How soon do the flowers need to be delivered to Timeless Blooms?
How do I take care of the flowers until they are delivered?
What will my flowers look like?
Do all flowers freeze-dry well?
How long does the process take?
How long will the flowers last?
Can I just have my flowers freeze-dried?
Will Timeless Blooms pick up flowers to be preserved?
Is the entire cost of the preservation due before the process can begin?
How
soon do the flowers need to be delivered to Timeless Blooms?
We like to get your flowers as soon as possible. The fresher the flowers, the better they turn out. For Bridal and Quinceanera flowers, it is recommended that you have someone deliver them to us for preservation, the day following the event. However, if this is not an option, be sure to keep the flowers well hydrated and cool, and get them to us as soon as possible. For shipping instructions, for events outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, please click here
How do I take care of the flowers until they are delivered to Timeless Blooms?
If possible, put the flowers in water and then refrigerate them. But, be very sure that the refrigerator is not too cold, so that they do not freeze. If refrigeration is not possible, keep them out of direct sunlight, in a cool place.
What will my flowers look like?
Some flowers will undergo a slight, but natural-looking change in color. White roses usually turn more of an ivory and red flowers may darken. Bright colored flowers may actually have an even more intense color. The flowers will shrink a little bit as all the moisture has been pulled from them. However, most flowers will look very natural and appear to almost be fresh.
Floral freeze-drying is a method of preserving flowers by removing the moisture from them through a process called sublimation. Sublimation means to transform moisture directly from a gaseous state to a solid state, without ever becoming a liquid. This requires a special machine called a freeze-dryer. The flowers are rapidly frozen at sub-zero temperatures in a large vacuum chamber in the freeze-dryer. The moisture is then turned into ice crystals, which are extracted by a vacuum pump, and collected in a smaller chamber.
Floral freeze-drying is relatively new, although the U.S. Army developed it in the 1900s as a method to preserve food supplies. It was first introduced in 1989 and has gained much popularity as a method of preserving flowers as techniques and pre and post treatments have been developed. Other methods of preserving flowers, such as pressing, air drying, and drying using silica gel, do not produce the natural results that freeze-drying produces.
Do all flowers freeze-dry well?
Most all flowers do very well. Roses are the most outstanding. Others that do well are lilies, gardenias, carnations, freesia, peonies, orchids, stephanotis, lisianthus, tulips, alstroemeria, daffodils, delphinium, and calla lilies. Exceptions are bouvardia and delicate wildflowers.
How long does the process take?
The freeze-drying process itself takes about two weeks. If the freeze-dryer is not immediately available the day you deliver your flowers, they will initially be placed in a holding freezer. There are numerous other steps that go into completion of your design once the flowers are freeze-dried. So your completed design is usually ready for pickup 4 to 6 months from delivery.
How long will the flowers last?
Because floral freeze-drying is relatively new and was first introduced around 1989, it is impossible to say that freeze-dried flowers could last forever. However, when protected from humidity, dust, insects and breakage in an acrylic dome, your preserved flowers should give many, many years of enjoyment. Today's pre and post-treatment solutions have been developed to help the flowers resist fading and moisture re-absorption, thus prolonging their beauty.
Can I just have my flowers freeze-dried?
No. Because the freeze-drying method preserves flowers by removing the moisture from them, they must not re-absorb moisture in order to last. Therefore, they do need to be protected from humidity in the air, by sealing them up in an acrylic dome or similar container.
Will Timeless Blooms pick up flowers to be preserved?
With advance arrangements, Timeless Blooms can pick up Wedding and Quinceanera flowers from the event site, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. A nominal fee will be charged.
Is the entire cost of the preservation due before the process can begin?
A non-refundable deposit of $100.00 will reserve your preservation. An additional $100 is required, with your flowers, in order to begin the preservation process. The total deposit is then applied to the final cost of the preservation. You must pay this balance before your frame will be ordered, to complete your preservation.
What methods of payment are accepted?
We accept cash, checks or credit card payments using PayPal’s secure website.
