Flower Preservative with Borax

Fresh Flowers (roses, (pansies, violets, sweet (peas, chrysanthemums, zinnias, marigolds,daisies)
Florist's wire
Airtight container such as -a coffee can
Plastic bag
Borax
Wire or string
Soft brush

1. Pick flowers at the peak of their bloom.
2. Remove the stems. Make new stems with florist's wire. Run wire through the base of the flower and twist the two ends together.
3. Line the coffee can with the plastic bag.
4. Pour enough borax into the plastic bag to cover the bottom to a depth of 1 inch.
5. Place flower face down in the borax. Pour about 1 inch of borax over the top of the flower. Add more flowers and borax until the container is full.
6. Gather the top of the bag, squeezing out all the air inside it. Fasten shut with wire or string.
7. Place lid on can and set aside in a dry place for at least 4 weeks.
8. Remove flowers from borax and carefully brush away all borax with a soft brush.

USES:
Flowers preserved in this way make colorful "permanent" floral arrangements. Flowers picked at the peak of their bloom remain fresh looking indefinitely.

TO USE:
Using the wire stems, make an attractive flower arrangement as you would a fresh-flower bouquet.