How to dry fresh flowers. Drying naturally
Flowers ... How much in this word for each of the women. We remember what flowers our beloved gave us for the first time, with what bouquet we went down the aisle, with what bouquet the newly-made dad met us from the maternity hospital ... All the memorable events of our life are accompanied by flowers, they remain in the photo. But what if we try to keep more tangible reminders of the good things in life? There is an answer, you can dry the flowers that are special to 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 better to pick 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 already wrote on Bambino Story about the weather in which to collect leaves for the herbarium. The same rules work here: go to the collection in dry sunny weather, when the dew and soil around the plants have already dried up after the night. Young plants that bloom the first year are best for you. Try not to dry plants that only bloom for a few days, as they are almost guaranteed to lose their color once dried.
Before picking a flower, carefully inspect it, it should be without external damage, since during the drying process all defects will become even more noticeable. Cut the flowers with sharp scissors, although garden scissors will do.
After you have brought the flowers home, place them in a shaded, cool place and let dry before drying. Can you 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 the flowers with a special press. You can buy it in a specialized store or make it yourself. The instructions describe in detail how to properly dry the 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 keep the original shape of the flower, it makes them flat, so if you need a three-dimensional 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 that you don’t mind ruining, take 4 sheets of paper and a flower. Then open the book, lay the pages with sheets of paper, put the flower on top, straighten 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 substrate sheets every 2 days in order to avoid the appearance of Brown at your exhibit.
The method of drying flowers in the open air is considered more professional. With this method, your flowers will retain not only color, but also shape, which will further expand the field of their use. Air drying works well with Irish bluebells, tumbleweeds, cattails, Chinese lanterns, muzzles, hydrangeas, moonflowers, roses, gypsophila, cornflowers, as well as herbs - thyme, sage, immortelle and mint. In order to dry flowers or herbs in this way, you can lay 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 be preserved intact, then dry the plants in a standing position. Take a vase, pour a little water into it and do not add more.
Some flowers and herbs can be hung to dry with the florets down, in which case place the florets as far apart as possible so as not to damage them. Spikelets before drying 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 strong enough and not brittle. Try not to let it dry out, otherwise your flowers will simply crumble.
For drying whimsical flowers (zinnias, browalia, marigolds, lobelia, heather, freesia, peony, ranunculus, narcissus), 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 buds up or down into 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 in its original form very tender plants. Of the minuses - you need to be very careful when working with hot sand so as not to get burned.
The fourth way is drying in borax and cornmeal. In fact, this is a variation of drying in the sand. To do this, mix borax and cornmeal in equal parts and cover the flowers with it for 2-3 weeks. In this way, you can dry different varieties of flowers.
In addition to the methods described, you can use a microwave and dehydrators. To dry the flowers in the microwave, take a microwave oven plate, line it with special temperature-resistant paper, lay the flowers on top, cover with another layer of paper and place in the oven at medium power for 1 minute. If the flowers have not reached the desired condition, repeat until they are completely dry.
Pictures 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, appliqués, flower arrangements, compositions for aromatherapy, decor for postcards, invitations, holiday paraphernalia, bookmarks for books - everything your heart desires. Set your imagination free, arm yourself with inspiration and good mood and create! You will get mass positive emotions, and the created masterpiece will become a real family treasure that will delight you and your loved ones long time, both summer and winter.
Flowers are a wonderful addition to any interior, but they tend to only last a few days in 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 quite easy. There are several different methods for this, depending on the type of flowers.
When is the best time to cut flowers to dry?
Best to cut flowering plants before the flower is fully opened. This will help keep their color. Network of garden centers "NATALIS" http://natalis.ua/plants/listvennye-kustarniki/hydrangea.html recommends cutting flowers in the morning, before they start to bloom, but after the dew has evaporated.
If you want to dry a bouquet that was given to you, it is best to start this as soon as possible, since most likely the flowers were cut no later than a day before purchase. If they are roses, it may be tempting to leave them in the vase until they are fully opened. However, if you really want to keep the flowers as a keepsake and dry them, you don't have to wait until they're fully open.
What is 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 bud down. 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 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 the book
Lay the flowers out on newspaper, cloth, or any paper that can absorb moisture and place another sheet on top. Then put everything in the book and close it.
This method also takes several weeks and is ideal for making dried flowers for use in floristry or jewelry.
