Drying and preserving flowers has been around for thousands of years. Have you ever wanted to keep your favorite bouquet of flowers after their time in a vase has passed? Well, you can! If you’re looking for a florist near Salisbury, MA, Flowers by Marianne is your go-to! We can provide the flowers you need for your next project.
Origins of Drying Flowers
Flowers were not always something people could get year-round. Many areas of the world could only access flowers during the summer season when they were in bloom. But, thanks to modern technology and agriculture, flowers are more accessible than ever. So, what did people do before the advancement of modern gardening? Well, they’d dry plants, flowers, and other natural plant materials to create “winter” bouquets. This way, they could celebrate and enjoy the beauty of flowers outside of the normal blooming season.
Let's Go Back Even Further
The first accounts of flower preservation can be linked back to ancient Egypt. There are artwork and hieroglyphics that show Egyptians creating bouquets and vases of flowers in particular arrangements. But flowers were not only found to be decorative! The Egyptians also used them for perfumes, cosmetics, incense, or salves! This is where drying flowers comes into play. They would dry flowers for the purpose of transforming them into pigments and fragrances.
Two Ways To Dry Flowers
There are several different ways to dry flowers. Some of them are easier than others but come with varying results.
Air Drying is the best route for large flowers and bouquets. But it is also the most time-consuming method of them all. All you have to do is tie the flowers together with a strong rubber band and hang them upside down for several weeks. It’s easy and nature does all the work!
Microwave Drying is fast and better for smaller, individual flowers, but requires extra materials to make it happen. You will need silica gel, which can be found at most craft or box stores. All you have to do is gently submerge the flowers in the silica gel and microwave for several minutes!
You Florist near Salisbury, MA.
Flowers by Marianne is the top florist near Salisbury, MA. For decades, our family has carefully created custom arrangements that are appropriate in color choice and symbolism. Call Flowers by Marianne for the perfect arrangement at (603) 601-6312.