Methods of Preserving Flowers

Glycerin

• Vegetable glycerin replaces the water in leaves and flowers and creates a flexible but preserved flower. This method is suitable for leaves and sturdy flowers, like hydrangeas, statice, sea holly and bells of Ireland. Prepare the glycerin according to the package directions, or use one part glycerin to two parts hot water. Pour the mixture into a tray or container, making sure the glycerin is 2 inches deep. Cut flower stems at an angle and crush woody stems and soak the stems in warm water for two hours, then place the flower stems into the glycerin. For individual leaves, submerge the entire leaf in the glycerin. Flowers or leaves may take from a little over a day to 30 days to fully draw up the glycerin; visibly track the glycerin's progress as it travels through the cut plant. Remove the flower or leaf once the glycerin reaches the tip. Trim flower stems and air dry for at least a week.

Hanging

• Hanging is the easiest preserving method. Cut small bunches of fresh flowers or herbs, bind them with elastic---it will shrink with the drying stems, unlike string---and hang them upside-down in a dark, dry place for up to two weeks. Avoid damp areas like basements or laundry rooms. Harvest well-formed flowers when they are dry, otherwise pockets of dew or water from sprinklers may encourage mold. Choose flowers that have a finished texture similar to paper, like roses, statice or lavender for the best results, and remove any damaged leaves before drying. Exceptions to this method are hydrangeas and gypsophila. Dry these flowers upright in a vase with roughly 1 inch of water; the flower head needs the extra water to dry successfully.

Pressing

• Pressing flowers is a Victorian tradition, and the flattened blooms lend themselves to craft projects and picture frames. Like the hanging method, pressing works best with dry flowers. Delicate flowers are suitable for pressing, unlike hanging. However, thick flowers do not press well. Instead, cut or trim the bulk of the flower, or remove and press individual petals before reassembling the flower pattern. To press successfully, place similarly-sized flowers between multiple layers of thin, unfinished paper like newsprint. The thin pages of a telephone book work well. Shiny or glazed paper does not allow the flower to dry. Stack a heavy object on the layers to press the flowers and allow them to dry for one to three weeks.

Silica

• A newer product that is growing steadily more popular, silica granules are available at most craft and hobby stores. Silica absorbs the moisture from the plant and speeds the drying process. After use, dry the granules according to the manufacturer's directions and use them again. They are also easy to use: in an airtight container, bury the flower carefully in the granules. Set the flower upright in a layer of silica and gently scatter the granules between and over the petals. Bury the flower head completely, seal the container, and wait at least 36 hours before checking on the flower's progress. The rapid drying time preserves the color and form better than any other method.