Many commonly dried flower varieties lend themselves well to being air dried.

1. It is best to choose varieties that are specifically mentioned as good dried flowers.

2. Find a location that is dark, cool, and well ventilated. Good air circulation is critical. A dehumidifier is recommended in humid climates.

3. Pick flowers during the heat of the day and during a non-rainy period. Larkspur should be cut when the spike is half open, half in bud.

4. Strip foliage from the stems. This isn't vital, but it will help the plant dry faster.

5. Tie 5-10 stems in a bundle with rubber bands and hang them upside down. Try to keep the flowers from touching each other. The rubber bands will tighten as the stems dry out and the flower heads will pull the stems straight. Grasses should be dried in an upright position.

Drying Flowers Using Silica Gel

Place a 1 1/2" layer of silica gel in the bottom of a covered plastic box. Cut the stems to one inch long and push 3 inches medium weight floral wire into the stem and stop at the fleshy part of flower. Bend the wire to 90 degrees just below the stem. Set the flower face up in the drying medium. Working silica gel between petals, carefully cover the flower with silica gel. Seal the box tightly and set it aside for 3-7 days. Flowers are dry if they are crisp to the touch. To remove the flowers, pour off the silica gel crystals. When the flowers are mostly uncovered, place your fingers under the flower head and carefully lift it out. Shake off the excess crystals. Store the flowers in a sealed box with the wires stuck into 1/2" of Styrofoam. Place a small amount of silica gel in box (NOT touching flowers) and seal the box.