge into ice water for two minutes, pat dry, and
quickly freeze in plastic freezer bags. Also, add mint or
lemon balm to ice cubes prior to freezing for an added
flavor in your summer beverages!
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