Drying flowers is a timeless practice that transforms your vibrant, fresh blooms into long-lasting treasures. With roots tracing back to Ancient Egypt, this art has evolved over centuries into a popular hobby and a versatile element in home decor and crafts.
In this guide, we'll explore the methods, best practices, and creative uses of dried flowers.
Why Dry Flowers?
Drying flowers is more than just a way to preserve their beauty. It's a bridge between seasons, enabling the enjoyment of summer's bounty throughout the year. Dried flowers have gained popularity for their rustic charm and versatility, finding their way into various decorative and practical applications.
Common Uses of Dried Flowers:
- Centerpieces: Add a touch of elegance to your table setting.
- Potpourri and Aroma Sachets: Infuse your home with natural fragrances.
- Arts and Crafts: Enhance scrapbooking, card making, and other creative projects.
- Culinary Purposes: Certain dried flowers can add flavor and decoration to dishes.
- Decoration: Create beautiful displays in vases, frames, or as wall hangings.
Selecting Flowers and Foliage for Drying
Not all flowers and foliage are created equal when it comes to drying. Some retain their color and shape better than others. Here's a list of some of the best candidates:
Flowers Ideal for Drying:
- Roses
- Hydrangea
- Lavender
- Statice
- Larkspur
- Salvia
- Celosia
- Baby’s Breath
Foliage Suitable for Drying:
- Palm Leaves
- Ornamental Grasses
- Herbs (like Oregano)
- Toi Toi
Methods of Drying Flowers
Drying flowers is a process that encapsulates the beauty of nature in a form that can be cherished throughout the year. The traditional hanging method is among the most popular and effective techniques.
Here, we delve deeper into each step of this method, providing detailed insights and tips for best results.
1. Harvesting
- Timing: The ideal time to cut flowers for drying is late morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the midday sun. This ensures the flowers are dry and in prime condition.
- Stage of Bloom: Select flowers that are just about to reach full bloom or are in the early stages of blooming. At this stage, their colors are vibrant, and they have not yet started to lose petals.
- What cutting implement is good to cut flowers with? The choice of cutting implements for flowers primarily depends on the type and delicacy of the blooms. For most flowers, sharp, clean pruning shears or floral scissors are ideal, as they create clean cuts that promote water uptake and minimize damage to the stems. However, for delicate and thin-stemmed flowers, like roses, a sharp knife can provide a precise and gentle cut.
2. Preparation of the cut flowers
- Foliage Removal: Carefully strip away all leaves from the stems. Leaves often dry poorly and can become a site for mold or mildew, which could spoil the whole bunch.
- Inspect and Clean: Look for any signs of damage or disease and remove affected parts. Gently shake or brush the flowers to remove any insects or dirt.
3. Tying
- Bunch Size: Create small bunches of flowers, each with 4-6 stems. Smaller bunches allow air to circulate more effectively, ensuring even drying.
- Securing: Use twist ties, cable ties, or rubber bands to secure the bunches at the base of the stems. As the stems dry and shrink, a tight wrap prevents them from slipping out. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can damage the stems. We personally use twine to make the ties.
4. Hanging
- Location: Choose a warm, dark, and dry location. An attic, cupboard, or a dark garage is ideal. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the colors to fade.
- Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation around the flowers. Do not overcrowd the space; keep some distance between each bunch.
- Orientation: Hang the bunches upside down. This orientation helps the flowers retain their natural shape and prevents the stems from bending.
5. Duration
- Typical Drying Time: Most flowers take about 2-3 weeks to dry completely, but this can vary depending on the type of flower and environmental conditions.
- Checking for Dryness: To check if the flowers are dried, gently touch the petals and stem. They should feel papery and stiff. If there's any sign of softness or moisture, they need more time.
Additional Tips:
- Labeling: If drying various types of flowers, label each bunch. This helps in identifying them later, especially if they change color during the drying process.
- Gentle Handling: Once dried, handle the flowers gently. The petals and stems become very brittle and can break easily.
- Storage: If not using immediately, store the dried flowers in a dry, airtight container to prevent reabsorption of moisture.
Water Drying Method (Ideal for Hydrangeas):
- Placement: Place hydrangeas in a vase with a small amount of water (enough to cover an inch of the stem).
- Natural Drying: As the water evaporates, the flower dries gradually, retaining much of its shape and color.
Care and Maintenance of Dried Flowers
Dried flowers are delicate. Handle them gently and keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Dust them lightly with a soft brush or a delicate blast of compressed air from a distance.
Creative Applications
Once dried, flowers and foliage offer endless possibilities for creativity:
- Wreaths and Garlands: Craft seasonal or thematic decorations for doors and walls.
- Framed Botanicals: Press and frame dried flowers for elegant wall art.
- Gift Embellishments: Use dried flowers to enhance gift wrapping.
- Homemade Soaps and Candles: Incorporate into DIY bath and body products for a touch of nature.
5 handy tips to get those dried flowers perfect
1. Choose the Right Flowers at the Right Time
- Selection: Opt for flowers that are known to dry well, such as roses, hydrangeas, and lavender. Look for blooms with sturdy petals and stems.
- Timing: Harvest your flowers when they are in the early stages of bloom. This timing ensures they retain their color and shape better during the drying process.
2. Proper Preparation is Crucial
- Trimming: Carefully trim away any excess foliage from the stems, as leaves can become limp and lose color when dried.
- Cleaning: Gently clean the flowers to remove any dirt or insects without damaging the petals.
3. Employ the Right Drying Technique
- Hanging Method: For most flowers, hang them upside down in small bunches in a warm, dark, and dry place. This method helps maintain shape and color.
- Silica Gel for Delicate Flowers: For very delicate or intricate flowers, consider using silica gel to preserve their intricate details and prevent them from shriveling.
4. Monitor Humidity and Ventilation
- Environment: Ensure the drying area is well-ventilated and low in humidity. Excess moisture can cause flowers to rot instead of drying.
- Protection: Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight while drying to prevent color fading.
5. Gentle Handling and Artistic Presentation
- Handling: Dried flowers are fragile. Handle them with care, especially when arranging them in vases or frames.
- Creative Display: Experiment with different arrangements and containers. Consider mixing flowers of various textures and colors for a more dynamic display. Use shadow boxes, clear glass jars, or rustic baskets to showcase their natural beauty.
Remember, drying flowers is both an art and a science. Each flower type may require a slightly different approach, so don't be afraid to experiment. With these tips, you're well on your way to creating stunning, well-presented dried flowers that capture the essence of your garden's beauty.
In conclusion, drying flowers is a simple yet profoundly satisfying process. It not only preserves the beauty of your favorite blooms but also opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether used for home decoration, crafts, or even culinary applications, dried flowers add a unique and timeless charm to any setting.