| When selecting flowers for your garden, you might consider some wonderful varieties also suitable for use in dried arrangements. The plant material is endless, both perennials and annuals are easily air dried. It's surely an inviting way to enjoy your garden’s beauty long into winter.
Annuals such as Celosia, Statice, Gompherna, Heliotropoe, Strawflower and Centurea and perennials such as Astilbe, Garillardia, Gypsophelia, Delphinium, Lavendula and roses work well in dried arrangements. Also, herbs and peppers can be used in arrangements and for cooking.
Begin by collecting stems of flowers at all stages of development. Gently shake off any water drops and bundle six to ten stems. Hang upside down from a clothes hanger and place in a dark, dry, and dust free area. Drying time will take from one to four weeks depending on plant material and drying conditions.
Be creative. Use in baskets, on wreaths, tie with ribbon for tree ornaments, or use only the petals for potpourri. Peppers can be simply strung and then hung in the kitchen. Herbs can be left whole or gently crushed, placed in small jars and stored in the cupboard for use.
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