Preserving Dahlias: Turning Blooms into Treasures that Endure
- Debra Flaming
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
From Garden to Keepsake: Preserving Dahlias with Brynda Fauth
This morning was one of those soul-refreshing gatherings that I will treasure for years to come. Several weeks ago at Franz Witte, I met a new friend, Brynda Fauth. We were introduced through a mutual friend, and the instant connection was undeniable—we became soul sisters on the spot! Brynda is not only creative and deeply passionate about dahlias, but she also has a beautiful faith in God that shines through everything she does. She views her art not just as decoration, but as a way of honoring the Creator who made every bloom. With each preserved flower, she reminds us that God’s handiwork can be cherished far beyond a single season.
Her specialty? She collects fresh blooms and uses preservation techniques to dry them in a way that maintains their color, form, and beauty. She then turns these preserved flowers into living works of art—shadow boxes filled with florals that can be enjoyed on your wall all year long. Imagine surrounding yourself with the garden’s joy even in the depths of winter!
Today, Brynda generously shared her time and talents with me, along with friends and family—Debbie H., Jessie F., and her mother Carol S.
We started by wandering the dahlia fields, clipping our favorite blooms. Brynda coached us on which varieties preserve best:
Ball dahlias dry beautifully.
Collarettes and mignon types dry quickly.
Dinnerplates can be done but are trickier and need lots of silica.
Dark reds and burgundies? The hardest—they sadly dry nearly black.
We also cut zinnias (needing extra drying time since they’d just been watered), plus lavender and yarrow, which can be air-dried the traditional way. With buckets full, we returned for the hands-on demonstration.
Brynda’s Drying Method
Brynda’s step-by-step process was both simple and fascinating:
Choose the right silica. Brynda recommends Ashland brand silica from Michael’s—fine grit, reliable, and affordable (watch for coupons and free shipping).
Use the right container. A 28-quart plastic tote with a lid works beautifully.
Layer with care. Pour 1 inch of silica into the bottom. Prepare blooms by trimming stems, cleaning the back, and removing bracts. Place blooms face up without touching.
Cover gently. Scoop silica over the petals, using your hand to slow and spread it evenly so every fold of the bloom is supported.
Add blooms in layers. Each layer gets fully covered before adding the next. Important tips to keep in mind when layering: Make sure that your largest blooms are on the bottom layer. When adding another layer be careful that you do not add too many flowers. The silica is absorbing the moisture and has a limit to what it can handle. After putting the larger blooms on the bottom, only select small blooms such as mignons and collarettes for your top layer.
Drying time. Small blooms: 3 days. Medium/large: 5 days. Giants: check for moisture underneath and allow longer if needed. Over-drying can cause petals to shatter, so keep notes with dates.
The reveal. Once dried, gently uncover them—you’ll discover a preserved masterpiece!
Brynda explained that once dried, these blooms can be arranged into shadow boxes—either purchased ready-made from craft stores or handcrafted with woodworking. The result is a gift that doesn’t fade like a bouquet but lasts for years.
Preserving More Than Flowers
I love this project not only for the beauty it captures but also for the heart behind it. It’s another way of extending the life of our gardens, savoring the glory of dahlias beyond their season, and crafting heirlooms that remind us of sunshine and joy when winter comes.
Brynda herself creates these beautiful shadow boxes and will be selling them locally:
Franz Witte – October 18
O’Connor Field House – November 7 & 8
Ford Center – weekend before Thanksgiving
Boise Fairgrounds – first weekend in December
If you live in the Boise area, I encourage you to see Brynda’s work in person. You can also reach her by email at 60bry395@gmail.com.
Faith in Full Bloom
Just as Brynda shows us how to preserve flowers for seasons to come, may we also remember to preserve what is most precious—our faith, our families, and the beauty God places in our lives. Every bloom, like every moment, is a reminder of His goodness. Whether you’re drying your own dahlias or simply pausing to notice the color in your garden today, let it stir gratitude in your heart for the One who makes all things beautiful in His time.
Why not try preserving a few blooms of your own this week? It might just become a keepsake of joy, a piece of creation’s beauty to carry with you into the winter months.
Seeking Treasures That Endure,
Debra Flaming
