The Flower Farm was originally founded in 1993 as a fresh and dried cut flower operation. We grew thousands of plants in our front field and invited customers to pick their own as well as selling ready cut fresh and dried bouquets. Over the years, our priorities changed as our family and businesses grew, but we still grow plants for you to plant and grow your own cutting and drying garden at home.

Here are a few tips to get you started drying your own flowers:

• 1. Varieties: Various annuals, perennials and herb varieties can be dried. My favourites include the following:

• 2. Harvesting: All harvesting should take place when the plants are dry from dew or rain. Cut the stems when they are at their best or just before. Trim the very bottom leaves straight into the garden. Take into a cool place to bunch for hanging.
• 3. Drying: Choose a warm, dry location with good air flow and out of direct sunlight. A garden shed is great in the summer, but ensure that you bring your harvest into the house before the weather starts getting cold and wet in the fall. Divide the stems into small bunches and fasten tightly with rubber bands. The bunches will shrink as they dry. Hang with string or split each bunch & put over wire. Clothes hangers also work well for hanging. Bunches are dry when the end of the stems break like a dry twig.
• 4. Storage: Herbs can be crushed and stored in airtight containers for cooking. Flowers can be left hanging as decoration or of course used to make dried arrangements and crafts. With time, expect flowers to fade.

Herbs that work well for drying – Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, Catmint, Sage, Mint and Lemon Balm.