How to dry fresh flowers. Drying naturally
Flowers ... How many in this word for each of the women. We remember what kind of flowers our beloved gave us for the first time, what bouquet they went down the aisle with, what bouquet the newly-made dad met us with from the hospital ... All memorable events of our life are accompanied by flowers, they remain in the photo. But what if you try to keep more tangible reminders of pleasant events in your life? The answer is, you can dry flowers that are special for you, and then create a bouquet or a picture from them to admire them for many years. In this article we will tell you when it is best to collect flowers intended for drying, how to dry flowers correctly, and with what you can do it.
How to dry a flower
First of all, you need to collect the flowers, inflorescences and spikelets you need. We have already written on the Bambino Story about the weather in which to collect the leaves for the herbarium. The same rules apply here: go out to harvest in dry, sunny weather, when the dew and soil near the plants have already dried up after the night. Young plants that bloom the first year are best suited for you. Try not to dry out plants that only bloom for a few days, as they are almost guaranteed to lose their color after drying.
Before picking a flower, carefully examine it, it should be free of external damage, since during the drying process all defects will become even more noticeable. Use sharp scissors to cut the flowers, although garden scissors will work as well.
After you bring the flowers home, place them in a shaded, cool place and let dry before drying. You can wipe them off paper towel being careful not to damage the petals.
How to dry a flower correctly? Today there are several proven ways to dry a flower. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed below.
The classic way is to dry flowers using a special press. You can buy it in a specialty store or make it yourself. The instructions describe in detail how to properly dry flowers using a press, so we will not dwell on this method in detail. Let's just say that this method does not allow you to preserve the original shape of the flower, it makes them flat, so if you need a volumetric flower, pressing is not suitable for you.
A variation of the first method is drying flowers in a book. The bottom line is that you take a thick heavy book, which is not a pity to spoil, take 4 sheets of paper and a flower. Then you open the book, lay the pages with sheets of paper, put a flower on top, spread its petals as you would like it to dry, cover the flower with two more sheets of paper on top, close the book and leave it under pressure for 2 weeks. At the same time, it is advisable to change the backing sheets every 2 days in order to avoid the appearance Brown at your exhibit.
The method of drying flowers outdoors is considered more professional. With this method, your flowers will retain not only their color, but also their shape, which will further expand the field of their use. Air drying works well for Irish bells, tumbleweed, cattail, Chinese lanterns, muzzle, hydrangea, moon, rose, gypsophila, cornflowers, as well as herbs such as thyme, sage, immortelle and mint. In order to dry the flower or herbs in this way, you can spread them out on a flat surface in a cool, well-ventilated and shaded room and leave for 2 to 3 weeks. If you want the inflorescences and buds to remain intact, then dry the plants in a standing position. Take a vase, pour a little water into it and do not top up any more.
Some flowers and herbs can be dried in a suspended position with inflorescences down, in this case, place the inflorescences as far as possible from each other so as not to damage them. Before drying, spikelets should be sprinkled with hairspray so that the seed pods do not crack, and the spikelet remains in its original form. Properly dried plants should remain firm enough and not brittle. Try not to dry out, otherwise your flowers will simply crumble.
For drying whimsical flowers (zinnias, eyebrows, marigolds, lobelia, heather, freesia, peony, buttercup, daffodil), the method of drying in hot sand or in silica gel (silica powder) is suitable. For this we take cardboard box, carefully place the flower of the buds up or down in it, depending on the shape of the flower, and carefully fill it with preheated sand or gel through the funnel. In 1 - 4 weeks your flowers will be ready. This method is easy to use, cheap and allows you to keep very intact. delicate plants... Cons - you need to be very careful when working with hot sand so as not to burn yourself.
The fourth method is drying in a storm and corn flour. This is essentially a variation of sand drying. To do this, mix the borax and corn flour in equal parts and fill the flowers with it for 2-3 weeks. Different types of flowers can be dried this way.
