Flower Pressing for Herbalists
Lesson II: Assembling Your Supplies
Before you can begin pressing flowers, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. The heart of this practice lies in two simple goals: removing moisture and applying steady pressure. Fortunately, the materials are minimal, and many can be repurposed from everyday life.
Gathering Your Basics
A successful press relies on paper, cardboard, scissors, tweezers, and either a wooden press, a belted press, or even a hefty book. The paper layers absorb plant moisture, while the cardboard creates separation so botanicals don’t press into one another. Smooth surfaces are best—corrugated cardboard or textured paper can leave unwanted marks on delicate petals. Scissors allow you to trim stems to size, while flat-tipped tweezers give you a steady hand when handling fragile, dried specimens.
Choosing a Press
Press designs range from simple to elaborate. The standard wooden press, secured with bolts and wing nuts, is a classic and highly effective choice. A belted press, held together with straps instead of bolts, offers a more old-fashioned feel and requires less hardware. For those in a hurry, microwave presses speed the drying process, though some argue they sacrifice vibrancy. Beginners may enjoy starting with a book press—sliding plants between absorbent pages, weighted down with additional books, for a straightforward and low-cost approach.
“Whatever method you choose, just remember that your two main goals are to remove moisture and apply pressure”
Sourcing Botanicals Sustainably
The adventure begins with harvesting. Lesson 2 emphasizes the ethics of sustainability—take only what you need, avoid endangered species, and seek permission when foraging. A single specimen is usually enough, allowing the rest to nourish wildlife and reseed for future seasons. Farmers markets, florists, and home gardens can also provide an abundance of press-worthy herbs and flowers. Many herbalists eventually turn to their own gardens, not only to ensure steady access to fresh plants but also to foster deeper connections with the living landscape.
Harvesting with Care
Timing matters. Botanicals should be gathered once the morning dew has dried but before the afternoon sun causes wilting. Plants must be completely dry before entering the press, as residual moisture invites browning and mold. For a more complete record, consider collecting plants across their seasonal stages—buds in spring, blossoms in summer, seed pods or fruits in autumn.
Keeping Records
Just as herbaria maintain scientific precision, pressed specimens are best accompanied by notes. Record details such as the plant’s scientific and common names, harvest location (GPS if possible), date, and collector’s name. This not only preserves memory but also creates a personal log of your growing collection.
Transporting Specimens
If you’re gathering plants on the go, it’s wise to have a small press in the field. Otherwise, tuck specimens between notebook pages or store them gently in a basket shaded from direct sun until you can press them at home. Quick transfer preserves vibrancy, while minimizing moisture and wilting.