I love hydrangeas! They are one of the most rewarding plants that I have around my house. The blooms are so unique and like no other. If your climate allows for growing hydrangeas, I highly recommend this plant.
Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers with blossoms that come in a variety of colors. Green, white, mauve, pink and blue are some of the most popular colors. There are approximately 25 species of hydrangeas ranging from a climbing variety to potted plants given for special holidays. They provide a gorgeous addition to gardens and drying them for flower arrangements can provide a breath of summer even in the winter months. If you want to know how to preserve hydrangeas for the beauty they provide any time of year, take a look at some of the following methods.
Pressing
Pressing can be a good way to preserve the color and especially the shape of your flowers, although the blossoms of the hydrangea will be somewhat flat. Gather the items needed. This will include two sheets of parchment paper and a piece of cardboard. A press can be made with two pieces of plywood. Pre-drill holes and put screws in the corners of the plywood for tightening. Lay the cardboard on the bottom piece of plywood, then lay one sheet of parchment paper over the cardboard.
Next put the hydrangeas chosen for drying on the bottom sheet of parchment paper and cover with the second sheet of parchment paper. Place another piece of cardboard over the second sheet of parchment paper. Tighten the screws. Wing nuts can be used to help tighten the plywood. Find a dry spot in your home and other than changing the bottom parchment paper and cardboard every 2 to 3 days, you can leave them for approximately 10 days to 2 weeks. They should be totally dry by this time.
Drying with Borax and Cornmeal
A plastic shoe container with a lid is perfect for mixing your solution of one part Borax and one part white or yellow cornmeal. Some people prefer the white over the yellow cornmeal. If you want a slow...