In addition to the methods described, you can use a microwave and dehydrators. To dry the flowers in the microwave, take a microwave-safe plate, cover it with special temperature-resistant paper, put the flowers on top, cover with another layer of paper and put in the oven at medium power for 1 minute. If the flowers have not reached the desired condition, repeat until they are completely dry.
Paintings of dried flowers
Well, drying is over, but what can be done from dried flowers? Everything here depends entirely on your imagination. All kinds of pictures of dried flowers, panels, applications, flower arrangements, compositions for aromatherapy, decor for cards, invitations, festive paraphernalia, bookmarks for books - everything your heart desires. Let your imagination go free, arm yourself with inspiration and good mood and get creative! You will get mass positive emotions, and the created masterpiece will become a real family value that will delight you and your loved ones long time, both in summer and winter.
Flowers are a great addition to any décor, but they usually only last a few days in the water. To preserve their beauty and admire it at any time of the year, they use the method of drying flowers.
Drying plants at home is fairly easy. There are several different methods for this, depending on the type of flowers.
When is the best time to cut flowers for drying?
Best cut flowering plants before the flower opens completely. This will help preserve their color. Network of garden centers "NATALIS" http://natalis.ua/plants/listvennye-kustarniki/hydrangea.html recommends cutting the flowers in the morning, before they begin to bloom, but after the dew has evaporated.
If you want to dry the bouquet presented to you, it is best to start doing this as soon as possible, since, most likely, the flowers were cut no later than the day before the purchase. If they are roses, it may be tempting to leave them in the vase until they are fully open. However, if you really want to keep the flowers as a keepsake and dry them, you do not need to wait until the full blooming stage.
What's the best way to dry flowers?
Hanging
The most common (and fairly reliable) method is to separate the flowers one at a time or into small bunches and hang them down in buds. You can use a clothes hanger and an elastic band and then put the flowers in the closet. If the stems of the flowers are thin, it is better to use a thin thread.
This method will take several weeks and some of the petals may fall off in the process. But this The best way save the stems in case you plan to put dried flowers in a vase.
Drying in a book
Place the flowers on newspaper, cloth, or any paper that can absorb moisture and lay another sheet on top. Then put everything in the book and close it.
This method also takes several weeks and is ideal for creating dried flowers for use in floristry or jewelry.
Microwave drying
If you can't wait long for the flowers to dry, this method will probably come in handy. Place flowers (without stems) in a container and microwave. BHG suggests covering the flowers with a mixture of quartz sand or a mixture of borax and corn flour (in equal proportions). Without covering the container, leave to dry for a minute. Dry for another minute if necessary. After that, leave the flowers in the mixture for one day to dry completely.
Where is the best place to store dried flowers?
Flowers need to be dried in the dark cool place because sunlight can discolor them.
To keep dried flowers as long as possible, keep them away from windows or any other source of direct sunlight, away from stoves, fireplaces and heaters.
What flowers are best for drying?
The most popular flower is the rose, but there are many other plants and herbs that work just as well for drying.
Our grandmothers, growing garden strawberries, or strawberries, as we used to call them, were not particularly worried about mulching. But today this agricultural practice has become fundamental in achieving High Quality berries and reduce crop losses. Some might say that this is troublesome. But practice shows that labor costs in this case are repaid a hundredfold. In this article, we invite you to get acquainted with the nine the best materials for mulching garden strawberries.
Succulents are very diverse. Despite the fact that "babies" have always been considered more fashionable, to the assortment of succulents with which you can decorate modern interior, it is worth taking a closer look. After all, colors, sizes, patterning, degree of prickle, influence on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article, we will tell you about the five most fashionable succulents that amazingly transform modern interiors.
Mint was used by the Egyptians as early as 1.5 thousand years BC. It has a strong aroma due to the high content of various essential oils with high volatility. Today mint is used in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology, winemaking, cooking, ornamental gardening, and the confectionery industry. In this article, we will consider the most interesting varieties of mint, and also talk about the features of growing this plant in the open field.
