6 simple tips for extending the life of your dried flowers.

The pleasure of dried flowers lies not only in their gentle, muted colours and delicate charm, but also in their remarkable ability to grace your vase for an extended period. While they are often affectionately called "everlasting," it's important to remember that they won't last indefinitely. Nonetheless, with a little care and attention, you can savor their presence for several months, and sometimes even years. Here are six simple tips to ensure your dried flower arrangements remain in tip top condition.

1. Gentle Handling

Dried flowers are more fragile than their fresh counterparts, so it's best to handle them with tenderness. Try to avoid moving or touching them excessively to prevent any damage or breakage. Some heartier varieties like Helichrysum (strawflowers) can withstand a bit of adjustment, but more delicate blooms like statice, with their petite, paper-like petals, can be quite sensitive.

2. Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight

Exposure to direct sunlight can accelerate the fading and deterioration of dried flowers. Unless you want to intentionally create a sun-bleached effect (which can look lovely with certain blooms), place your dried flower arrangements away from sunny windows or anywhere they might be in the path of direct sunlight.

3. Manage Humidity

Avoid storing your dried flowers in overly humid places, such as steamy bathrooms, as this can encourage mold growth. It's best to keep your dried flowers in a cool, dry location. And remember, there's no need to water your dried flower bouquet!

4. A Light Touch for Dusting

Dried flowers accumulate dust over time due to their lasting nature. To keep them looking fresh and vibrant, a light dusting will do the trick. You can use a gentle duster, a hairdryer on a low, cool setting, or even a canister of compressed air, making sure to keep the nozzle at a safe distance to avoid damaging the blooms.

5. Guard Against High Temperatures

Heat can cause dried flowers to become brittle and lose their color. Ideally, display them in a cool, dry spot, and make sure they're not placed near a heat source, like a radiator.

6. Careful Storage

If you ever need to store your dried flowers, do so thoughtfully. Place them in a container with tissue paper to prevent any crushing or damage. An airtight container in a cool, dark location is the best way to ensure their long-lasting beauty.