Oct 7, 2016

Drying Flowers with Borax Cornmeal Mixture



I do enjoy growing flowers and hydrangeas are one of my favorites. This comes from being a child and visiting my grandma's house. She had some of the most beautiful blue old fashioned ones growing at the front of her porch. I remember just standing and looking at those beautiful flowers and the Crepe Myrtle trees that stood close by. 
For years I've cut and brought them inside to dry naturally for a touch of color during the winter months. This year I decided to dry some in this mixture and well I'll tell you more about it in this post.


I use a lot of Borax in making my household cleaners so I had it on hand. Of course I keep cornmeal around cooking as much as I do, so I thought why not try this drying mixture for flowers.
I'm not going to lead you on and say this mixture worked great for me, because it didn't!  I will share the process and maybe some of you will have better luck than I.  Let me know if you do.  


STEPS TO DRYING FLOWERS

Find an airtight container large enough to hold the blooms you are working with
A box will do but you must tape all open areas closed to make it airtight.
This box had a cushioned/padded thick tissue in it so I used it.



Mixture: One Part 20 Mule Team Borax to Two Parts Corn Meal



1. Place mixture in bottom of container  2. Add bloom or blooms.  3. Cover with mixture
4. Seal tightly or close box and tape all openings securely, note leaving any for air to get into box.



Store at room temp in a dry place for 7 - 10 days



Remove flowers from mixture and shake easily to clear flower.
I would do this outside because it makes a mess.
Blooms will be fragile



I don't know why there are brown spots on the blooms.
Perhaps they still had some moisture on them when I placed them in the box.
I didn't see any but don't know.



This bloom had colors of green, white, lavender when fresh.
This may do alright for Fall.
I don't have the heart to throw it away.



The blue was done as well.
The color came out pretty good but some of the little portions swiveled up, which you can see in this picture.


Results were not as good as I had expected, in fact I've had better results just cutting bringing inside placing into a vase with the bottom only covered in water for a few weeks. I won't say I won't do this again but I may. Next time I think I'll try the Borax and Sand to see if it performs better.

Sharing what works and what doesn't.

Today here in South Carolina we are awaiting Hurricane Matthew.
Please pray for those that have already suffered from it and those who have yet to experience this storm.
 (including we here at Hibiscus House).
May God bless all.

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8 comments:

  1. Hi Sweet Southern Friend! They look pretty good---not a total failure at all. The blue color held up really well. Trying to get back into blogging a bit here and catching up with you! xo Diana

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    1. Hi Diana! It is so good to hear from you! I've missed you! Thanks for the encouragement!

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  2. I am glad you shared this! I have some pansies that I want to dry press. Many do it in the microwave. Yet, the color doesn't seem right. Looks like we are both learning!

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    1. Oh pansies are just so colorful and beautiful they would be beautiful. That sounds so cool in the microwave I've never seen that happen. Pressing is beautiful isn't it? Good to hear from you Ginger Dawn!

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  3. wont know til you try every plant is different where borax has bleach in it ...maybe too strong acting? either way you did well dont give in or up;];];]

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