People began to grow crocuses as early as 500 years before the advent of our era. Although the presence of these flowers in the garden is fleeting, we always look forward to the return of the heralds of spring next year. Crocuses are one of the earliest primroses that bloom as soon as the snow melts. However, the timing of flowering may differ depending on the species and varieties. This article focuses on the earliest crocus varieties that bloom in late March and early April.
Cabbage soup from early young cabbage on beef broth - hearty, aromatic and easy to prepare. In this recipe, you will learn how to cook a delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup in this broth. Early cabbage cooks quickly, so it is put into the pot at the same time as the rest of the vegetables, unlike fall cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready-made cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. The present cabbage soup is tastier than the freshly cooked one.
Looking at the variety of tomato varieties, it is difficult not to get confused - the choice is very wide today. Even experienced gardeners are sometimes confused by it! However, it is not so difficult to understand the basics of selecting varieties "for yourself". The main thing is to delve into the peculiarities of culture and start experimenting. One of the easiest tomato groups to grow are varieties and hybrids with limited growth. They have always been appreciated by those gardeners who do not have a lot of energy and time to care for the beds.
Once very popular under the name of room nettles, and then forgotten by everyone, Coleus today are one of the brightest garden and indoor plants... They are not in vain considered stars of the first magnitude for those who are looking primarily for non-standard colors. Easy to grow, but not so undemanding to suit everyone, Coleus require constant monitoring. But if you take care of them, the bushes of velvety unique leaves will easily outshine any competitor.
Salmon ridge baked in Provencal herbs is a "supplier" of tasty pieces of fish pulp for a light salad with fresh leaves of wild garlic. Champignons are lightly fried in olive oil and then poured with apple cider vinegar. These mushrooms are tastier than regular pickled mushrooms and are better for baked fish. Ramson and fresh dill get along well in one salad, emphasizing the aroma of each other. The garlic pungency of wild garlic will saturate both the flesh of the salmon and the pieces of mushrooms.
Conifer tree or a bush on the site is always great, and a lot of conifers are even better. Emerald needles of various shades adorn the garden at any time of the year, and phytoncides and essential oils secreted by plants, not only aromatize, but also make the air cleaner. As a rule, most zoned adults conifers are considered very unpretentious trees and shrubs. But young seedlings are much more capricious and require competent care and attention.
Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Shade picnics flowering trees have long been an integral part of the meeting of spring in the Land of the Rising Sun. The financial and academic year begins here on April 1, when the magnificent cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese pass under the sign of their flowering. But sakura grows well in cooler regions - certain species can be successfully grown even in Siberia.
I am very interested in analyzing how the tastes and addictions of people to certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and was an object of trade lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for over 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century BC. NS. about 6 varieties of quince were known, and even then methods of its reproduction and cultivation were described.
Delight your family and make themed Easter egg-shaped cottage cheese cookies! Your kids will be happy to take part in the process - they will sift the flour, combine all the necessary ingredients, knead the dough and cut out intricate figures. Then they will watch with admiration how the pieces of dough turn into real Easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such an original cookie for Easter, read our step by step recipe!
There are not so many decorative leafy pets among tuberous crops. And Caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of interiors. Not everyone can decide to start a Caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all - to care. But still, rumors about the extraordinary capriciousness of the Caladiums never justify. Care and attention will avoid any difficulty in growing caladiums. And a plant can almost always forgive small mistakes.
We have prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply elementary dish for you today. This gravy is one hundred percent universal, as it goes with every side dish: vegetables, pasta, or whatever. Gravy with chicken and mushrooms will save you in moments when there is no time or you don't want to think too much about what to cook. Grab your favorite side dish (you can do this ahead of time to keep everything hot), add the gravy and lunch is ready! A real lifesaver.
