IF you got a beautiful bunch of flowers for Mother’s Day, keep the memento for longer by drying out your blooms.
Dried flowers are a big trend in home decor and they can last for months.
Here’s how to give your bouquet a second lease of life.
CAREFUL PICKING: Some flowers dry better than others because their petals hold their shape, says Claire Lambeth, a Morrisons florist with more than 35 years of experience.
Great options include roses, carnations, gypsophila (baby’s breath), eryngium (sea holly) and lavender.
These varieties are commonly included in mixed bouquets, making them ideal for preserving.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
If you are buying flowers for drying, remember that seasonal ones tend to be the best value because they are naturally abundant.
At this time of year, UK-grown tulips and irises are widely available and offer a classic spring look.
TIME IT: If you plan to dry them, keep flowers away from sunlight as that will help them keep their colour.
Recut them a bit shorter after a couple of days, as some flowers continue to grow in water, including tulips, ammi, and alstroemeria.
But don’t wait until your blooms have wilted before drying them out.
Claire says: “Many flowers dry beautifully if you catch them before they start to fade. It’s a great way to preserve a Mother’s Day bouquet, so it can be enjoyed long after the fresh flowers have gone.”
HIGH AND DRY: Before drying, make sure you remove any extra leaves from the stems.
Then simply tie small bunches together with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dark and dry space, such as an airing cupboard.
Leave them for two to three weeks until the petals feel papery.
Claire says: “Once dried, they can be displayed in a vase without water or used in wreaths and decorative arrangements.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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