How to Dry Grasses

Ornamental grasses are magnificent in dried flower arrangements and are a wonderful addition to nature crafts. Growing your own grasses will provide you will an abundant supply to meet your decorating needs. Before you can use them, you will need to dry them first. Follow these steps to dry your own ornamental grass.

Things You'll Need

• Ornamental Grass
• Rubber Bands
• Cool Dry Area

Instructions

Make a Selection

1. Select well-shaped and healthy specimens for drying. These are best picked in the afternoon after all traces of dew has dried.

2. Choose grasses that have closed or partially opened seeds. These will maintain their shape better.

3. Secure bundles of grass with an elastic band. Although you can use string, the rubber band provides a tight grasp and will shrink with the stems should they shrink in drying.

4. Hang up-side-down in a cool dry area for a week or more. The size and texture of the grass will determine drying time.

5. Remove the elastic band and use the dried grass in flower arrangements or other projects.

Tips & Warnings

• Use hairspray on tiny delicate seed heads to prevent seeds from spilling out while drying.