The secrets of preserved nature
Welcome to the world of preserved nature... it sounds intriguing and fascinating but few people really know what preserved flowers and plants really are. Well, you're in the right place... I'm going to uncover all things preserved so you know exactly what we're talking about and I'm sure you're there will be no way back...
WHAT ARE PRESERVED FLOWERS AND PLANTS?
Preserved flowers and plants are 100% natural. Plant preservation is a totally ecological process that replaces the natural sap of the flower by a biodegradable plant liquid. Thanks to that natural preserving technique, preserved plants and flowers retain their flexibility and their natural freshness without any maintenance. They require no watering, no special treatment or luminosity. These plants and flowers are ideal for home decor, natural botanical art, unique gifts, flower arrangements, wedding decor, fashion accessories and other innovative products.
THE PRESERVATION PROCESS
For best results, plants are preserved at the time of their life cycle when they display their most beautiful appearance. They are harvested in optimal conditions and respecting the environment. They are then sorted before entering the preservation room, positioned in gutters - with their base immersed. During this step, the sap of the plant evaporates to be replaced, after a few days, to the new liquid - a mixture of vegetable glycerin, water, substrate and food colorant. Before a final quality control, plants are rinsed then dried, they are then ready for use. This overall process can last between 7 and 20 days depending on the size of the plant. Each plant has its own preservation specificity: time, temperature of the preservative, room temperature, water quality, type of substrate... This doesn’t make it possible to preserve a plant outside its window of opportunity and makes stock management quite complex, but still less complicated than it is with fresh plants.
The first patents related to preservation date back to the 1970's. Several methods have been developed with varying levels of success. In the 1980's, a collaboration between Swedish, French and Italian scientists led to develop sophisticated technologies enabling the implementation in France of the first real preservation factory. The appearance of vertical gardens and preserved roses on stem have raised public awareness toward preserved plants. Today, many producers exist worldwide. Our suppliers are based in Europe and are committed to use local producers where possible, together with low carbon footprint transport methods.
It is difficult to talk about preserved plants and flowers lifespan. Indeed, several factors strongly influence the evolution of plants over time: exposure to sunlight, humidity, handling... We prefer to talk about "quality of life" because each plant behaves differently over time. Some plants slightly lose their color while others darken. Some curl, others bend... in any case, we cannot give an exact lifespan: the plant does not radically change overnight! However, it is possible to state that, under optimal use conditions, our preserved plants and flowers remain beautiful for several years.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Preserved plants are 100% natural. This is why it is necessary to follow certain rules in order to ensure their long lasting beauty and optimal lifespan:
· Keep them only indoor
· Avoid touching the plants: they will not grow back
· No watering or immerse in water
· Avoid long exposure to sunlight behind a glass
· Do not put it too close to a heat source
· Recommended humidity: below 70-80%
In Japan, working with preserved flowers is regarded as an art in its own. Specialized floristry schools teach these unique techniques. Indeed, working with preserved plants is different than working with living plants. This allows to create unique and beautiful products and real works of art made with 100% real nature!
Gradually, an increasing number of florists are incorporating preserved creations in their offer. Businesses and corporations have become very interested in natural decor as it represents a unique and beautiful way to decorate interiors, making people feel close to nature while not having to maintain the displays. It is a much more cost-effective solution than living walls or fresh plants and flowers and it looks and feel real and so much more pleasant than faux flowers.
Moreover, the creative possibilities are endless and the market is hungry for it
- enthusiasts, take note!