Avoid collecting plants immediately after a heavy rain or in wet, marshy locations. Waterlogged specimens are much harder to dry and preserve properly. In some cases, it may be illegal to take home plants from places like national parks or wildlife reserves. Make sure you’re familiar with your local laws before you begin gathering carelessly. [2] X Research source
One benefit of still images is that they can be studied at length. This means they have the potential to tell you a lot more about a particular plant that you can take in with a brief examination. Photos are also useful for creating visual labels so you can identify the specimens in your collection at a glance.
Some other points of information you may want to mention include the plant’s common and scientific name, known uses, and when and where you discovered it. Starting an herbarium journal can come in handy for recording size specifications and jotting down other interesting details about the many plants you’ll encounter.
When collecting flowers or other blossoming plants, it’s alright to cut higher up on the stem, since the bloom is often the most complex and revealing part. If possible, take two or more identical cuttings. That way, you’ll have an extra in the event that the original is lost or damaged. [6] X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural Society Leading gardening charity in the U. K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Glass jars and plastic food containers offer the most protection against damage for small specimens. A plastic quart or gallon-sized freezer bag with a sliding zip closure will be perfect for storing most types of plants. If you don’t plan on pressing your plants right away, consider adding a 50% solution of rubbing alcohol or formaldehyde and water to your container before sealing it. This will help your cuttings stay fresh and retain their original appearance longer. [8] X Research source
If you have any particularly small or delicate cuttings you’re worried about damaging, try using a soft-bristled paintbrush or makeup brush to gently sweep away dirt and debris.
You can find hardboard or plywood at any major hardware store. Cutting your boards so that they’re closer to the size as your blotting paper will make it easier to put your press together.
The best way to preserve flowers is to place the face of the blossom against the surface of your press, then bend and smooth the stem down behind it. When dry, it will create a 2D impression of the flower. [13] X Research source If you collected multiple cuttings of the same plant, you can create a “snapshot” display by pressing the stems, leaves, and buds separately alongside a whole specimen to highlight its various structures.
Another option is to use ratchet straps, ropes, or bands to secure your press and maintain constant pressure. [15] X Research source Over the course of a few days, the weight of the press will squeeze all of the moisture out of the fresh cuttings, which will then be absorbed by the blotting paper.
A drying cabinet or airing cupboard will offer the best results for preserving fresh plants. If one of these spaces isn’t available, look for a warm room with low humidity that might help speed up the process.
Your plants will be extremely fragile after drying, so handle them with care. It may help to use a pair of tweezers to avoid crushing them between your fingers. [18] X Research source Non-acidic adhesives are readily available at most office supply stores and home improvement centers.
Use minimal pressure to keep your dried cuttings from breaking. Look for a backing paper that’s roughly the same size as the materials you used to make your press. Remember, 16. 5 in (42 cm) x 11 in (28 cm) is standard in the scientific community, but for a home herbarium you could also use A4 paper, which has dimensions similar to regular printer paper. [20] X Research source
Include any other fascinating tidbits you want your labels to convey as separate footnotes at the bottom. Type, print, and cut out your label cards to give them a more polished, professional appearance.
Traditionally, informational labels go in the bottom righthand corner of an herbarium. However, you can put your labels wherever you like, as long as they don’t cover up any part of your specimens.
