We plant a garden of flowers for the local bees and butterflies. We grow flowers for their medicine and beauty. And as a natural artist, part of my practice includes using the abundance of nature in my craft.
Many flowers have associated meanings, there is even a language of flowers still in use to this day. Such things inspire me greatly, though when I go to make my dry bouquets for the season, I let my intuition and the flowers themselves guide my selection.
Creating dry bouquets is much like putting together fresh ones with a few challenges and benefits. Dry bouquets can last up to two years when properly kept while fresh bouquets last two weeks is the most ideal conditions.
Making these dried floral arrangements, however, require more plant material as the stems, leaves, and flowers shrink as they dry. And not all flowers keep their color - but many do and experimentation is part of the fun.
To make, start by looking around your area for flowers & vegetation growing in great abundance. As mentioned in my previous post, in this California garden we grow mostly medicinal herbs and pollinator friendly plants. And as I tend to burn these bouquets once thoroughly dried and after many months of enjoying their beauty working with medicinals is ideal. The smoke of herbs can have medicinal (and magical) properties too, and help greatly to expel mosquitos. Just be sure to avoid any poisonous plants that may become irritating or dangerous when touched or burned.
Lavender, roses, dried poppy heads, feverfew, and yarrow all make lovely centers to the arrangement. Around them I add sprigs of lemon balm, sage (garden sage or another variety), artemisia, and even mint. Keep in mind that the whole thing will shrink in diameter, so add more foliage & flowers then wrap tightly with a natural fiber or twine.
Lastly, the bouquets must dry for a month or so. Either hang them upside down or lay them flat on cardboard in a shady area, dry area. This section of fence never gets direct sun as it is under a tree and I also dry other bouquets and herbs indoors.
This is such a simple craft and costs almost nothing but time (and a bit of twine). I have found that they help me get through the grey and gloomy winter months and make thoughtful gifts for birthday's of lady friends & mothers day.
