Preserving plant materials is an ancient art. Air drying is the easiest and most effective way to dry flowers and works best for bouquets and for robust flowers such as roses, or small, long-lasting varieties like lavender.
Dried flowers and herbs, have been used:
In ancient Egypt, in cosmetics and as aromatics during religious and burial ceremonies.
During the Middle Ages, monks dried flowers, foliage, and herbs for use in decorative motifs or for making dyes to color their hand-printed books.
In Victorian England, drying flowers became a popular hobby and preservation method. Flowers were dried and added to jewelry designs, fans and gloves. Victorian women also made garlands and used dried flowers to design pictures.
In colonial American, dried flowers were used to brighten their homes, especially during the dark winter months.
Preparation
Plant material for drying may be collected at any time during the year. Consider texture, color, stage of development.
Since flowers will continue to open as they dry, select flowers that are not fully open.
Collect plant material on a day when the humidity is low. The late afternoon is preferable, after the heat of the day has passed and before the evening damp has set in.
Cut the stem cleanly with pruning shears, scissors or a sharp knife; never pull a plant out by the roots.
After cutting, store them in a dark, dry place with good air circulation to protect them and to help the flowers retain their color during the drying process.
The following are some general observations regarding color changes that might occur during the drying process:
Pink generally becomes red, although borax may turn pink flowers to mauve.
Red generally becomes more purple or bluish.
Pure blue acquires a lavender or purplish color.
Magenta turns to lavender.
Yellow and orange are usually well-preserved and possibly intensified.
Remember to ask the plants for their permission before cutting and gathering the plants. Take only what is needed and thank the plant.
What You Will Need
pruning shears, scissors or a sharp knife
rubber band or string
string
hook or coat hanger
wire screen frame, optional
storage box, optional
How to Air Dry Flowers
Remove excess leaves and foliage from flowers.
Cut stems to the desired length (no shorter than six inches).
To retain the best color and shape, take 1-3 stems and bind them together forming a bouquet. Do not bundle flowers too thickly or tightly to avoid creating damp spaces that will not dry and will encourage rot. If you are drying foliage, lay the leaves flat on an old window screen and place newspaper on top to prevent the leaves from curl during the drying process.
Hang the bouquet, upside down, in a warm, dark, dry area with good circulation. You can use a paper clip to hook one the end of the bouquet to a coat hanger.
Allow the it to dry for up to three weeks or until it is completely dry. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the flowers’ stems, the humidity, the size of the bundle and the air temperature . Another option, especially good for dry thick-stemmed flowers, such as hydrangeas, is to stand them upright in a can or jar. The stems will not be as straight as flowers dried by the hanging method, but this may soften the look of your dried flower arrangement.
Once completely dry, take down the bouquet and spray the bouquet or individual flowers, with unscented hairspray for protection.
Assemble your dried bouquet or project. We like to include foliage, feathers, nuts, shells, and other natural elements.
Place any left over dried flowers in a box with lid or in sealed plastic bags containing mothballs. Put packets of silica gel in the boxes to absorb any moisture in the air. Dried plant materials are highly flammable, so take precautions to prevent fire hazards.
So, how will you use your dried flowers? Please consider sharing your ideas.
Not sure what types of flowers are good for drying, check out this article from the University of Florida, IFAS Extension, click here.
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