Your flowers will retain their beauty and sentimental significance if you dry them, whether they are part of your bridal bouquet, an anniversary or Valentine’s Day arrangement, or a particularly lovely vase of flowers you collected from your own garden. Fresh flowers Melbourne can be utilised in a variety of craft projects and make attractive house decorations. The type of flower and the desired aesthetic will determine the preservation technique you employ.
Air Drying The Flowers
Another name for air drying is just hanging the bouquet upside down. This technique works well for complete bouquets or sturdy flowers like thistles, roses, lavender, strawflower, baby’s breath, statice, and celosia. Remove any extra leaves from flowers. Leave at least 6 inches of stem after cutting it to the desired length. The stems should be tied together with twine or a rubber band (if you have a bouquet). In a room that is dark, dry, and well-ventilated, hang them upside down. The flowers’ colour will stay vibrant if you keep them out of direct sunshine. It will take two to three weeks to complete the drying process. After the flowers have dried, remove them and give them a protective coat of unscented hairspray.
Microwaving The Flowers
Using silica gel and a microwave is another method for drying flowers. The gel, which is reusable, aids in maintaining the shape of the blooms. Gerbera daisies, chrysanthemums, roses, and tulips are a few individual flower blooms that respond nicely to microwave flower drying. Compared to air drying, this drying procedure better preserves colour and structure. Without the use of the microwave, silica gel can also be used to dry flowers, although the process takes longer. Large canisters of silica gel are sold at craft stores and online. The blooms should be taken off the stems. Find a microwave-safe container that can hold your blossoms in the microwave. Ensure that after drying, this container won’t be utilised to store food.
Using Sand To Preserve Flowers
Fine sand can be used to preserve flowers in a manner akin to the silica gel method. Sand is heavy, therefore this preservation method only works with tough flowers and foliage. Fill a solid box with a layer of sand that is half an inch thick. Dot the sand with the flowers, leaves, and stems. Sand must thoroughly encircle and cover the flowers, so slowly pour it around, underneath, and over each component. After the flowers have dried for two weeks, take the sand out.
Pressing Flowers To Preserve
It has long been a tradition to preserve flowers by pressing them. Young botanists and those who enjoy flowers have been utilising this procedure for ages because it is quick and easy. Depending on the materials at hand and the number of flowers you wish to press, there are a few different methods for pressing flowers. Consider constructing or buying a flower press if you press a lot of flowers. If not, you can simply use a large book. The addition of pressed flowers online to cards or your own DIY botanical prints is a great idea.
