Dried Flower Foliage

Dried Flower Foliage

As dried flowers have been stripped of their own leaves it is important that other foliage be dried to use with them. All kinds of leaves may be used. Green leaves and ferns may be gathered at any time after the new growth has hardened; brilliantly colored fall foliage should be cut as soon as possible after color has changed. Nearly all small-leaved foliage can be dried in three dimensions by using the S & C method. They will be brittle but attractive when used in arrangements.

Drying foliage by pressing

Ferns, Dusty Miller and small leaves that are flat on their branches are quite useful. These are easily dried between pages of magazines. Larger branches of foliage should be placed on a thick layer of newspaper. Cover with several layers of paper and repeat until all are covered. Press with boards, or similar flat objects, and heavily weight the entire pile.

Allow about three weeks for drying. Green leaves will retain their color and autumn leaves will remain red or yellow as they were originally.

Glycerin for drying foliage in three dimensions

We consider native beech leaves that have been treated in glycerin (which you can buy at the drug store) to be the loveliest and most useful of all foliage material. Cut them when green, or after they have turned a golden yellow in the fall. Crush the stems about two inches and let stand in a deep container, filled with a solution of one third glycerin to two thirds water for thirty-six hours after which they should be removed and stored in a dark place until ready for use.

Many other leaves will dry successfully in the glycerin and water; nearly all of them will turn brown but will be soft and lovely. This process will require about three weeks, and the solution should be replenished as it evaporates.

 

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