Spring offers an unparalleled abundance of color, fragrance and texture — an ideal season for exploring the art and science of botanical preservation. In this immersive workshop, participants will learn how to collect, prepare and press flowers for both artistic and scientific use.
Under the guidance of Dr. Angela Mason Foster, attendees will begin with a guided walk through the JCRA's gardens, where they will identify, collect and record plant specimens. The outdoor session emphasizes responsible collecting practices, including choosing the best samples for pressing, understanding plant structure and moisture content, and documenting essential botanical details such as habitat, color and date.
After the garden excursion, the class will reconvene indoors for an in-depth, hands-on session in pressing technique. Participants should bring their own flower presses from the "Creating and Using a Flower Press" workshop or a similar model. Dr. Foster will demonstrate how to prepare specimens for pressing, layer materials for even drying, and preserve vibrant color and shape. She will also share expert tips for troubleshooting common issues such as fading, mold and curling, as well as creative ways to display and archive your pressed specimens.
