Do All Flowers Press Well?
The mindful art of traditional flower pressing is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Flower pressing is the perfect escape from the busyness of modern life; a way to slow down, escape the screens, focus on a single activity and immerse yourself in nature. Before you give flower pressing a try (and I really hope you do - it’s the most joyful activity!), it’s worth noting that not all flowers press well. I’d encourage you to work with flowers that are reliable to press, to avoid the sad feeling of opening your flower press and finding mouldy or poorly pressed blooms.
The best types of flowers to press are those with very simple forms - many wildflowers such as daisies and buttercups are great, and wild grasses press brilliantly too. Violas, lavender, forget-me-nots, astrantia and geums also press really nicely. The simplicity of these types of flowers means you’ll have a good chance of preserving really pleasing shapes when you press them, and they also aren’t too moisture heavy, which can lead to mould. Individual petals such as those from roses and peonies and most leaves also press beautifully.
Flowers that are more ‘juicy’ and contain a lot of moisture are much more difficult to press, and often require more advanced techniques such as deconstructing them to ensure they press well. Examples of juicy flowers include whole roses, dahlias and tulips. If you are new to flower pressing, I would recommend avoiding pressing flowers that contain a lot of moisture; wait until you’ve built up your confidence with simpler flowers first, and then give them a try.
If you’d like to learn more about traditional flower pressing, The Pressed Flower Handbook will guide you through the whole process, with visual step-by-step instructions alongside lovely creative ideas for using your pressed flowers. It’s a calming and enchanting book, set to the seasonal rhythms of the Meadow and Thyme garden; it will gently encourage you to feel more present, notice your natural surroundings and boost your wellbeing through the wonders of flower pressing.
