Garden

[Kitty Galore]

Just not sure if you are suppose to dry on the bush or if you clip them on e turning and dry Inside .  Hsve had our going on the 3rd summer and now finslly huge beautiful blooms !  I would love to keep some.  Oh and we have the type that blooms on old wood if that makes a difference .  Thanks !

[Lilysmom]

@Kitty Galore, hydrangeas dry beautifully.  I have dried them by cutting the flowers, placing them in an inch of water and keeping them in a cool dark place.  Don't refresh the water, let it turn dry.  Good luck!  LM

[Kachina624]

I read something on this subject last week.  Either put them in a dry place ike the attic, basement or garage and they'll dry naturally.  You can also stick them in a dry vase (no water) and they'll dry and enhance your decor.  My mom had a business where she used dried flowers.  Since they lose so much color, she'd grate artists pastels and apply the color with a small paintbrush. 

[Kitty Galore]

Thank you @Kachina624 and @Lilysmom.  Just to be sure  do I have to cut the bloom while it is still alive with color on the shrub ?  I have blooms that are already dry on the shrub and wanted to cut those.  With roses I know I have dried them while they still had color .  Just not sure on hydrangeas though.

[Lilysmom]

@Kitty Galore, I have only done it when they are live on the bush and then let the, dry.  @Kachina624 May know if the other way works.  LM

[tl98466]

I have dried tons of hydrangeas over the years; cut them when they are showing the color you like; make a bouquet and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place; they'll dry nicely for you!

[Kitty Galore]

Well I guess it makes sense to dry them when their color is at peak otherwise they will just have a dried brown look .  Now I just have to decide if I really want to clip the beautiful blooms off to bring inside rather then keep them outside being beautiful for everyone to see.  

[Kachina624]

@Kitty Galore  Just cut a few at a time.  Don't forget you can "enhance" the color if they fade too much. 

[Kitty Galore]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

@Kitty Galore  Just cut a few at a time.  Don't forget you can "enhance" the color if they fade too much. 

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@Kachina624.  I  think I will give it a try  .  I need to do so e weeding and clean up in the garden today so I'm going to cut a few blooms and attempt to dry them and will keep in mind your mothers idea of painting .  That really intrigues me ,  great idea !  How did she come up with that idea ?  

[esmerelda]

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@tl98466 wrote:

I have dried tons of hydrangeas over the years; cut them when they are showing the color you like; make a bouquet and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place; they'll dry nicely for you!

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@Kitty Galore @tl98466 I've had repeated success with this method.