How to Pick and Dry Flower Bouquets And Herbs

This is an easy way to enjoy a morning, and make something beautiful that can last for years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heavy sissors or stem cutter.
• Rubberband or hair tie, large
• Metal hook or push pin
• A step ladder
• Jars with lids, plastic containers with lids and/or plastic baggies if you want to store the herbs

1. You will need a place for the bouquet to hang and dry for about two weeks. Look for a spot up and away from traffic. This is where the metal hook or push pin will go.

2. In the morning, find some of your favorite flowers and or plants. I like to put the rubber band on the wrist I am going to hold the stems in, so it is easy to use when I need it. Cut the stems, longer than you will use just in case. Make a bundle large enough to fill your hand with finger tips touching thumb tip. Then slide the rubber band over the ends of what you have cut.

3. Pull off any leaves you find unappealing, then simply hang upside down over the hook or push pin for two weeks or three if not dry. Then simply turn it over and put into your favorite vase, and you have a lifetime bouquet. These can make great gifts also. Once you try it, you will find yourself trying all sorts of bouquets and having a great time.

4. If you are drying herbs to save, you will need one more step. Put the dried plants in a paper bag then pull them off the stems while keeping them in the bag. Most leaves come off easier if you start at the tip and move down the stem towards the base. Then put the leaves and or flowers into a tightly sealed container, or plastic bag in the freezer. The containers that are not frozen should be kept in a cool, dry spot. Be sure to label the plant and date.

Tips & Warnings

• These bouquets can be spray painted, for color or shine. Some flowers have seeds that will fall, and some people like to use hair spray to keep them together (please use non aerosol).
• These dried flowers and herbs can be used for teas, added to bath water (put inside a sock), used for cooking, and what ever else your imagination thinks of. Have fun!
• If you find yourself reaching high, have someone spot you in case you slip.
• Some people are allergic to certain plants, keep this in mind if you find yourself sneezing and watery eyed. Lacquer on the plants will prevent this, unless you are allergic to lacquer.
• Never take specimens that are protected.
• Bugs like plants too, keep a good watch when cutting.
• Herbs and flowers for ingestion, should not be covered with any toxic material.