COAL FLOWERS

A coal flower garden is easy to make - but it can be a bit smelly. It is a good idea to seal the dish in a plastic bag or place it inside a plastic container until the smell goes away.

You will need:

3 lumps of shiny coal
2 tablespoons of household ammonia
2 tablespoons of water
2 tablespoons of table salt
1 tablespoon of each of 3 different coloured inks or dyes
1 flat glass dish
4 small containers

Method:

1. Combine the water, ammonia and salt in a small container.
2. Divide the mixture into three by pouring into 3 separate small containers.
3. Add a different coloured ink or dye to each small container.
4. Arrange the lumps of coal on the glass dish.
5. Pour part of each colour over a different section of the coal.
6. Seal the container inside a plastic bag or plastic container.
7. Place in a warm place.

Notes:

The coal flowers will start to grow within 24 hours, and will be very smelly.
Keep feeding your coal flower garden. Make sure that the solutions do not completely evaporate.

To keep your coal flowers alive add a solution of one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of water every second day. Pour gently from the side of the dish, not over the coal.

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