Preserve Your Garden Flowers

As Autumn is coming to an end and Winter is quickly approaching, it is a good time to look around your garden for the remnants of the past season. Gather dried pods, seed heads, dried flowers, herb stems, and even weed plumes. Also, Oak galls, acorns, and pinecones are some more of nature's gifts. If you have a grape plant, cut the vines and wind them into a circle to form a wreath. Weave the vine to help hold it in place or use jute or wire to secure it tight.

During the growing season, pick flowers during their peak, gather flowers in small bunches, tie with jute twine or wire and hang upside-down until dry, about 2 to 3 weeks. This keeps the flower heads and stems straight when arranged. Flowers, such as Roses, Zinnias, Statice, Yarrow, Rice flowers, Hydrangeas and Statice work great for this technique. Also, the same can be done with Herb stems, such as Rosemary, Sage, Tansy and Garlic and Onion Chive seed heads. Also, dried Chili Peppers.

Now this is when the fun begins, gather all your supplies to make some home decorations from nature. Their beauty will keep on giving as you create décor from your own yard. You will need flowers, stems, leaves, moss, wire, twine or string, glue, floral form, scissors, ribbon, and wire cutters. Also, wreath forms and containers.

Wreaths are just one of the creations to make. Also, arrangements, garlands, and swags lend themselves to this art form.

For the wreaths, use small, tied clusters of 3 to 5 flowers, tie to the wreath using wire or twine. Do the same with the other items you have collected. Go all around the wreath until your wreath is filled. Tuck in some sphagnum or reindeer moss here and there, use hot glue if needed. Add a bow if you like, burlap will coordinate well with the natural wreath. If you do not have a grapevine wreath, use an embroidery hoop or thick wire to make a circle or heart shape. Or purchase a wreath form at the craft store.

To create an arrangement, use clay pots, baskets, a favorite rustic container and even teacups. Insert a floral foam block inside to arrange your stems in or just place them in your container loosely. Another way to enjoy your dried flowers is to cut the stems off and place them in a shallow bowl.

To make a garland, start with a length of jute or wire, 2 to 3 feet works well. Tie or bend the 2 ends to create loops for hanging. Use the same method of gathering the flowers into small bundles and tie or wire them to your jute. Add plenty of moss to fill in the gaps. Use hot glue to add single flowers or leaves in bare spots. Display by hanging on 2 hooks using the loops.

To make a swag, use a piece of floral foam and decide if you would like it vertical or horizontal. Attach a piece of wire through the foam for hanging. If the floral stems are weak or break easily, wrap a 4” piece of wire around the stems and insert the other end of the wire into the foam. Place your flowers in an appealing design. Use glue and moss to cover the foam base. Add a bow if desired. Another way to make a floral swag is to gather long stemmed flowers and herb stems, tie, hang upside-down, tie with a pretty ribbon.

Thinking ahead to later in the year: for the Thanksgiving table, use large, dried leaves and write your dinner guests' names using a gold pen. Or tie a small bouquet of flowers, attach a tag with your guest's name.

Get creative, have fun, and make something beautiful from nature.