Have you ever wanted to preserve the beauty of a flower and turn it into a work of art? With the right tools and techniques, pressing and preserving flowers can be an enjoyable craft that can be used for decorating or gifting. This guide will provide all the information you need to get started pressing and preserving flowers for crafting and decorating. We’ll cover topics such as what materials are needed, how to press flowers and different methods of preservation. Not to mention it’s the perfect Mother’s Day Activity!
Pressed Flowers
Flower pressing is an age-old craft that has been used to preserve and decorate flowers for centuries. The art of flower pressing is one of the oldest known crafts, and its use in preserving and decorating flowers has been around for centuries. From ancient Egyptians to modern-day artists, the practice of pressing flowers has been used to create beautiful works of art that can be kept for years.
What You’ll Need
A heavy book
Large brick or rock
Hanger or hook
Fresh flowers
Newspaper
Tissue paper
String
Scissors/pruners
Choosing Your Flowers
Picking the right flowers for pressing is key, as the type of flower will determine the outcome of your project. Preparing the flowers before pressing or hanging is also essential, as it will ensure that they preserve their vibrant colors and shapes.
For the best results in preserving your flowers, you should always pick them on a day with no chance of rain. Otherwise their color and texture may be compromised when drying or pressing.
Tip: The most ideal time to pick flowers is in the morning when dew has already evaporated. Make sure you do it before their full bloom stage for maximum freshness. Some specific types of flowers are known to open more as they dry.
Pressed or Dried Flower Techniques
Preserving flowers is a popular craft that requires time and patience. Fortunately, there are now a few methods available that allow you to create beautiful pressed flower art with minimal effort. Whether you choose to use pressed flower techniques or hanging techniques, you can create beautiful artwork with ease.
Pressed Method
Follow the instructions below to make beautiful, timeless creations with dried flowers. With the pressing method, you can create stunning framed pieces of artwork that will last forever! It’s sure to be an enjoyable activity with endless possibilities for you & Mom.
1.) Select a piece of cardboard that is almost the same size as your book. Place a newspaper (also of comparable dimensions) atop the cardboard, followed by a tissue paper (which should be roughly the same size as well).
2.) Arrange the flowers on the tissue paper in such a way that none of them overlap or hang off the edge. Start the preparation process by placing a piece of tissue paper over the flowers, then newspaper on top of that and finally cardboard. Do this in layers until all your flowers are ready to be stored.
3.) Once your stack is assembled, secure it with a heavy book and a brick or stone. Then let gravity do its job; it should take two to four weeks to settle.
Hanging Method
Flexibility and shape retention of dried flowers is key when it comes to making dried flower vases or for shadow boxes. We recommend the hanging method for best results. It’ll preserve the original shape of your blossoms and make them look stunning!
1.) Trim off unnecessary leaves, gather the flowers in petite bunches and secure them with string, yarn or elastic bands.
2.) Hang your flowers in warm, dry, and dark area upside down on a hanger or hook in order to preserve them.
3.) The process of drying flowers can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several days, depending on the type of flower, the humidity and temperature in the environment. To ensure that your flowers dry properly and retain their vibrant colors, make sure to check them every two to three days – they should be dry to the touch when done.
Did we mention the nursery is filled with blooms, including our famous hanging baskets? Be sure to stop in with Mom this weekend, to collect all your favourite blooms for this memorable Mothers Day activity.
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In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about planting your own gladiolus in Canada. We will cover topics such as the meaning of the flower, its history, how to grow it, and more! With this information in hand you can confidently plant your own gladiolus and enjoy its beauty for years to come.
About Gladioulus
A member of the Iridaceae family, Gladiolus is typically referred to as “glads”. Available in various colors and sizes with huge spikes with a range of colors. The size of their flowers vary greatly – with some blooms being less than 3 inches across, while others can even exceed 5 inches in diameter! Popular varieties include…
Grandiflora Hybrids – The classic type of gladioli that create lots of big (5- to 6-inch) blooms in various hues. The flower stalks they produce can reach up to 4 feet tall and they can endure cold temperatures in Zone 7.
Dwarf Grandiflora Hybrids – If you’re looking for something to plant in your containers or cutting gardens, these cute little glads are ideal. They have flowers that are half the size of Grandifloras, so you don’t need to worry about staking their short stalks. These plants can withstand the colder temperatures of Zone 7 during the winter months.
Nanus Hybrids – Tough and hardy, suitable for Zone 5. They are similar to Grandifloras in appearance yet produce fewer blooms. Growing no taller than two feet, they make an ideal choice for containers or any small area.
