Do you ever wonder what to do with your flowers once they’ve bloomed in the garden? Here are three fun ways you can make the most of your blooms even after they’ve passed their prime. Whether you’re looking for an arts and crafts project or ways to entertain and educate gardeners of all ages, these creative ideas will bring joy and beauty.

Pressed Flower Design

Ready for a unique crafting project? Twin Cities-based Garden-in-a-Box program participants TOV Community Garden and Relentless Academy partnered up to celebrate the growing season and preserve their beautiful flowers on fabric, leaving behind a permanent and captivating design.

To start, gather light-colored fabric, a hammer and an iron. Lay your fabric on a surface suitable for hammering. Arrange your flowers on the fabric, securing them in place with tape if needed. Then, place another layer of fabric or parchment paper on top of the flowers as a protective barrier.

Now comes the fun part—hammer away! Keep pounding until you achieve your desired pigment from the flowers. Feel free to add more flowers and colors until you are satisfied with the results. Once the design is set, remove the flowers and iron the fabric face down to preserve the masterpiece. You can leave it as is or add outlines with permanent fabric markers or even add embroidery designs for a personal touch.

Floral Arrangement

One of the most rewarding ways to prolong the beauty of your flowers is by creating floral arrangements. Pruning flowers back during the growing season encourages new growth and continued blooming, benefiting both your garden and you. With the cuttings, let your creativity blossom as you experiment with arranging flowers of various heights, colors, textures and sizes. This hands-on experience provides an excellent opportunity for gardeners to work with different blooms, discovering their preferences and style.

Once your masterpiece is complete, you have several options. Display your floral arrangement in a vase, brightening up any space with a happy reminder of your garden’s beauty. Alternatively, you can show appreciation to a loved one by gifting them your personalized flower arrangement. Such a thoughtful gesture spreads joy and gratitude, making both the giver and receiver feel cherished.

Drying Flowers

A simple yet enchanting way to enjoy your flowers for an extended period is by drying them. Almost any flower can be dried, and certain blooms retain their colors remarkably well during the process.

There are two popular methods for drying flowers: placing them between two surfaces or hanging them upside down. Whichever method you choose, the result is the same—beautifully preserved flowers that can adorn your home for months or even years.

Dried flowers hold special symbolism, representing endurance, strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you’re celebrating a significant milestone or simply want a long-lasting reminder of your garden’s beauty, drying flowers is an excellent project for anyone.

These three ideas provide a second life for your flower garden, allowing you to continue enjoying its beauty long after the blooms have faded. We hope you’ll try one or all of these suggestions and discover the joy of transforming your flowers into meaningful and delightful creations. Share your experiences and photos with us at GIAB@northerngardener.org, and let’s celebrate the art and craft of gardening together!

Morgan Ulland managed our Garden-in-a-Box program this summer as part of a 2023 Community Projects Internship with the hort society. A finance major at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, she’s also earning a minor in sustainability and “can’t wait” (her words, not ours!) to apply all that she’s learned through this internship in her career.