Here’s a sad thought.
As we drift further from Valentine’s Day, the lovely floral bouquets on display in homes across the country will inevitably begin to wilt before sadly ending up in the local landfill.
Instead of tossing them out, why not turn those flowers into something practical or a conversation-starting decoration that will remind you of your admirer long past February?
An Internet search will reveal dozens of ways to reuse your flowers after they’ve died but here are seven of the most interesting methods:
#1 - Make bath bombs
The resourceful folks at HGTV recommended this use for wilted flowers. The television network’s website lists a recipe that includes ingredients like baking soda, sea salt, citric acid and of course, flower petals. The writer of the recipe said while it’s simple to follow, “the technique is the hardest part.”
#2 - Give your next bathtime a touch of class
This recycling idea is similar to making bath bombs but much simpler to pull off. Online florist The Bouqs Co. recommended just tossing several flower petals into your next bath — paired with a glass of wine, of course.
#3 - Add petals to hot tea
Rose petals have long been used to add floral flavorings to tea and for anyone who is a lover of the drink, this might be the best recycling method. Be sure to wash the petals before using and simply follow any of the many recipes that can be found online.
#4 - Make a surface or carpet-cleaning mixture
Resourceful people have discovered dead flower petals can be used to make effective cleaning products. To make surface cleaner, blend ¼ cup of petals with 1 cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt. The Bouqs Co. website also includes a simple carpet cleaner recipe.
#5 - Preserve the bouquet
This is one of the simplest decorations that can be made from a wilted bouquet of Valentine’s Day flowers. According to wikiHow.com, start by tying the stems together and handing the bouquet upside down. From there, some hairspray and time will turn the arrangement into lasting decor.
#6 - Bottle the petals for a beautiful art piece
Japanese floral artist Makoto Azuma pioneered this easy, gorgeous recycling method. In a series called “Bottle Flower,” Azuma placed dead flowers into a medical specimen jar, filled it with water and let the colors speak for themselves. A similar piece can be made using any sized sealable jar, depending on how many flowers will be used.
#7 - Make potpourri
It’s a classic but potpourri is still a great way to recycle dead flowers. Recipes for this fragrant project can be found across the web but according to wikiHow, it can be accomplished in just six steps and with six weeks of patience.
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
