DRIED BOUQUETS

 

It’s time to search the garden for herbs to cut for dried arrangements for the winter months.  Look for unusual textures such as the velvety leaves of lamb’s ears, a variety of color from the silvers of Artemisia to the bright red flowers of bee balm and the yellow of yarrow or calendula plus the fragrant addition of Sweet Annie, lavender, anise hyssop or mint.  A few choices from each (texture, color and scent) will work together to create a vibrant bouquet.  In addition, try to add something unexpected like a wooden spoon, willow branches or artificial butterflies!

 

The best time to pick herbs for drying is at their peak or just after the flowers fully open, except for lavender which should be cut in bud.  At the end of summer allow your edible herbs to bloom so they may be added to your bouquets also.  Cut on a sunny day about mid-morning and leave as long a stem as possible, then hang upside down to dry in a dark, dry area with good air circulation to help preserve their color.  Finally, the finished bouquets may be tied with raffia, ribbon or lace and hung in your home where live plants will not grow over the winter.

 

 

 

 

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world and all who live in it”
Psalm 24:1