History
Although it is believed that the Gladiolus flower originated in South Africa, some varieties can be traced back to Europe and the Mediterranean. Currently, these flowers are widespread globally. Generally referred to as ‘sword lilies’ because of their sharp and sword-like leaves. It’s also worth noting that the name “gladiolus” comes from Latin gladius, meaning ‘sword.’ Initially, people used some species of flowers for medicinal purposes. But, it is now known that parts of the flowers are toxic and can cause allergies or skin irritation when touched.
Symbolism
Gladiolus is a genus of perennial flowering plants that come in a range of vibrant colours. Every colour of gladiolus has a unique symbolism associated with it. With its beautiful blooms, gladiolus is an excellent choice for expressing emotions with flowers.
Red Gladioulus – Gifted for Valentine’s Day or wedding anniversaries as a symbol of passion, romance and love.
White gladiolus – Are a perfect way to convey clear feelings of clarity and serenity. For times like weddings, funerals or religious events, they make for an ideal present that represent purity and spirituality.
Yellow/Orange – Are known to bring good luck, joy and symbolize positive relationships & friendships.
Purple gladiolus – Symbolize grace, class, and beauty. They’re often presented as gifts during special occasions such as a new job or when someone moves to a new home.
Pink gladiolus – Representative of femininity, gentleness, and love. They are frequently offered as a gift on Mother’s Day date nights, or birthdays.
How To Grow Gladiolus
Taller plants like Gladiolus may need to be staked and are usually placed at the back of a garden to provide contrast against their shorter counterparts. This arrangement can bring out the best qualities of both types of plants and help create a stunning display.
Sun – For beautiful flowers, glads should be planted in an area where they receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil – Gladioli do best in well-drained soil that’s moderately fertile. They will not do well in heavy, soggy soil. Mix compost (humus) into your soil to improve its consistency and fertility.
Space – Plant gladioli up to 12-18 inches deep and allow 1 inch of space between each plant for root development.
Pests – Gladiolus corm rot, also known as Fusarium wilt, is an issue that can cause significant damage to gladioli. Other problems may include gray mold, viruses, aster yellows, spider mites, thrips and aphids. In order to prevent the spread of these issues and keep your plants healthy and thriving it is important to be aware of the signs of each one and how to treat them.
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As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers – hoping that those blessed with snow showers can also enjoy the same luck! Even though the weather may not seem like it’s warming up, let’s focus on the actions we can take now so that when it does eventually get warmer, we’re ready to seize all the sunny days. If you want to achieve more with your May garden, we’ve got the solution for you! We’ve put together a handy list of activities that should keep you busy and bring out the best in your May garden!
Plants
Once the spring-flowering heather has finished blooming, it should be lightly pruned for an optimal result.
Make it a habit to routinely keep a lookout on your space for pests. Taking care of the pest-related problems at an early stage is much more effective in controlling them.
After flowering, deadhead spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils and hyacinths to preserve their energy for next year.
It is essential to maintain your vegetable garden consistently to ensure the soil is loose and oxygen circulation reaches the roots. This helps keep your plants healthy and vigorous.
Before you start planting, ensure that the weather has sufficiently heated up and remains this way before planting celosia, impatients, zinnias, fuchsias or heliotrope.
Following a proper fertilizing regime can help to prevent issues such as black spots and powdery mildew from affecting roses. This is critical for ensuring the health and longevity of these plants.
Winter is the ideal season to prune fruit trees and shrubs, but if you missed the opportunity, now is still a great time to get it done. Make sure you take care of your trees before new growth starts appearing.
Pond, Lawn & Birds
Begin providing food for your fish once the temperature has exceeded 5-8 degrees. Additionally, it’s crucial to only give them an amount that can be consumed in a span of five minutes.
May is the perfect time to lay down new lawns, as the weather conditions are ideal for successful sowing.
Give your lawn the best start by using seed and sod starters. These will provide the foundation needed to get a lush, green lawn quickly and easily.
In order to promote healthy growth and blooms, start to fertilize water lilies and lotuses regularly.
As soon as the weather gets warmer, make sure to fill birdbaths. Filling birdbaths is an easy and inexpensive way to bring nature into your home, making it an ideal solution for everyone who enjoys watching wildlife.
Miscellaneous & More!
Make sure to check out the wide selection of flowering plants available. Grab your favourite blooms and don’t forget the fertilizer; it is essential for feeding them every 10 days if you want a beautiful summer full of bright blooms.
As the temperatures increase, it is important to watch out for rapid growth and spread of weeds. Be vigilant in keeping this in check.
Frequently mix your compost and check if it’s finished. If it is, you can apply it to your garden right away.
Mulching is a great way to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay during the summer months. All you need is grass clippings, bark, pine needles, straw etc. to mulch your garden or flower beds. Plus, it’s an easy and cost-effective solution!
It is recommended to shear the spring-flowering heather lightly once it has completed flowering.
