Here's my response to another thread. I have used this successfully with sunflowers. EP

Here is a link that might be useful: drying with borax

The sun flower, zinnias, and Queen Anne's lace used on this wreath were dried by the borax method. It was done a year ago and is still just as attractive as when first done. EP
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Thank you for your help. I'll give the borax a try-I've always used silica, but it's too expensive for a lot of large blooms. Your wreaths & arrangements are lovely.

I got some beautiful sunflowers in the yard isnt there some thing in crafts or hardware at store that will keep them just like when they are growing or do I gotta try the borax thanks for your ideas robin

Robin, if you ever find such a product will you please share.. One more thing I am experimenting with today.. sometimes with long stemmed flowers the stems will tend to flop as they start drying out from below. Today I am trying slipping the stems thru the unside drain holes of small plastic flower pots and turning the pots upside down over the drying flowers to help support the stems..Sometimes I check and if the flowers have dried enough to hold their shape I will remove from borax and hang by ends of stems to continue drying.. Have some zinnias and calendula in the drying bin. If successful will share on some future post. EP

Silica Gel can be found in most craft supply stores and reused over and over.

Flowers can be completely submerged in a solution of two parts water and one part glycerine (ordinary car antifreeze will work). But I have only heard of this and never done it? Anyone use this method?