Preserving the Delicate Beauty of Lily of the Valley with Dried Flowers

Lily of the valley is one of the most beloved spring flowers, with its graceful bell-shaped blooms and sweet, unmistakable fragrance. As winter fades, the sight and scent of this woodland flower evokes renewal and hope. But did you know lily of the valley can be dried and preserved to enjoy its ethereal beauty all year long?

Dried floral crafts are making a major comeback these days. More people are discovering the joys of pressed flowers and desiccated blooms as timeless interior accents. Dried flowers retain their shape, color, and texture beautifully. With proper care, they can last 1-3 years or longer.

Lily of the valley is one of the easiest and loveliest flowers to dry Their form lends itself perfectly to drying. Follow some simple steps, and you can harness the delicate beauty of lily of the valley for year-round enjoyment

Why Dry Lily of the Valley?

Drying and preserving lily of the valley has many advantages over keeping the flowers fresh. Here are some of the top reasons to dry this beloved spring flower:

• Provides enjoyment long after spring has ended – dried arrangements can last for years
• Intensifies and concentrates the lovely fragrance
• Creates unique DIY crafts and decor pieces for the home
• Makes thoughtful handmade gifts and touching keepsakes
• Adds neutral color and natural texture to interior design
• Provides a cost-effective way to appreciate lily of the valley year-round
• Evokes memories of renewal and the coming of spring
• Allows you to capture them at their peak freshness and beauty

Drying lily of the valley is also more sustainable and planet-friendly than purchasing fresh flowers out of season, Preserving what you grow yourself is deeply fulfilling,

Best Ways to Dry Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley is one of the easiest flowers to dry. There are a few simple methods to choose from:

Air Drying

This traditional technique relies on natural airflow to slowly draw moisture from the blossoms over 1-3 weeks. Hang small bundles of stems upside down in a warm, dry area out of direct light. Air circulation is key.

Desiccation

For faster results, pack flower stems in a sealable rigid container with moisture-absorbing silica gel beads or borax powder. The desiccant will dry the blooms within 1-2 weeks.

Pressing

Press lily of the valley between heavy books or weighted pressing equipment. Change the absorbent interleaving paper every few days until fully dry in 2-4 weeks.

Embedded in Wax

Another unique method is to dip flower heads in paraffin wax. Allow to dry fully before handling so wax hardens fully. The resulting flowers are incredibly detailed and life-like.

Freeze Drying

Using specialized equipment, freeze drying vaporizes moisture in a vacuum chamber. This yields superior color and detail, but requires expensive machinery.

Handling Stems for Optimal Results

Proper handling is key to getting great results when drying lily of the valley:

• Choose fully opened blooms at their peak vibrancy.
• Cut stems longer than needed and trim before drying.
• Keep stems very short for pressing. Air drying needs 4+ inches of stem.
• Work quickly to prevent wilting after cutting.
• Group 5-10 stems together and secure upright with a rubber band for air drying.

Crafting with Dried Lily of the Valley

Let your creativity run wild when dreaming up ways to showcase dried lily of the valley blooms. Here are some beautiful and meaningful ways to use them:

• Arrange in clear glass vases, apothecary jars, or terrariums as dazzling table centerpieces or room accents. Group with other dried flowers for added dimension.

• Make a commemorative wreath with stems wrapped around a wire frame. Adorn with ribbon or other dried botanicals.

• Create sweet-scented potpourri mixing dried petals with rosemary, lavender, and lemon peel.

• Add stems to simple wooden frames or shadow boxes for unique wall art.

• Weave dried stems into freestanding wreaths, swags, or wall arrangements with a natural vine base.

• Display a big bouquet of dried lily of the valley in a large glass vase or empty bottle for rustic farmhouse style.

• Use tiny pressed blossoms to embellish handmade cards, invitations, gift wrap, decoupage crafts, candleholders, boxes, mirrors, and jewelry.

Storing for Maximum Longevity

To best preserve dried arrangements, proper storage methods are key. Follow these tips:

• Store completely dried flowers in a cool, dark place away from light, moisture, and heat.

• Seal fully dried flowers in an airtight glass or plastic container along with desiccant packs.

• Check periodically for deterioration and discard any flowers that show signs of moisture damage.

• Use care when handling dried flowers as they become fragile and brittle.

• Avoid dust buildup by periodically vacuuming enclosed dried flowers gently.

With conscientious storage, dried lily of the valley can grace your living spaces for 2 years or longer!

The Timeless Allure of Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley holds such nostalgic beauty and old-fashioned charm. At the same time, dried floral crafts feel fresh and modern again. This lovely spring flower freezes fleeting beauty in time, evoking renewal and hope when you need it most.

If you adore lily of the valley, consider drying a few stems this spring. Follow some simple steps, and you can enjoy their elegance all year long. Add a bit of nature’s fragile loveliness to your space, and take a piece of springtime with you wherever you go.

Lily of the valley is expensive due to its delicate nature, short blooming season, and labor-intensive cultivation process.

While generally safe to touch, lily of the valley can cause skin irritation in some individuals, so it’s best to wash hands after handling.