In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[url=http://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Your-Home-Grown-Lavender]How to Dry Your Home Grown Lavender - wikiHow[/url]
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In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Here you have the complete guide about flower drying which also applies to herbs, including microwave drying and freezing. I still think that hanging them is a good method. I used to do it a lot with chamomile and bay leaves.
[url=http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06540.htm]G6540 Drying Flowers and Foliage, MU Extension[/url]
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[quote=Mrs Z;97222]Hello everyone,
Does anyone know if there are tricks to dry lavender??? I collected loads of flowerheads in their stems which have now dried, but they make a terrible mess when I try to make them into little bundles. Is there a type of fixative that could be used that would be relatively environmentally friendly that would help to keep the flowers together and would not affect the scent?
I guess the other way would be to remove the stems completely and make up muslin bags filled with lavender flowers (for wardrobes, linen drawers, etc). Where can I buy muslin cloth in the UK?:veryconfused:
Any other usage for lavender flowers would be welcome!
Mrs Z[/quote]
Does anyone know if there are tricks to dry lavender??? I collected loads of flowerheads in their stems which have now dried, but they make a terrible mess when I try to make them into little bundles. Is there a type of fixative that could be used that would be relatively environmentally friendly that would help to keep the flowers together and would not affect the scent?
I guess the other way would be to remove the stems completely and make up muslin bags filled with lavender flowers (for wardrobes, linen drawers, etc). Where can I buy muslin cloth in the UK?:veryconfused:
As I type my nephew and his girlfriend are cutting our huge, sloping lavender bank. This is an annual event. Gala's drying advice is right. Certainly the flowers will fall from dried lavender and it's best put into a fabric bag and the bag squeezed every so often to restore the perfume. On a dry day, cut the lavender at the point where the stalks join the bush and lay it on a plastic sheet that you can buy in Italy to cover your woodpile or stuff outside (a telo). Then gather up the lavender and make sheaves. The bigger the better. Tie each sheaf with string allowing enough to make a loop to hang it by. Leave the sheaves to dry...they can be left for months. Ours are hung in our Loggia. When you feel inclined, cut off the heads only and drop them into a big bowl and using your fingers rub the tiny flowers free, although we put even the woody bits into our lavender bags.
To make lavender bags I use any white cotton material I can find, old or new and as you are also in England the charity shops are ideal. Look for napkins, table cloths etc with embroidery on them to cut up and sew into bags. I have also made handkerchief size squares of see-through fabric in various colours. They are hemmed and gathered up into a ball of lavender with a petal type top. Buy pretty ribbon and leave a length to tie the bag to clothes rails etc. Finally. Never keep dried lavender in poly bags always paper.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Hi
Just cut my lavender yesterday and like the info. above, I make small bunches which I tie with string then I hang these in the greenhouse to dry. I do not want these for ornamental purposes but for lavender bags, for the wardrobes in my rental cottages, so I am not bothered if the colour is not preserved. Have use an italian drying rack and tied the bunches from this - with a large clean sheet underneath to catch the dried blossoms.
Mrs Z you can buy muslin at John Lewis in the fabric department.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
The secret is just that, make small bunches, as they allow more air to circulate.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
If you need huge amounts of muslin you could try Whalley's of Bradford - an amazing selection of fabrics.
Normally, you have to hang them upside down, allowing sufficient air to circulate and you keep them like that for at least a month. It is the standard way of drying flowers.