If you were lucky enough to receive a lovely bunch of fresh flowers this mothers day, here are a few ideas to get the most out of your blooms for months, if not years to come. Thank you to Carolyn Dunster, author and dried flower pro for her words of wisdom. For lots more tips see Carolyn’s brilliant practical book Cut & Dry.
Air-dry roses
Roses can be hung upside down to dry
Roses are a key component to many a bouquet, they are also one of the easiest flowers to dry successfully. To make your roses last for months, before they have opened fully, air-dry by simply hanging them upside down in a dry spot. Display a bunch in a vase, on a year-round wreath or a single bloom in a bud vase.
Dry in the vase
Sea Holly, Gypsophilia and Eucalyptus are so often found in bunches, and they will dry naturally in your vase of water. You will notice the flowers or foliage start to dry itself, so simply remove from the bouquet, cut off the soggy stems and display for months to come.
Press flowers and foliage
Fleshier flowers such as freesia, together with any attractive foliage you’d like to keep, can be pressed between pages of newspaper within a heavy book. Leave for at least two weeks then display on card or in a frame as a long-lasting memento.
Collect the petals
Before your bunch has gone past its best, collect the petals and spread them out to dry. Why not keep them for an up-coming wedding as natural confetti, use them to style your dining table for a special meal, or perhaps it's time for a pot pourri renaissance!