Around the Grounds with Bennett O Dowling & Samantha Day, 577 Organic Horticulturists
Many flowers can be dried. Just think of those roses you saved after prom. Remember how the color and shape changed as they dried? For example, those red roses turned a macabre black, and the carnations became wrinkled and lost form.
The good news is many flower species retain their color and form beautifully through the drying process. These are known as ‘everlastings’, and common examples include statice, strawflower, and baby’s breath. These flowers often have a papery texture, feeling dry even while still on the plant, making them especially well-suited for preservation.
To get the best results, it is best to harvest everlastings when the flowers are fully formed but not fully open, as they will continue to open in the drying process.
For instance, strawflowers expose a prominent yellow center when fully open; I cut the flowers as this yellow center first becomes apparent. After harvesting, I strip the leaves and tie the flowers into small bundles for drying. I hang them in a dry room out of direct sunlight. The dry air and lack of direct sunlight allow the plants to dry without losing their vibrant color.
This year, our everlastings garden features these beautiful flowers:
- Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum ‘Swiss Giants Mix’)
- Statice (Limonium sinuatum ‘Seeker Purple’)
- Globe amaranth (Gomphrena haageana ‘Strawberry Fields’ and G. globosa ‘Audray Mix’)
- Winged everlasting (Ammobium alatum)
- Job’s Tears grass (Coix lacryma-jobi)
- Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
- Silver dollar eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea)
- Sun ball (Craspedia globosa)
Each of these varieties was started in the greenhouse 6 to 8 weeks before our last frost date, depending on the species. You can find many of these plants at local nurseries, or you can grow them at home by setting up a suitable growing station.
There’s nothing quite like the joy of preserving the beauty of your garden to enjoy all year round. Have we inspired you to plant your own everlasting garden?
