How to Make a Dried Lambs Ear Wreath [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”1px|||||”]
Lamb’s Ear — that prolific perennial garden grower — dries beautifully!!! It retains its signature soft silvery sage color and that soft fuzzy texture!
If you missed it, get caught up here. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_ src=”https://southhousedesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Closeup-of-two-Lambs-Ear.jpeg” alt=”Two Lambs Ear Leaves on quartz counter” title_text=”Closeup of two Lambs Ear” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
I actually appreciate them more inside, up close than I ever have in the garden. Maybe because the soft fluffiness is all the way down at my feet as they grow as a ground cover and the soft color gets overwhelmed by the bright show-offs of the garden. Relegated to supporting role status.
But inside, up close, the Lambs Ear is the ingenue, the new star. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_ src=”https://southhousedesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Closup-Lambs-Ear-in-vase.jpeg” alt=”Closeup of Cluster of Lambs Ear drying” title_text=”Closup Lambs Ear in vase” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
Lamb’s ear is a lovely ornamental plant that is a staple in many gardens. Known for its soft, velvety silver-gray leaves, lamb’s ear has a delicate beauty. But did you know that you can dry lamb’s ear to preserve that gorgeous texture and enjoy it indoors as well?
Dried lamb’s ear has become increasingly popular for use in floral arrangements, wreaths, holiday décor, and craft projects With just a few simple steps, you can harvest and dry lamb’s ear from your garden for year-round enjoyment In this article, we’ll walk through when and how to cut and dry lamb’s ear, along with creative ways to use it in home decorating.
When to Harvest Lamb’s Ear for Drying
Lamb’s ear reaches maturity in late summer to early fall. This is the optimal time to cut stems for drying Wait to harvest until after the morning dew has evaporated so the leaves are nice and dry when cut Using a pair of gardening shears or scissors, snip off stems close to the ground. Lamb’s ear often grows in dense clumps, so you can easily gather quite a bountiful harvest.
Many people recommend cutting lamb’s ear after the plant has experienced a light frost The cold helps bring out the silvery color in the leaves. However, lamb’s ear will dry well even without a frost If you want the fullest silvery color, a light frost helps, but it isn’t required for successful drying.
How to Dry Lamb’s Ear Leaves
Drying lamb’s ear at home is very simple:
Step 1: Cut Stems
Cut stems longer than needed for your final decorative pieces. The leaves will shrink a little when dried, so keep that in mind. Longer stems give you more options for arranging the dried lamb’s ear.
Step 2: Strip Away Excess Foliage
Remove any dead or brown leaves from the bottom half of the stems. This prevents the dried bundles from having any unsightly foliage.
Step 3: Hang Stems Upside Down to Dry
Gather 5-10 stems together and secure the ends with a rubber band. Attach a hanger or hook and hang these bundles upside down in a warm, dry spot indoors out of direct sunlight. Hanging the bundles upside down allows the leaves to retain their natural shape and downward orientation while drying.
Step 4: Allow 1-3 Weeks to Dry
Check on the progress periodically. The leaves are ready when they feel crisp yet supple, usually in 1-3 weeks. Thicker leaves take more time. If the stems still bend without breaking, they need more drying time.
Step 5: Store in Breathable Containers
Once fully dried, you can leave bundles intact or gently remove leaves. Place the dried lamb’s ear in breathable containers like paper bags or cardboard boxes. Avoid plastic bags or boxes that can trap moisture.
And that’s all there is to it! With a bit of patience, you’ll have beautiful preserved lamb’s ear to use in crafts and home décor.
Creative Ways to Use Dried Lamb’s Ear
Dried lamb’s ear adds an inviting, organic look to home decor. Here are some ways to display those fuzzy dried leaves around your home:
Simple Bundles
Tie 3-5 dried lamb’s ear stems together with ribbon to create a simple bundle. Hang these in entryways, above cabinets and bookshelves, on gifts, or alongside artwork for natural charm.
Wreaths and Garlands
Incorporate dried lamb’s ear into wreaths, garlands and door swags along with other dried flowers, herbs and greenery. Lamb’s ear pairs nicely with eucalyptus, grasses, lavender and rosemary.
Holiday Ornaments and Decorations
Glue lamb’s ear leaves into pretty patterns on glass ball ornaments for beautiful Christmas tree decor. Use the soft gray-green leaves in holiday table arrangements and centerpieces too.
