Really, flowers add more of the nature’s essence such as beauty, colors, and smell into every place. Whether you have received flowers from a friend or family member, grew your flowers at home, or went out to pick some, there is a certain delight in saving them. Flower preservation tips and tricks will help you revive your memories whenever you wish to decorate with flowers or to recall that special moment without having to go out and purchase a new bouquet.
So, in this guide, you will also get to know the best techniques of flower preservation like air drying, pressing and in silica gel. Here, you will find the best ways to dry flowers regardless of whether you have just one or an entire bouquet. Furthermore, we will provide some tips as to how to make the task both easy and efficient for you.
Why Should You Preserve Flowers?
A profile tells stories that are more than simply vivid and aesthetically temporary, like flowers: flowers are emotional. Such an approach helps to save the great moments, and turning them into everlasting souvenirs. Here are some reasons why preserving flowers is a good idea:
- Sentimental Value: Preserving flowers from important events like weddings, anniversaries, or memorials can hold special memories.
- Decorative Use: Dried or pressed flowers can be used in DIY crafts, home décor, and art projects, adding a personal touch to your living space.
- Natural Aromas: Preserved flowers can maintain their fragrance for extended periods, filling your home with pleasant, nostalgic scents.
How to Preserve Flowers: Top Methods to Try
Flower preservation is quite flexible, and the ideal way by which flowers should be preserved depends on the type of flowers, the time one is willing to take and the kind of flowers that he or she wants in the end. Here are the most commonly used methods of how flowers is preserved with every method possessing its advantages:
1. Air Drying Flowers
One of the easiest methods people use to preserve flowers is by air drying since none of the equipment is needed. Its used best for flowers with high stems, for instance roses, lavender, baby’s breath, and many others you can think of. Here’s how to air dry flowers effectively:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose the Right Flowers: Select flowers that are still fresh but not fully bloomed. Overripe flowers will wilt faster during the drying process.
- Remove Excess Foliage: Strip off the leaves from the stem, as leaves can mold during drying.
- Bundle the Flowers: Tie the stems together with string or rubber bands. Aim for small bunches (3-5 stems) to allow airflow between them.
- Hang Upside Down: Hang the flowers upside down in a warm, dry, and dark space. This helps prevent fading caused by sunlight. A closet or pantry works well.
- Wait for Drying: Depending on the humidity, flowers can take anywhere from two to three weeks to dry completely. The flowers should feel stiff and dry to the touch when done.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the flowers are in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold.
- Avoid hanging flowers in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to lose their color.
- Use string or wire to hang the flowers, as this provides a sturdy hold.
2. Pressing Flowers
If the flowers are pressed they can be used in scrapbooking, as part of framed art, or in greeting cards. It is very good for tender flowers such as pansies, violets, and daisies, and other flowers that cannot survive any rough handling. It’s easy and, at the end of it, you get simply stunning gatherings.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Select the Flowers: Choose flowers that are flat and not too bulky. Remove any excess leaves, as they may not press evenly.
- Use a Flower Press or Heavy Book: If you have a flower press, use it to sandwich the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper. If not, you can use a heavy book (preferably an old one) to press the flowers.
- Place the Flowers Between Paper: Lay the flowers between sheets of parchment paper or newspaper. Make sure the flowers are flat and do not overlap.
- Press and Wait: Stack the book or press, and then place a heavy object (like a brick) on top to apply even pressure. Leave the flowers in place for about 1-2 weeks until they are fully pressed and dry.
- Use Your Pressed Flowers: Once dried, your flowers are ready to be used in various crafts, scrapbooking, or framing.
Tips for Success:
- Use wax paper to ensure the flowers don’t stick to the paper while pressing.
- Check the flowers periodically to ensure they are drying evenly and aren’t getting moldy.
