There are numerous reasons for drying plant materials, one of which includes the abundance of available materials. It is estimated that approximately 80% of flower species can be successfully dried and preserved. Advanced training and costly equipment are not necessary to create a wide range of designs. Fresh flowers easily lose their market value and quality, but dried ornamentals can be sold for longer periods if properly preserved, packaged, and handled. Another distinct characteristic of dried ornamentals is their versatility, as they can be arranged in various crafts according to individual preferences, design, and use. This book aims to promote the use of dry flower technology among students of horticulture, agriculture, and enthusiasts.
Aruna, T.L. Preethi, V. Ponnuswami, V. Swaminathan and R. Sankaranarayanan, Horticultural College and Research Institute, (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), Periyakulam, Theni District, Tamil Nadu.
1. Introduction2. History of Dry Flowers3. Dry Flower Industry4. Harvesting of Dry Flowers5. Natural and Air Drying6. Press Drying7. Drying by Embedding8. Drying in Microwave Oven9. Freeze Dried Flowers10. Bleaching Flowers and Foliage11. Natural and Chemical Dyes12. Techniques to Dye Dried Flowers and Foliage13. Methods to Create Skeleton Leaves14. Annual Plants for Dry Flower Making15. Perennial Plants for Dry Flower Making16. Dried Grasses17. Drying Foliage18. Dried Petals19. Dried Fruits and Pods20. Artificial Flowers21. Principles of Floral Arrangement22. Value Added Dry Flower Products23. Packing and Storage24. Drift Wood25. Review of Research in Dry Flower Technology