Dried flower arrangements have won large popularity for their beauty and durability, supplying a unique manner to deliver nature interiors without the preservation that fresh flowers require. Whether you’ve obtained a lovely bouquet as a present or crafted one yourself, understanding the manner to take care of the one’s preparations is crucial to make sure they live colorful and appealing for future years. This guide provides guidelines on a way to take care of your dried floral arrangements, ensuring their sturdiness and beauty.
Understanding Dried Flowers
What Are Dried Flowers?
Dried flowers are natural blooms that have undergone a preservation process, allowing them to maintain their color and form long after they have wilted. Common methods of drying include air drying, pressing, and using silica gel. Each method yields unique textures and appearances, making dried flowers versatile for various decorative purposes.
Common Types of Dried Flowers
Some popular dried flowers include:
- Lavender: Known for its calming scent and vibrant color.
- Statice: Offers a rich hue and holds its shape well.
- Eucalyptus: Adds a fragrant, silvery-green element.
- Dried Roses: Retain their classic beauty and romantic appeal.
1. Choose the Right Location
The placement of your dried flower arrangement is one of the most essential elements in its durability. Dried flowers are more sensitive than their glowing opposite numbers, and prolonged exposure to harsh situations can cause them to vanish, wilt, or collapse. Here’s what to preserve in thoughts when choosing a place:
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays from the solar can bleach the shade from dried flowers, leaving them searching stupid and dwindled. Place your association in a gap that receives indirect or filtered mild.
- Control Humidity: Dried flowers don’t react well to humidity. Too lots moisture inside the air can cause them to reabsorb water, which may additionally lead to mildew, mold, or a lack of their original form. Keep your flora far away from toilets, kitchens, or any place liable to dampness.
- Temperature Regulation: Extremely warm or bloodless temperatures can damage the sensitive shape of dried flowers. Keep them in a weather-managed room, far from radiators, air conditioners, or drafts.
2. Dusting and Cleaning
Dry flowers won’t want watering, but they do collect dust over time. Dust can break their look, and cleaning them requires a mild technique to save you from breakage.
- Use a Feather Duster: The safest way to remove dirt is with a feather duster or an easy makeup brush. Gently sweep away any dust from the petals and stems. Avoid using cloths or any cleaning materials that may tug at the flowers.
- Compressed Air: For more stubborn dust, compressed air (used from a distance) can be an effective tool. It’s especially useful for intricate arrangements where dust may collect in harder-to-reach areas. Ensure to use it on the lowest setting to avoid damaging the flowers.
- Hairdryer on Cool: A hairdryer set to a groovy, low setting can also be used to blow away dust. Hold the dryer a minimum of 12 inches away from the arrangement to prevent the flowers from getting damaged through the air stress.
3. Preserving the Color
While dried flowers retain much of their natural beauty, their colors may fade over time. To maintain the vibrancy of your arrangement:
- Store Properly: When not on display, keep dried flowers in a cool, dark space, ideally in an airtight container. This helps preserve both their shape and color.
- Avoid Chemicals: Never use household cleaners or sprays on your dried flowers. Even natural oils or perfumes can cause discoloration or make the flowers more fragile.
4. Handling with Care
Dried flowers are inherently fragile. When moving or rearranging them, it’s important to handle them delicately. The stems can easily break or snap under pressure.
- Lift from the Base: When moving the arrangement, hold the container rather than the flowers. If you must touch the flowers, try to grasp the stems near the base to provide more support.
- Minimal Handling: Avoid excessive handling or rearranging of the flowers. Once the arrangement is set, try to leave it in place as much as possible to reduce the risk of breakage.
5. Using Hairspray for Extra Protection
One unusual tip for maintaining the form and sturdiness of dried flowers is to lightly spray them with unscented hairspray. This creates a thin protecting layer which can help prevent crumbling and reduce the chance of damage from managing.
- How to Apply: Hold the hairspray can about 12 inches away from the arrangement and apply a light, even mist. Let it dry completely before moving or adjusting the flowers. Be cautious not to overspray, as too much product can weigh down the delicate petals and stems.
- Frequency: This can be done every few months as a part of your regular care routine. However, be mindful of not over-applying, as buildup may alter the appearance of the flowers.
6. Protecting from Pests
Though dried flowers are preserved, they can still attract pests like mites, moths, or even small insects that are attracted to the organic material. Protect your arrangement from pests by:
- Regular Inspection: Check the flowers every so often for any signs of pests, like small holes inside the petals or webbing across the stems.
- Natural Deterrents: You can region dried lavender or cedarwood close to your preparations to discourage bugs. These natural repellents won’t harm the flowers and might help keep pests away.
- Storage Consideration: If you’ve got seasonal dried flower arrangements in Brisbane, keep in mind storing them in sealed plastic or airtight containers throughout off-seasons to prevent insects from unfavorable them at the same time as not in use.
7. Refresh and Revive When Necessary
Even with the best care, there may come a time when your dried flowers start to lose their vibrancy or look tired. Instead of discarding the entire arrangement, consider refreshing it by:
- Replacing Certain Elements: Swap out individual flowers that may have deteriorated for new ones. This can breathe new life into your arrangement without requiring a full replacement.
- Combining with Fresh Materials: Pairing dried flowers with fresh blooms can create a dynamic arrangement and help extend the overall life of your display. Just be sure to remove the fresh flowers before they wilt to avoid moisture affecting the dried ones.
- Reshaping: If the flowers become slightly misshapen, you can gently reshape them with your hands. Be cautious and slow, as the petals may be brittle.
8. Reviving Faded Flowers with Dye
If your dried flowers have faded and you want to restore some color, you can carefully dye them. This requires a light touch and a careful selection of colors that complement the natural look of the flowers.
- Choosing the Right Dye: Use fabric dye or floral spray, specifically designed for delicate materials. These are available in craft stores and offer a range of colors that can revive your arrangements.
- Dyeing Process: Lightly spray the flowers from a distance, using short bursts to avoid soaking the petals. Let them dry thoroughly before returning them to their display.
9. Consider Rotating Your Display
To ensure your dried flower arrangements last longer, you might want to rotate them out of heavy display areas, giving them a break from constant exposure to light and air. By storing them for a few months at a time, you can extend their lifespan.
Conclusion
Caring for dried flower arrangements, especially those sourced in Brisbane, is simple, but it requires a thoughtful and delicate approach. By placing them in the right location, dusting them gently, and protecting them from sunlight, humidity, and pests, you can ensure that your arrangements stay beautiful for an extended period. With proper care, your dried flowers will continue to bring charm and elegance to your space for months, if not years, to come.