Microwave Drying
If you can't wait for the flowers to dry for a long time, this method will surely 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 cornmeal (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 should be dried in the dark cool place, because due to sunlight, their shade may fade.
To keep dry 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 are just as good for drying.
Our grandmothers, growing 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 it's troublesome. But practice shows that labor costs in this case pay off handsomely. In this article, we invite you to get acquainted with the nine the best materials for mulching garden strawberries.
Succulents are very versatile. Despite the fact that “kids” have always been considered more fashionable, the assortment of succulents with which you can decorate modern interior, it is worth taking a closer look. After all, colors, sizes, patterns, degree of pricklyness, influence on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article, we will talk about the five most fashionable succulents that surprisingly transform modern interiors.
Mint was used by the Egyptians as far back 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 open ground.
People began to grow crocuses 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 - one of the earliest primroses, whose flowering begins as soon as the snow melts. However, the timing of flowering may vary depending on the species and varieties. This article focuses on the earliest varieties of crocuses that bloom in late March and early April.
Shchi from early young cabbage in beef broth is hearty, fragrant and easy to prepare. In this recipe, you will learn how to cook delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup with this broth. Early cabbage cooks quickly, so it is placed in the pan at the same time as the rest of the vegetables, unlike autumn cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Real cabbage soup is tastier than freshly cooked.
Looking at the variety of varieties of tomatoes, it is difficult not to get confused - the choice is very wide today. He sometimes confuses even experienced gardeners! However, it is not so difficult to understand the basics of selecting varieties “for yourself”. The main thing is to understand 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 much time and energy to care for the beds.
Once very popular under the name of room nettle, and then forgotten by everyone, coleuses 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 as to suit everyone, coleus require constant supervision. But if you take care of them, bushes of velvety unique leaves will easily outshine any competitor.
Salmon backbone baked in Provence herbs is a “supplier” of delicious pieces of fish pulp for a light salad with fresh wild garlic leaves. Mushrooms are lightly fried in olive oil, and then poured with apple cider vinegar. Such mushrooms are tastier than ordinary pickled ones, and they are better suited for baked fish. Ramson and fresh dill coexist perfectly in one salad, emphasizing the flavor of each other. Garlic sharpness of wild garlic will saturate both salmon flesh and mushroom pieces.
Conifer tree or a shrub on the site is always great, and a lot of conifers is even better. Emerald needles of various shades decorate the garden at any time of the year, and phytoncides and essential oils, secreted by plants, not only flavor, but also make the air cleaner. Generally, most zoned adults coniferous plants, 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. Picnics in the shade flowering trees have long been an integral attribute of the meeting of spring in the Land of the Rising Sun. The financial and academic year here begins on April 1, when magnificent cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese pass under the sign of their flowering. But sakura also grows well in cooler regions - certain types can be successfully grown even in Siberia.
It is very interesting for me to analyze how people's tastes and preferences for certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and traded lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for more than 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century BC. e. about 6 varieties of quince were known and even then the methods of its reproduction and cultivation were described.
Make your family happy and make themed Easter egg-shaped cottage cheese cookies! Your children 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 as the pieces of dough turn into real ones. Easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such original cookies for Easter, read in our step by step recipe!
There are not so many decorative and deciduous favorites among tuberous crops. And the caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of the interiors. Not everyone can decide to start a Caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all - to care. But still, the rumors about the unusual capriciousness of the Caladium never justify. Attention and care allow you to avoid any difficulties when 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 will suit every side dish: vegetables, pasta, and anything. 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 make this ahead of time to keep it hot), add gravy and dinner is ready! A real lifesaver.
Among the many different varieties of these most popular vegetables, we will talk about three that are distinguished by excellent taste and relatively unpretentious growing conditions. Characteristics of eggplant varieties "Diamond", "Black Handsome" and "Valentina". All eggplants have a medium density pulp. In "Almaz" it is greenish, and in the other two it is yellowish-white. They are united good germination and excellent yield, but at different times. Everyone's skin color and shape is different.
Helpful Hints
Flowers are given on special occasions, and often without them, just to cheer someone up. They 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 with them.
In this article, we will tell you how to keep the memory of great moment, having dried the flowers that adorned the holiday of the soul and heart.
DIY herbarium
Air dry
Air-drying flowers is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to keep flowers as close to original as possible. This does not require special devices, devices or substances.
