Jan_2018_web

Preserving Plant Material
Drying
Some plants dry naturally out of doors and remain an attractive
shape for a long time, but they may suffer damage so better
results come from drying them indoors. Foliage is normally better
when preserved with glycerine.
Seed heads should be picked when starting to dry on the plant,
flowers should be picked dry and not fully open. Bulrushes
should be picked when half developed.
Tie the stems together in
small bunches to avoid
the heads touching.
Remove leaves, hang
upside down in the dark
to dry. Colour fades with
very slow drying so dry in
warm, dark place with
circulation of air. Store in
the same place in boxes without lids. Put tissue paper between
layers to avoid crushing or in tall containers out of sunlight.
If the dried material loses its
shape, hold it over the spout of a
steaming kettle for a few seconds
then reshape quickly. Arrange in
dry floral foam. To use with fresh
material, dip the ends in melted
candle wax, sealing wax or nail
varnish to prevent mould.
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