Sachets and Potpourri
Place dried lamb’s ear leaves into small sachets or muslin bags. Lamb’s ear’s soothing silver color and soft texture makes it perfect for potpourri as well. Blend with scented herbs like lavender and rose petals.
Pressed Flower Cards and Crafts
Preserve individual lamb’s ear leaves between parchment paper in heavy books to flatten them. Use these delicate pressed flowers to make greeting cards, bookmarks, and other paper crafts.
The velvety soft texture makes lamb’s ear a special addition to handmade gifts and holiday decorations. With a simple drying process, you can enjoy this beautiful plant all year long.
Storing Dried Lamb’s Ear for Years of Use
To get the most longevity out of your dried lamb’s ear, follow these storage tips:
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Keep leaves intact on stems until needed for craft projects. The leaves become fragile when removed from stems.
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Store in a cool, dark place away from direct light, heat and moisture.
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Use breathable containers like paper or cardboard rather than plastic.
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Check periodically for moisture and mold. Discard any damaged leaves right away.
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Expect dried leaves to last 1-3 years when stored properly.
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Display out of direct sunlight to help preserve the beautiful color.
With the right harvest and storage methods, your dried lamb’s ear can retain its beauty for several seasons of delightful use around your home. This beloved garden plant takes on a whole new life when dried and displayed.
Enjoying Lamb’s Ear Year-Round
Lamb’s ear is a multi-faceted plant that can beautify your garden and home. With its soft velvety leaves and elegantly understated color, lamb’s ear provides lovely texture and natural appeal. By drying those supple leaves in the fall, you can create beautiful arrangements, wreaths, sachets and holiday decorations to enjoy the lamb’s ear long after your garden has gone dormant. It’s so rewarding to extend the life of favorite garden plants. With just a few easy steps, you can craft gorgeous dried floral decor all season long.
Let’s Make A Dried Lambs Ear Wreath:[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://southhousedesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/original-Wreath.jpeg” alt=”Original Bleached branch wreath” title_text=”original Wreath” _builder_version=”7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”7.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
Start with your structure. It can be a grapevine wreath, or a wire hoop, or a bleached branch form like mine.
Mine is a 9-inch one from my local Dollar Store. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_ src=”https://southhousedesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Painted-Wreath.jpeg” alt=”Painted version of my wreath” title_text=”Painted Wreath” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
Took me three coats to get the color where I waned it. Each one maybe 10 minutes, so not crazy effort. Just used leftover interior latex in grey and white.
Here is a video of how I layers the leaves, then tucked in just a few berries for contrast and a little extra depth and interest.
Lastly, I gently covered the center where the leaves joined up with a twill ribbon that wrapped twice and tied in the back. Notice I like to tie the end with slip knots. This just gives the ribbon a bit more dimension. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https://southhousedesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Lambs-ear-wreath-Blog-Post.mp4″ play_icon_color=”#ca4e64″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
What Can You Do With Lambs Ear?
Yesterday, we talked about sprinkling little vases of it throughout the house while it was drying.
And I showed you how to bundle a few multi-leaved sprigs into a bundle to hang or set about for charming displays.
But today, today we’re going bigger.
Break out your glue gun.
We’re making a wreath. A wreath like this: [/et_pb_text][et_pb_ src=”https://southhousedesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Lambs-ear-Wreath-on-Shutters-2.jpeg” alt=”Finished Lambs Ear wreath hanging on White Plantation Shutters” title_text=”Lambs ear Wreath on Shutters” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
Homesteading with Nancy: Lambs Ear
FAQ
What to do with lamb’s ear leaves?
medicinal – Homegrown antibacterial bandage speeds up the healing of cuts. Squash leaves and put on bee stings and insect bites. Infusions of dried leaves are good for colds, gum and throat infections, and asthma. Also, leaves simmered and cooled can be used as an eyewash for sties.
Are dried lamb’s ears good for dogs?
… low in odour and hypoallergenic, these tasty and nutritious chews are a great alternative for dogs who have allergies or intolerances to other natural treats
Is lamb’s ear drought resistant?
Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ (Lamb’s Ear) is a handsome, fuzzy, grey-leaved groundcover that thrives in problem areas such as dry shade and poor soils. ‘Silver Carpet’ Lamb’s Ear is a drought resistant (xeric), non-flowering perennial plant.
Is lamb’s ear good for anything?
Antiseptic effects: Lamb’s ear plant prevents the growth of microbes and helps prevent skin infections with its antiseptic properties.Jul 12, 2023