While the idea of preserving flowers has been around for thousands of years, it is making a comeback in a whole new way to provide beautiful long-lasting life with very little maintenance. Whether you’re looking for home décor, a bridal bouquet, or a holiday gift for someone special, preserved flowers are the perfect solution. But if you’re unfamiliar with the concept, you’re probably asking yourself what preserved flowers are exactly. If you’re thinking these are flowers that have been hung upside down to dry in the garage, think again. We answer some of our most frequently asked questions below so you can see what all the fuss is about.
What are preserved flowers?
Preserved flowers are all-natural flowers or greens that have been cultivated and processed to maintain the plant’s freshness and beauty. Almost any flowers can be preserved including roses, chrysanthemums, gardenias, orchids, carnations, and hydrangeas. Preserved flowers require no sunlight or water, which is a big benefit compared to normal flowers.
How are preserved flowers made?
The flower or plant is picked at just the right time during growth when it’s at the peak of beauty. It then enters a non-toxic chemical process, which often includes glycerin or other plant-based combinations. Essentially, these liquids replace the water already in the plant, freezing it in time. We then buy the flowers already preserved and create custom arrangements.
How do I care for preserved flowers?
Although natural flowers are beautiful, they do come with their own set of headaches. You have to remember to change the water frequently, position them perfectly so they get the right amount of sunlight, and prune and trim them. That’s a lot of work for something that usually only lasts for a week! Preserved flowers require nearly no maintenance. They don’t need to be watered and shouldn’t be placed in direct sunlight to avoid color fading. To get the longest life out of preserved flowers, it’s recommended to keep them in cool and dry environments and avoid crushing or folding the petals.
Are they toxic?
Since preserved flowers do undergo a chemical process, we often get asked whether they are safe to have around. The short answer is yes! The chemicals used during the process are non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and non-explosive. Any coloring added is similar to that in food, medicine, and clothing. So, preserved flowers are perfectly safe to have around children and pets.
Are they sustainable?
Another benefit of preserved flowers is their environmental sustainability. Their longevity greatly reduces waste and transportation in comparison with imported flowers, which saves time, money, and environmental pollution. Unlike fake flowers, preserved flowers are 100% biodegradable. Since there is also no need to water preserved flowers, it saves on that too.
Why should I choose preserved flowers over natural flowers?
Preserved flowers are gaining in popularity for many reasons. Most important is their long life compared to that of natural flowers. Most natural flowers last a week or two at the most. If cared for properly, preserved flowers can last for months and even years! Whether you’re displaying these at home or in an office, this means fewer replacements and no need to remember to buy fresh flowers every week. Preserved flowers also allow for more creativity than their natural counterparts. At Le Jardin NY (LJNY), we can make custom colors and arrangements to suit any occasion, theme, or style.
With the holidays coming up and Valentine’s Day right behind them, brainstorming gift ideas for the special people in your life is probably in full swing. Finding something equal parts creative, meaningful, and unique can be challenging. Of course, you can never go wrong with flowers. But now that you know the benefits of preserved flowers, why not change it up and give that special someone something that will last for months to remind them of how much you care? A preserved flower arrangement can be the creative, meaningful, and unique gift you’re looking for. So contact us today at LJNY to get started. Our staff will be happy to help you choose the right flower, color, and arrangement in no time.
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