3. Silica Gel Flower Preservation
Nevertheless, flowers are special since they can require a fast treatment with silica gel – a substance that quickly removes moisture, which helps maintain the color and shape of the flowers. This method suitable for most types of flowers including the puffy flowers, such as the tulips and the lilies among others.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare Your Flowers: Choose fresh, vibrant flowers that are not yet in full bloom. Remove any excess leaves.
- Place Flowers in Silica Gel: Fill a container with silica gel and gently bury the flowers in it. Be sure to cover the entire flower, including the petals, but avoid pressing too hard.
- Seal and Wait: Seal the container with a lid and let the flowers sit for 2-3 days. The silica gel will draw out the moisture, preserving the flowers’ color and shape.
- Remove and Store: Once the flowers are dry, carefully remove them from the silica gel. The flowers will be ready for display, crafting, or storage.
Tips for Success:
- Be gentle when removing flowers from silica gel to avoid damaging their delicate petals.
- Silica gel can be reused multiple times—just dry it out in the oven before reusing.
4. Glycerin Flower Preservation
Glycerin is also another way of preserving flowers especially for making almost bendable flowers with long durability. The glycerin displaces the water deep inside the flowers thus keeping them soft and beautiful. This technique is suitable for foliage and some flowers such as roses and other flowers that have he same hair like structure as that of the foliage.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Glycerin Solution: Mix two parts water with one part glycerin in a vase or container.
- Cut the Stems: Trim the stems of the flowers at an angle to help them absorb the solution better.
- Place Flowers in Solution: Place the flowers in the glycerin solution and leave them for about 2-3 weeks. You’ll notice the flowers gradually absorb the glycerin.
- Dry and Display: After the flowers have absorbed the solution, remove them from the glycerin and allow them to air-dry for a day or two before displaying them.
Tips for Success:
- Be sure to use pure glycerin for the best results.
- Glycerin-preserved flowers retain a lifelike appearance and flexibility, making them ideal for arrangements.
5. Freezing Flowers
While freezing flowers is not as common, it is an option for preserving flowers with their natural color and form. This method works best for hardy flowers such as roses and pansies.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Flowers: Select flowers that are at their peak freshness. Remove any excess leaves.
- Place Flowers on a Tray: Lay the flowers flat on a tray, making sure they’re not touching each other.
- Freeze the Flowers: Place the tray in the freezer for 24-48 hours to freeze the flowers.
- Store the Flowers: Once frozen, you can use the flowers as they are for decoration or even freeze them in a block of ice for a unique visual effect.
Tips for Success:
- Use a non-stick tray to prevent flowers from sticking.
- Freezing can change the texture of the flowers, so they may be more suitable for decorative purposes rather than sentimental keepsakes.
Additional Tips for Preserving Flowers:
- Best Flowers for Preservation: Some flowers preserve better than others. Hardier flowers such as roses, lavender, baby’s breath, and daisies are ideal candidates.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Excess moisture is the enemy of preserved flowers. Always dry them thoroughly before storing.
- Store Flowers Properly: Keep preserved flowers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Display them in shadow boxes, vases, or frames to protect them from dust and damage.
Conclusion
Flower preservation is good so you can have the view of flowers in months or even in years. All drying methods available whether you prefer to air dry, press or use any other method has its benefits to offer. Knowing the tips and methods provided in this guide, you can save flowers and get a fantastic souvenir for life.
You need them for home décor, for crafting, or for having that preserved flower because it has sentimental value after it withers.
FAQs About Flower Preservation
- How long do preserved flowers last? Preserved flowers can last anywhere from 1-3 years, depending on the preservation method and how well they are maintained.
- Can you preserve any type of flower? Most flowers can be preserved, but the best results are achieved with hardy flowers like roses, lavender, and daisies.
- What is the easiest method for preserving flowers? Air drying is the simplest and most common method, requiring minimal tools or experience.
Now you know how to preserve flowers for lasting beauty! Don’t forget to visit ToGardens.com for more gardening tips and creative ideas.
References: How to Preserve Flowers