Flowers can be preserved in several different ways, by hanging, pressing or with various drying agents. All methods have their own distinct charm, the choice is yours. Whether used in bouquets, pressed flower pictures, potpourri, on hats, wreaths, ornaments or framed, preserved or dried flowers can inspire and remind us of beauty and elegance in our homes and offices.

Preserved flowers can be a beautiful reminder of our past experiences, if the flowers are professionally Preserved they will look remarkably almost natural and they last for many years. Flowers can be preserved at home in several different ways, by hanging, pressing or with various drying agents. The following explains the available methods and comparison to the For Keeps flower preservation system.

	Air Dried Flowers One of the oldest and simplest methods of drying flowers, often referred to as "hang and dry". The flowers are collected, tied, and simply hung upside down in a warm, dark, dry place. The darkness helps preserve the flower colour. The flowers will shrivel and darken considerably in colour and risk in rotting if not ideal drying conditions. The For Keeps system is much quicker and results in less flower deformation and colour will be more to natural colour.
	Dehydrated Flowers This is quicker than air-drying and keeps colours better. This is a good method for those wishing to frame flowers as it can flatten them on one side and flowers will again shrivel and deform slightly similar to air dry. Risk of flowers going brown if method is not done correctly. The For Keeps system is much quicker results in no flower deformation with greater colour stability.
	Desiccant Flowers Embedding the flowers in a substance, such as calcium oxide or silica gel, that has a high affinity for water and is used as a drying agent. A widely used, sometimes satisfactory method. A variety of desiccants may be used, they vary in cost and the results that they produce. With The For Keeps system the flowers are more vibrant and the petal structure is more natural.
	Microwave Flowers Flowers with thick petals or high water content, such as magnolias, hyacinth and orchids, do not dry well in a microwave. During drying, the flowers must be supported so that they dry in their normal form. It takes about two and a half minutes to dry flowers in a 0.25kg of silica gel. There is a high risk of burning the flowers and practice is needed to perfect the method. With the For Keeps system all flowers can be preserved as each flower is treated by its cell structure, holding form and colour.
	Freeze Dried Flowers Flowers are flash frozen. This results in minimal shrinkage and takes approximately twenty days. It requires specialized equipment and gives better results than traditional methods. This method also has limits on types of flowers. The For Keeps system is an enhanced version of the basic freeze drying concept which results in even brighter and more shapely arrangements.

Many brides choose to preserve their wedding bouquets as a lasting memento of their special day. This can be done with great success, but beware flowers often alter their colour, shape and size after preservation.

Whichever method you choose, dried flower arrangements can be colourful and delightful centre pieces in on a wall. If your flowers hold unique beauty and memories for you we strongly recommend having them preserved using the For Keeps system immediately after use. This is the best way to ensure accurate colour and a long lasting display representative of your original bouquet.

AS YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE IS OUTSTANDING.