How to Preserve Flowers the Way Grandma Did

There’s something timeless about the way our grandmothers preserved flowers. Long before modern floral preservation sprays and silica gels, they relied on simple, natural techniques that turned delicate blooms into cherished keepsakes. At Scentaments Designs, we celebrate these traditional methods, showing you how to honor your flowers—and your memories—the way grandma did.

Why Preserve Flowers?

Preserving flowers allows you to:

Keep memories alive: A special bouquet or single bloom can be a lasting reminder of an important day.
Create heirlooms: Preserved flowers can be displayed, gifted, or passed down.
Enhance décor naturally: Dried flowers add rustic charm to any home.
Practice mindfulness: The process itself is calming and meditative.

Grandma’s methods were simple, natural, and effective—proof that you don’t need expensive tools to treasure blooms forever.

Step 1: Choose the Right Flowers

Not all flowers preserve equally. Grandma knew that the best results came from selecting blooms that were:

Fresh: Pick flowers at their peak, just before full bloom.
Sturdy: Flowers with firm petals and stems hold up better.
Non-fragrant (optional): Highly fragrant flowers can sometimes discolor or brown faster when dried.

Flower	Best Preservation Method	Notes
Roses	Air drying or pressing	Choose blooms just starting to open
Hydrangeas	Air drying	Works well for large arrangements
Lavender	Hanging	Fragrant and long-lasting
Carnations	Silica drying or hanging	Thick petals retain shape
Baby’s Breath	Air drying	Great as filler flowers in bouquets

Step 2: Air Drying – The Classic Method

Air drying is the simplest method grandma swore by:

Materials Needed:

Fresh flowers
String or twine
A dark, dry, well-ventilated space

Steps:

Trim stems to your desired length.
Remove excess leaves to reduce moisture.
Tie flowers in small bundles using string or rubber bands.
Hang upside down in a dark, dry room for 1–3 weeks.
Check periodically—flowers should feel dry and papery.

Tips from Grandma:

Use a dark room to preserve color.
Hang flowers upside down to maintain their natural shape.
Keep away from moisture to prevent mold.

Step 3: Pressing Flowers – The Keepsake Method

Pressed flowers were grandma’s favorite for scrapbooks, cards, and framed art.

Materials Needed:

Fresh flowers
Heavy books or flower press
Parchment paper or tissue paper

Steps:

Place each bloom between two sheets of parchment or tissue.
Sandwich them inside a heavy book (or use a dedicated flower press).
Leave for 1–3 weeks, checking occasionally.
Once dry, use flowers in cards, art, or display them in frames.

Tips:

Flat flowers like violets, pansies, and daisies press best.
Avoid thick blooms like peonies—they may lose shape.

Step 4: Silica Gel – For Special Blooms

Grandma didn’t have modern silica gel, but she sometimes used sand, salt, or cornstarch for similar effects to preserve delicate flowers like roses.

Materials Needed:

Fresh flowers
Dry sand, salt, or cornstarch
Airtight container

Steps:

Pour a layer of dry medium into the container.
Place the flower on top and gently cover with more medium.
Seal and leave for 1–2 weeks.
Carefully brush off the medium to reveal preserved petals.

Tips:

Works well for fragile flowers that crumble when air-dried.
Store in a dry, shaded place to prevent fading.

Step 5: Storing Preserved Flowers

Proper storage ensures flowers last for years:

Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Avoid humidity—moisture can cause mold.
Display in glass or shadow boxes for protection.
Use occasional floral spray (optional) to reduce brittleness.

Grandma often displayed preserved flowers in old vases, frames, or hung them as garlands in kitchens and bedrooms—a beautiful reminder of the past.

Step 6: Using Preserved Flowers in Everyday Life

Preserved flowers are not just keepsakes—they can enhance daily life:

Table décor: Add a rustic, vintage touch to dining tables.
Gifts: Incorporate dried flowers in bouquets or greeting cards.
Memory projects: Use in scrapbooks or framed collages.
Seasonal displays: Combine with autumn leaves, pinecones, or greenery for holiday arrangements.

Grandma’s Secret Tips

Always handle flowers gently—they are fragile once dried.
Rotate air-dried bundles occasionally to ensure even drying.
For pressed flowers, replace tissue paper if it becomes damp.
Experiment with colors and textures—darker blooms sometimes deepen in shade when dried.

Conclusion

Preserving flowers the way grandma did is more than a craft—it’s a celebration of memory, patience, and love. With simple tools, time, and care, you can turn ordinary blooms into timeless keepsakes that honor special moments and people.

At Scentaments Designs, we love combining these traditional techniques with modern floral artistry, creating arrangements that tell stories and last for years to come.

For more ways to honor memories through flowers, explore our other guides: “Memory Bouquets: Flowers That Tell Your Story” and “Grieving with Grace: A Floral Guide to Remembering Loved Ones”.