Dried flowers have been used for centuries for their beauty and longevity. They can be used to decorate your home, create your own potpourri or add a touch of nature to your wedding decor. Dried flowers are also a great way to save money, as they are much cheaper than fresh flowers and can be used over and over again. However, preserving dried flowers can be challenging. In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to preserve your dried flowers, so they look beautiful for years to come.

 

Benefits of preserving dried flowers

Preserving dried flowers has several benefits. Firstly, dried flowers last much longer than fresh flowers. This means you can enjoy their beauty for years without having to replace them. Secondly, dried flowers are more affordable than fresh flowers, which can be costly if you want to decorate a large area. Thirdly, dried flowers are environmentally friendly as they do not require water or fertilizer to grow. Lastly, dried flowers are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, from creating potpourri to adding them to a bouquet.

 

Types of flowers that are best for preserving

Not all flowers are created equal when it comes to preserving them. Some flowers dry better than others and retain their color and shape. Here are some of the best flowers for preserving:

• Roses: Roses are one of the most popular flowers for preserving. They dry well and retain their color and fragrance.
• Lavender: Lavender is a beautiful flower that dries well and retains its fragrance.
• Baby’s breath: Baby’s breath is a delicate flower that dries well and adds a touch of elegance to any arrangement.
• Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus dries well and retains its beautiful fragrance, making it a popular choice for potpourri.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a cheerful flower that dries well and adds a touch of brightness to any arrangement.

 

How to harvest and dry flowers

Harvesting and drying flowers is a crucial step in preserving them. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose flowers that are in their prime. Pick them early in the morning when the dew is still on the flowers.
2. Remove any leaves from the stems, as they can cause the flowers to mold.
3. Tie the stems together with twine and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place. Make sure there is enough space between each flower to allow air to circulate.
4. Leave the flowers to dry for 2-3 weeks, or until they are completely dry.

 

Methods of preserving dried flowers

There are several methods of preserving dried flowers. Here are the most popular ones:

Air-drying

Air-drying is the most common method of preserving dried flowers. It involves hanging the flowers upside down in a dry, dark place until they are completely dry. Air-drying works best for flowers with sturdy stems, such as roses and sunflowers.

Silica gel

Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the flowers, which helps to preserve their color and shape. To use silica gel, pour a layer of it in the bottom of an airtight container. Place the flowers on top of the silica gel and cover them with more silica gel. Seal the container and leave it for 2-3 days, or until the flowers are completely dry.

Pressing

Pressing involves placing the flowers between two pieces of paper and pressing them with a heavy weight. This method is best for delicate flowers, such as lavender and baby’s breath. Once the flowers are pressed, they can be used in a variety of ways, from creating wall art to adding them to a scrapbook.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a liquid that is mixed with water to create a solution that helps to preserve the flowers’ color and shape. To use glycerin, mix one part glycerin with two parts water. Submerge the flowers in the solution and leave them for 2-4 weeks, or until they have absorbed the solution. Once the flowers are preserved, they can be used in a variety of ways.

 

Tips for preserving dried flowers

Preserving dried flowers can be challenging, but with these tips, you can ensure your flowers look beautiful for years to come:

• Avoid moisture: Moisture can cause mold and decay, so make sure your flowers are completely dry before preserving them.
• Handle delicately: Dried flowers are delicate, so handle them with care to avoid breaking or damaging them.
• Store properly: Store your dried flowers in a dry, dark place to avoid exposure to moisture and sunlight.
• Experiment with different methods: Not all flowers dry well using the same method, so experiment with different methods to find the best one for your flowers.

  

Common mistakes to avoid in preserving dried flowers

Preserving dried flowers can be tricky, so here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using flowers that are not in their prime: Flowers that are past their prime will not dry well and will not retain their color or shape.
• Not drying the flowers properly: Moisture can cause mold and decay, so make sure your flowers are completely dry before preserving them.
• Storing the flowers in a damp place: Dried flowers should be stored in a dry, dark place to avoid exposure to moisture and sunlight.

 

Tools and materials needed for preserving dried flowers

To preserve dried flowers, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Twine
• Scissors
• Silica gel
• Airtight container
• Glycerin
• Water

 

Conclusion and final thoughts

Preserving dried flowers is a great way to add a touch of natural beauty to your home or event decor. By choosing the right flowers, harvesting and drying them properly, and using the right preservation method, you can ensure your flowers look beautiful for years to come. Remember to handle your dried flowers with care and store them properly to avoid exposure to moisture and sunlight. With these tips and tricks, you can create your own beautiful dried flower arrangements, potpourri, and more.