As September rolls in and autumn starts to paint the world in shades of gold, orange, and deep crimson, it's time to say goodbye to the vibrant blooms of summer. But wait! Just because the season is shifting doesn't mean you have to part with those beautiful flowers you've grown so fond of. Drying flowers is a wonderful way to preserve their beauty and keep a bit of summer's warmth with you as the days grow cooler.
If you've never tried drying flowers before, don't worry—it's easier than you might think. And the best part? It doesn't require any fancy equipment or expert gardening skills. Here’s your simple guide to getting started.
Step 1: Choose the Right Flowers
Not all flowers dry well, but many do. Flowers with low moisture content are ideal, as they retain their color and shape better. Some popular choices include roses, lavender, baby's breath, hydrangeas, and statice. If your garden is still in bloom, now is the perfect time to pick a few of these hardy varieties.
When selecting flowers, choose ones that are just about to bloom or are fully open but still fresh. Avoid flowers that are past their prime or have started to wilt. The fresher the flower, the better it will dry.
Step 2: Prepare Your Flowers
Once you've gathered your flowers, it's time to prep them for drying. Remove any excess leaves from the stems—they can retain too much moisture and cause your flowers to mold. If you're drying larger flowers, like hydrangeas or roses, it's also a good idea to trim the stems to a manageable length, typically around 6 to 12 inches.
For smaller flowers or delicate blooms, you can keep the stems longer, but just be mindful that longer stems can be more difficult to hang and may take up more space.
Step 3: Choose Your Drying Method
There are several methods to dry flowers, and you can choose the one that suits you best. Here are a few tried-and-true techniques:
Air Drying
This is the most traditional and straightforward method. Gather your flowers into small bunches, and tie the stems together with twine or a rubber band. Hang them upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated space. Closets, attics, or even an unused corner of a room can work perfectly. Depending on the type of flower, they can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to dry completely.
Pressing
Pressing flowers is another simple method, especially for smaller blooms or flowers you plan to use in crafts or artwork. Arrange your flowers flat between the pages of a heavy book, and then place more books or a weight on top. Leave them undisturbed for about 2-4 weeks. This method works particularly well for flowers like pansies, violets, and daisies.
Silica Gel
If you're looking to preserve the color and shape of your flowers as best as possible, drying them with silica gel is an excellent option. You can find silica gel at most craft stores. Simply bury the flowers in the gel and let them sit for a few days. This method works well for roses and other full blooms.
Step 4: Storing and Displaying Your Dried Flowers
Once your flowers are fully dried, it's time to show them off! You can use them in a variety of ways—from adding them to a wreath or garland to arranging them in a vase. They also make beautiful additions to homemade candles, potpourri, or as decorations for gifts. For a special feature, mount them in a frame and create a piece of floral art.
To store dried flowers, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause them to fade over time. A sealed container or box lined with tissue paper is ideal. Properly stored, dried flowers can last for months, or even years, preserving a little piece of summer long into the winter.
Drying flowers is a wonderful way to hold onto a bit of the past as you embrace the changes ahead. So, as you start to cosy up with warm blankets and pumpkin-spiced everything, take a little time to dry some flowers and let a touch of summer's beauty brighten your autumn days.