Cheap and Easy Chic: Dried Flowers
by Viveka Neveln-Garden Writer  
 

Dried flowers offer a simple, inexpensive way to add a bit of interest and color anywhere from tables and counters to walls and doors at any time of year. Many flowers dry well, holding their shape and color for many months and even years.  Instead of tossing them into the compost heap, why not try preserving those pretty posies?

If you don't know what will dry well, experiment.  Barbara King, a dried flower artist from Cedar Falls, Iowa, believes in serendipity.  "Try anything.  You never know if it might turn into an interesting piece for an arrangement.  Last year, I tried Bloodred Cranesbill (Geranium Sanguineum) which most people don't consider a drying flower.  It resulted in a delicate, lacy piece with a soft pink undertone.  It contrasted quite well with the stiffer, stronger pink of some strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum)."

Some other good flowers to try are Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), Annual Statice (Limonium sinuatum), Fernleaf Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Blue Salvia (Salvia farinacea), and Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro).  Most roses also work very well.  Pick flowers just as they begin to unfold but before they start to fade and produce seed.  Pass up diseased or damaged flowers.

Right after gathering your blossoms, start drying. The fresher the flower, the better the end result.  Tie small bouquets together with string or a rubber band (dental floss works great, too).  Hang the flowers upside down in a warm, dry room away from sunlight.  A corner in the basement, attic, or garage will work well.  Bathrooms and kitchens generally have too much humidity and too little air circulation to be good places for drying flowers.  Place smaller, fragile material flat in open boxes or trays to dry.  Most flowers will dry in about a week, depending on the humidity level and the size of the bouquet.  When the flowers feel crisp but not brittle, take them down and arrange them as you wish.

Endless possibilities exist when working with dried flowers.  Create eye-catching centerpieces for any occasion.  Liven up a dull, dark corner where no houseplant will grow with a colorful arrangement in an interesting vase.  Tie a bouquet with a pretty ribbon and hang it up on a wall.  A variety of other plant parts such as berries, pine cones, seed pods, and gourds also work well in dried flower arrangements or on their own.  For example, a wreath of rosemary or a bright arrangement of chili peppers deliciously enhances any kitchen and may supply seasoning for dishes in short notice.

Although working with dried flowers is easy and fun, there are a few things to watch out for.  High humidity can cause flowers to droop once they've been dried so avoid placing them in humid environments.  If you do, leave them in upside-down hanging arrangements to avoid their tendency to bend.  Also avoid placing dried flowers in direct sunlight since their color may fade with time.  Remember to affiliate dusty, faded arrangements every year with new flowers.

Drying your blossoms allows you to enjoy them all year round.  With a little imagination, dried arrangements can provide cheery and unique (not to mention economical) enhancement to any decor.  so go ahead, have fun, be creative, and get something other than compost out of your favorite flowers.

Viveka E. Neveln is a garden writer with a degree in horticulture.  Her interests include organic agriculture, mycology, and bonsai gardening.