JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
Sansho (see formula at end of the chapter). When this boils hard, plunge into it the uncovered ends of the flower stems and hold them in the boiling mixture until the ends whiten, being careful not to steam the wrapped portions. Then plunge in very cold water, removing the wrappings in a place not too warm and sheltered from the wind. Straighten the stalks and keep thus for about seven hours before arranging.
When the weather is exceptionally hot, this is the best way for preserving flowers, but when the weather is normal at this season, just to boil the ends of the stems until white, and then plunge them in very cold water, will have the same effect. Drugs are required only in extreme heat. Flowers and foliage must always be carefully protected from the steam while being boiled, then the cold water into which they are then put should be in a deep receptacle.
The season of Giyo covers the months when it is neither very hot nor very cold, and it is therefore comparatively easy to keep flowers