Among the multitude different varieties We will tell you about three of these most popular vegetables, which differ in excellent taste and relatively unpretentious growing conditions. Characteristics of the varieties of eggplants "Almaz", "Black handsome" and "Valentina". All eggplants are medium-firm. For Almaz it is greenish, while for the other two it is yellowish-white. They are united good germination and excellent yield, but at different times. Skin color and shape are different for everyone.
Useful Tips
Flowers are given on special occasions, and often without them, just to cheer someone up. They are used to decorate halls for celebrations and gifts. However, fresh flowers tend to fade quickly.
In addition, dried flowers are an inexpensive, but no less excellent alternative to a live bouquet. Lavender and roses, for example, retain their fragrance for a long time, delighting you, your loved ones and guests.
In this article, we will tell you how to preserve the memory of wonderful moment, having dried the flowers that adorned the holiday of the soul and heart.
DIY herbarium
Air dry
Air drying is one of the easiest and least costly ways to keep flowers as close to their original shape as possible. This does not require special devices, apparatus or substances.
It is enough just to cut the flower that you want to dry if it grows in your garden, or cut the stem to the length you need if it is in a vase on your table. Remove thorns and leaves from the bottom of the stem, tie the twigs into one bunch so that the buds do not deteriorate or deform. Hang the bouquet in a well-ventilated area, away from sunlight, otherwise the flowers will simply fade.
The whole process can take from a few days, so be patient and the result will amaze you. However, it is worth remembering that the flower will lose in ode and become approximately two times smaller, as well as lose its original light. Don't be discouraged, though - their vintage look will give your piece a spice.
Dry in the microwave
Drying flowers in the microwave is on this moment the newest, fastest and effective way... One of its main advantages is that the color and shape of the flower does not practically change. It retains its former beauty. However, it is worth remembering that for little ones delicate flowers this method is not suitable.
In order to dry a flower in the microwave, you will need either a small amount of silica gel or crystals for cat litter... Place the silica gel or crystals in a microwave safe dish. Make a small notch in them with your finger, put a bud in it and fill it with crystals as carefully as possible.
Then turn on the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Check the flower every 30 seconds until it is completely dry. Leave the flower and crystals to cool. Remove the flower carefully from the crystals and enjoy the result. Most flowers dry out within 1-3 minutes. Remember that the juicier the petals, the more time they need.
Dry flowers
A way for the lazy
For especially lazy beauty lovers, there is a way to dry flowers that does not require special efforts... Hydrangea, for example, is ideal for this purpose. Cut the stem of the hydrangea with the bud as long as needed. It is worth cutting off when the petals feel like paper.
Place the stems in a vase with a little water and wait for the water to evaporate. At first it may seem that the flower is losing its original beauty, but do not forget that it dries up, and it is normal that it changes shape and color. Use them as a decoration a few weeks later, or just leave them standing in a vase.
Dry under the press
It must be warned that this method is not suitable for drying flowers with bulky buds, if you want to keep their shape - they will simply become flat. The perfect choice there will be chamomiles, dandelions, carnations and other flowers that do not deform much under pressure, but the final decision is yours.
In order to press dry the flowers and preserve their beauty, collect healthy plants without stains or damage. It is best to cut them on a sunny day, if there has been no rain for some time before, so that no drops of water or dew remain on the petals.
Cover the flower with parchment or baking paper and place it face down in a thick, heavy book. It is desirable that this be a telephone directory. After that, leave the flower under pressure for 7-10 days, sometimes checking the result if desired.
Flowers as a gift
Drying with silica gel
This method is ideal for drying large, whole flowers. Initially, salt and sand were used for traditional drying. However, these materials are more difficult to clean, the process takes 6 to 8 weeks, and the result is always unpredictable.
Nowadays, instead of sand and salt, silica gel is used - transparent or white crystals, sometimes with blue blotches. It allows you to dry the flower in a few days, keeping its original color and shape as much as possible. Often times, plants dried with silica gel look almost the same as freshly harvested ones.
