by Connie Oswald Stofko
Learn how to dry roses using silica gel in the video below with David Clark, a nationally recognized horticulture instructor, gardening expert and event judge.
You can learn more in a series of three hands-on workshops to be led by Clark as part of the 125th anniversary celebration of Blessed Sacrament Church in Buffalo.
The sessions will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, March 6 and March 20 in the gymnasium of the Catholic Academy of West Buffalo, 1069 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. Free parking is available in the school parking lot.
Tickets are being sold as a package for all three sessions, and the cost is $60 for non-parishioners or $40 for parishioners for the package.
Advanced registration is required. For more information or for tickets, contact Michael Pitek at 716-816-0144 or michael@thepitekgroup.com.
The topics will be:
- February 27: Preserving Flowers & Foliage and Making Potpourri. You will learn how to preserve flowers and make potpourri. You will leave with potpourri made in the workshop.
- March 6: Hand-tying Flowers. You will learn the technique of a hand-tied floral bouquet to be displayed in a glass vase.
- March 20, Garden Magic: Spring Blossoms to Summer Blooms. Get tips on garden ecology – managing the systems in a home landscape.
With a degree in floriculture from the State University of New York at College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, Clark has been a floral designer, event director and wholesale florist. He has more than 30 years experience in the ornamental horticulture industry.
He has taught the wildly popular Horticulture Certification Series at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and was a visiting instructor at the prestigious Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh.
See Clark’s videos on how to preserve leaves using glycerin and how to hand tie a bouquet.
In the video below, Clark gives you an introduction to drying roses using silica gel.
I don’t do anything even remotely like this but Pitek sent it so I gave it a view. It and YOU are perfectly delightful. Thanks
Thank you Carol – the process is quite easy and rewarding.
David;
I really enjoyed your video! It made me wish I had purchased some fresh roses today, but definately on my list for next week! Thanks for the information.
I hope you will all stay tuned for the next 2 videos!
Donna – Hello! The process is very easy to do if you know the tricks: regenerate you desiccant after every use in a 275* oven for an hour, and then let it cool. I’ve been successful even with cymbidium orchids, using this process. One tip is to use a ‘Craft Spray’ to protect the dried flowers. Silica-gel dried daffodils are amazing!
Hi K.A.Chwojdak! Thank you for your kind review and recommendation for HGTV – right place/right time –
Hello Fredi!
Thank you for your comment. Connie is awesome to work with. I hope to meet you in one of my classes at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Lockwood’s
Greenhouses, The Catholic Academy, and Grace In Community Church [Alden, NY].
Hi Nancy – Thank you for your comment and Great to hear from you! I’ll pass on your Best Wishes to my Mom. Make sure to regenerate your Silica Gel in a 275* for an hour or so, to drive off accumulated moisture.
Thanks for reminding me of all the fun I have had in the past working with silica gel. I still have it and plan to bring it out in the Spring. Hi to Nan from her friends in Eden Garden Club.
Great offering! Thank you David and Conie!
Great video and information! I love it!David you are an artist and excellent presenter! You would do fantastic with your own TV show! HGTV needs you!
Hello, Nina – Thank you – yes, this process can be done with all types of roses, garden flowers and foliages.
Hello Connie –
Thank you for the informative write-up and for your photographic & video expertise. I love it!
Regards,
David
Nice video of drying roses. This can be done with all types of flowers?
Interesting process.