Take the time this Spring to review your garden tools and decide which ones you should keep and which should be replaced. If they are in good condition, it may be a good idea to sharpen them as well. Doing this now will ensure they will last through another gardening season.
It’s important to take a look at your patio and see if any maintenance is required. Inspect the condition of the area and if necessary, take action to ensure it is in its best condition.
Looking for more to do? Check out this episode of Get Up and Grow with our president, Gord Nickel to learn how to grow your own Kiwi’s below!
Lilies are one of the most beautiful flowers to plant in your garden. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they can add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. If you’re looking for lilies to plant now, there are five varieties that stand out above the rest. From the Summer Sunset to the Black Beauty, these flowers are sure to brighten up your garden this season. Read on to learn more about each type and how you can grow your very own at home. Plus, follow along as our President Gord teaches Hannah from Check News all about them!
Enhancing any outdoor setting, the Calla Summer Sun is sure to bring sunshine and light to your garden with its bright yellow petals and small yellow centers. Its vivid hue will fill any area with vibrance!
These flowers thrive when placed in a location with full to partial sun exposure and soil that is kept moist but drained. Additionally, they make an excellent cut flower and are resistant to pests like deer and rabits.
For an abundance of beautiful flowers at the peak of summer. Plant Summer Sun from early to late spring so that they can bloom through the start to finish of summer.
Big Smile Oriental Lily offers an eye-catching and unique color combination! Instead of the traditional pink or white petals, it has striking apple-red midribs and a refreshing yellow/green pistil. This popping contrast against the pale white base truly stands out. It grows 40″ tall and with 16-18cm size bulb circumference.
For successful bulb planting, it is important to pick a location with good drainage. Otherwise, the bulbs may be prone to rotting or deterioration. Plus, most bulbs are best planted in full sun and get optimal results if they receive 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Planting the roots of perennials, annuals or ground cover next to each other may offer some cooling in hot months. Likewise, a 2-inch layer of mulch is also useful in protecting against the sun’s heat.
‘Black Beauty’ is a magnificent hybrid lily, which was created through the cross-pollination of L. henryi and L. speciosum. Its raspberry flowers are richly-scented with reflexed tepals that have a thin white edge and anthers with little green centers.
The Black Beauty Lily is an oriental flower that produces up to 50 blooms when mature, stretching up to 4-7 feet tall on strong stems.
Not only does this flower grow well in pots, but the cut flowers make gorgeous arrangements with smaller blooms. Perfect for adding stunning beauty to any display! Blooming in mid-summer, it’s the perfect pick for a vibrant bouquet or centerpiece!
Sunny Azores, while being smaller in size than the traditional Oriental Lily, still have a spectacular bloom and sweet-smelling aroma. Don’t be fooled by their compact size – small flowers can make a big impact with their beautiful fragrances. Plant them in groups to create an aromatic oasis in any garden, or cut a few to bring indoors and enjoy the smell!
Planting Oriental Lily Bulbs should be done promptly, preferably in the Spring but you can get them in the ground up until Autumn. To ensure your plants thrive, locate them somewhere that has plenty of sunshine or partial shade and has soil which drains easily.
With magnificent maroon color, complemented by sparkling orange accents along the petal edges and core. Forever Susan are typically planted early to late spring and can be expected to bloom early to late summer. For optimal growing, the plants prefer a spot with full to partial sunlight and soil that is well-drained.
If you’re looking for something that can add a vibrant touch to your garden and make stunning bouquets, then this is the right option for you. Its numerous blossoms make it perfect for adorning flowerbeds & borders while also being suitable for creating wonderful arrangements.
Chek it out
With over forty years of experience planting Lilies, our President Gord Nickel is here to share a few tips and tricks for planting your best Lilies yet. Tune in below to get started.
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Welcome to the Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre, Your One-Stop Shop for All Your Outdoor Living Needs near Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Duncan, Nanaimo, and Vancouver.
Why Bullfrog Spas?
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Visit the Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre, the authorized dealer for Bullfrog Spas in Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Duncan, Nanaimo, and Vancouver. Our expert staff will help you choose the perfect hot tub for your home, and we offer a range of financing options to make it easy for you to own a Bullfrog Spa.
Where Can I Find Garden Furniture?
At Wildwood Outdoor Living, we offer a wide selection of garden furniture to complete your outdoor living space. From patio sets to outdoor lounges and fire pits, we have everything you need to create a beautiful and functional outdoor oasis.
Ready to transform your outdoor living space? Visit the Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre today! Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect Bullfrog Spa and garden furniture to fit your style and budget. With our range of financing options, owning a Bullfrog Spa has never been more affordable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our showroom to see our full selection of outdoor living products. Make your outdoor living dreams a reality with the Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre!