The silica gel absorbs the liquid from the plant, and the blue crystals turn pink, signaling that the maximum possible amount of liquid has come out of it. The process must take place in an airtight container.
In addition, silica gel can be reused - for this it only needs to be thoroughly dried. To do this, the used crystals must be placed on a baking sheet and sent to the oven preheated to 210 degrees Celsius. When the crystals turn blue again, they can be reused.
How to keep flowers
Water drying
Another traditional method- water drying. It sounds very controversial, but this method allows you to easily maintain the shape and color of the plant. It is great for flowers with a sturdy stem and for those in which you want to keep that stem.
In order for the process to be successful, you need some kind of vessel, deep plate or container. Pour the minimum amount of water on the bottom and place your flower there. Over time, the water will begin to evaporate, and the flowers will dry without much stress on them, retaining their color and shape. This may take about 1-2 weeks.
Drying in the oven
In order to dry flowers in the oven, the temperature should be low - no more than 38º C otherwise they will simply burn out and lose their beauty. People have been using this method ever since the ovens were invented, because it is very convenient and does not require additional costs.
It is good because it will save you if there is no room for air drying in your house, or if you need to dry something for a short time... You can also resort to it for a kind of safety net. If you are not sure that when air-drying or in water, all the moisture has left the flower, and it will not become moldy, place it in the oven - this gives one hundred percent result.
To do this, you need to set the temperature in the oven equal to 38º C , and slightly open the door so that excess moisture can escape freely. Place the flowers or petals in a single layer on baking paper and place the baking sheet in the oven.
Watch the process and turn the flowers every 15 minutes. When the flowers are brittle and crunchy, remove them from the oven and the decoration is done. Depending on what exactly you are drying, the process can take from a few minutes to several hours, so try not to dry a few different types simultaneously.
You can hang flowers, put them under a press, and even in the microwave.
Flowers are a great addition to any setting, but their colorful bloom only lasts a few weeks or less. Drying flowers is a great way to preserve them in a vase or in a beautiful framed arrangement.
There are several different drying methods depending on the type of flower. It is easy to do it at home with the help of available tools.
Photo source:
When is the best time to cut flowers for drying?
To keep the flowers in their natural beautiful colour, cut them out before they fully open. The flowers should also dry in a cool, dark place as the sunlight will turn them into hay.
If you want to dry a finished bouquet, such as a wedding bouquet, it is best to start drying it as soon as you enjoy it, as the flowers were most likely cut at least the day before. If you have been presented with roses, for example, you may be tempted to leave them in a vase until all the flowers have fully opened. However, if you really want to keep them, it is best to start drying until they are fully open.
Photo source:Methods for drying flowers
Hanging
The most common and quite reliable method is to collect flowers in small bunches and hang them upside down. You can use a clothes hanger by tying several bundles to the perch. The hanger can then be placed in the closet. Drying in this way takes several weeks. Please note that some petals may fall off during the process.
Photo source:Pressing
If you only want to keep the flower, pressing is a great way and doesn't require as much space as the previous one. It is best to cut the flowers just before they are to bloom in the early morning and after the dew has evaporated. Spread the cut plants on a newspaper, cloth, or napkin and cover with the same material on top. Then put everything in a thick book for a few weeks.
Pressing is ideal for flowers that you want to be framed under glass.
Photo source:In the microwave
If you don't want to wait for your flowers to dry, this is the way for you. Place the stemless flowers in a microwave-safe container. It is recommended to sprinkle them quartz sand or an even combination of borax and cornmeal. Place the container in the microwave (no lid required!) For one minute. Finally, leave the flowers in the mixture for one day to dry completely.
Where is the best place to put dried flowers?
If you want your dried bouquet to delight you as long as possible, do not place it on a windowsill or other place where direct sunlight falls. Also, keep dried flowers away from stoves, fireplaces, heaters, and radiators. In principle, the cooler the room is, the longer they will not disintegrate.