It is enough just to cut the flower 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 branches 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 several days, so be patient and the result will amaze you. However, it is worth remembering that the flower will lose in the ode and will become about half as small, and will also lose its original light. However, do not be upset - their vintage look will add zest to your product.
Dry in the microwave
Drying flowers in the microwave is this moment newest, fastest and effective way. One of its main advantages is that the color and shape of the flower practically do not change. It retains its former beauty. However, it is worth remembering that for small delicate flowers this way is not suitable.
In order to dry the 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.
After that, turn on the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Check the flower every 30 seconds until it is completely dry. Leave the flower together with the crystals to cool. Carefully remove the flower from the crystals and enjoy the result. Most flowers dry within 1-3 minutes. Remember that the juicier the petals, the more time they need.
Dry flowers
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 along with the bud to the length you need. It is worth cutting when the petals feel like paper to the touch.
Place the stems in a vase with some 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 out, and it is normal that it changes shape and color. A few weeks later, use them as a decoration, or just leave them standing in a vase.
Dry under pressure
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. Perfect Choice there will be daisies, dandelions, carnations and other flowers that do not deform much under pressure, but the final decision is yours.
In order to dry the flowers under pressure and preserve their beauty, collect healthy plants no stains or damage. It is best to cut them on a sunny day, if there has been no rain for some time, so that drops of water or dew do not 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
Dry 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 splashes. It allows you to dry the flower in a few days, preserving its original color and shape as much as possible. Often, plants dried with silica gel look almost the same as freshly harvested.
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 a sealed 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, heated to 210 degrees Celsius. When the crystals turn blue again, they can be reused.
How to save flowers
water drying
Another traditional method- water drying. It sounds very contradictory, but this method allows you to freely maintain the shape and color of the plant. It is great for flowers with strong stems and those that 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 the flowers in the oven, the temperature must be low - no more than 38º C otherwise they will simply burn out and lose their beauty. People have been using this method since the invention of ovens, because it is very convenient and does not require additional costs.
It's great for saving you if your home doesn't have space to air dry, or if you need to air dry something. a short time. It can also be used as a kind of insurance. If you are not sure that when drying in air or in water, all the moisture has come out of the flower, and it will not become moldy, put it in the oven - this gives one hundred percent result.
To do this, you need to set the temperature in the oven to 38ºC , and slightly open the door so that excess moisture can escape unhindered. Arrange 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 become brittle and crispy, take them out of the oven and the decoration is ready. Depending on what you are drying, the process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, so try not to dry too many. different types simultaneously.
You can hang flowers, put them under a press, and even put them in the microwave.
Flowers are a wonderful addition to any setting, but their colorful color lasts only a few weeks or less. Drying flowers is a great way to keep them in a vase or beautifully framed.
Depending on the type of flower, there are several different drying methods. This is easy to do at home with the help of improvised means.
Photo source:
When is the best time to cut flowers to dry?
To keep the flowers in their natural beautiful colour, cut them out before they open completely. The flowers should also dry in a dark, cool place, as sunlight will turn them into hay.
If you want to dry a finished bouquet, such as a bridal bouquet, it's best to start drying it as soon as you enjoy it, as the flowers have likely been cut at least a day before. If you've been given roses, for example, you might be tempted to leave them in the vase until all the flowers are fully open. However, if you really want to keep them, it's best to start drying until they're fully opened.
Photo source:How to dry 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 a few bundles to its perch. Then the hanger can be placed in the closet. Drying this way takes several weeks. Please note that some petals may fall off in the process.
Photo source:Pressing
If you only want to keep the flower, pressing is a great option that doesn't require as much space as the previous one. It is best to cut the flowers just before they are due to bloom early in the 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 frame under glass.
Photo source:In the microwave
If you don't want to wait for your flowers to dry out, this is the way to go. Place stemless flowers in a microwave safe container. It is recommended to sprinkle them quartz sand or an even combination of borax and cornmeal. Put the container in the microwave (no need to cover it!) for one minute. Finally, leave the flowers in the mixture for one day to dry completely.
Where is the best place to put dry flowers?
If you want your dried bouquet to please you for as long as possible, do not place it on the windowsill and other places where direct sunlight enters. Also, keep dry flowers away from stoves, fireplaces, heaters, and radiators. In principle, the cooler it is in the room, the longer they will not decay.
