Drying and Pressing Flowers
Did you receive a bunch of cut flowers for a special occasion? These drying and pressing techniques can preserve their beauty!
Drying Flowers
1. Split the flowers into small bunches. 2. Tie them together with string or thick thread. 3. Hang the flowers upside down in a warm, dry, dark place (e.g. under the stairs). Darkness prevents the flowers from fading while the dryness will prevent rot. 4. Leave the flowers for 2-3 weeks. 5. The flowers are ready when they are dry to the touch. 6. The flowers can be stored in a dark, sealed container until you are ready to use them!
Pressing Flowers
You will need some cut flowers, two sheets of newspaper, two sheets of tissue paper, two pieces of carboard and a heavy weight (e.g. a big book) 1. Place a piece of cardboard on a flat surface. 2. Cover the cardboard with a sheet of the newspaper. 3. Then add a layer of tissue paper. 4. Lay the flowers onto the tissue paper. Be sure to space the flowers out on the tissue, they should not touch or hang over the side of the tissue paper. 5. Cover the flowers with another layer of tissue paper. Then another layer of newspaper. Then the second piece of carboard. 6. You can continue this process, one on top of the other until all your flowers are prepared. 7. Once your stack is finished, top off with the heavy weight. 8. Store the flowers in a cool dark location for two to four weeks.
Early spring wildflowers (e.g. dandelions) are important for bees. Please be mindful when cutting flowers in the garden.
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