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Dry It, You'll Like It

Suspending small bunches of fresh-picked everlastings--flowers that keep their shape and color when dried--in a warm, dark, dry place is a simple drying method that's been practiced for generations. An attic, a room with a woodstove, or a closet will work. Avoid damp basements or kitchens with high humidity. Hang the flowers upside down to keep the stems straight and allow for good air circulation.

Cockscomb, statice, baby's breath, salvia, and strawflower are among the easiest for beginners because they dry quickly (7 to 10 days) and retain their colors well. Cultivars with large flowers and high moisture content may take 20 days or more. A quick test: If the stem snaps when bent, the flower is dry.

Another drying method is to use a drying agent, such as silica gel. Its fine particles are easy to pack around delicate blossoms. Most flowers are dried in 4 to 5 days. This method is superior to air-drying for delicate flowers and preserves their natural colors well.

Once dried, everlastings can be arranged as you would fresh flowers, or made into beautiful floral wreaths and more.