Preserved broom bloom is a favourite among florists and interior designers for its delicate beauty and versatility. But beyond its looks, it has a rich history and a fascinating process. In this post we’ll dive into the cultural significance, science and uses of preserved broom and get to know this botanical wonder.
The cultural meaning of Broom
Broom bloom has a long history in many cultures. Traditionally, broom plants were symbols of life, strength and humility. In medieval Europe, broom bloom was used in ceremonies and was believed to ward off negative energy. The branches were used to make brooms, hence the name, which were believed to sweep away bad luck and purify spaces. Btw, in Kenya we still make brooms with these branches and they are very efficient.
In many cultures, broom bloom is also associated with new beginnings. This symbolism makes it a popular choice for weddings and celebrations. Preserved or dried broom keeps all this cultural significance and is a sustainable and long lasting alternative to the fresh plant.
The science of preserving Broom blooms
Preserving broom bloom is a labor of love that ensures its natural beauty is kept for years. Unlike fresh plants that wilt in days, preserved broom goes through a chemical process that keeps its shape, colour, and texture. The most common method is to replace the plant’s sap with glycerin which allows the broom stems to keep their flexibility and colour.
This process starts by harvesting the broom bloom at its peak. The stems are then submerged in a mixture of glycerin, water and dyes. Over time the glycerin replaces the natural sap, preserving the plant’s delicate structure and preventing dehydration. The result is a preserved broom stem that looks and feels like a freshly cut branch but without the need for water or sunlight.
This is opposed to dried broom bloom, which brittleness makes the stems break easily after some time.
The Aesthetic of Preserved Broom in Modern Design
Preserved broom has found its way into modern interior design and works well with minimalism, bohemian decor and modern rustic styles. Its fine branches and tiny clustered flowers add a touch of natural sophistication to any space. Unlike fresh broom, preserved broom keeps its shape and colour for years making it a great choice for long lasting floral arrangements.
In modern design, preserved and dried broom bloom are used in avant-garde floral installations to create an otherworldly, surreal effect. Its delicate beauty pairs well with other dried products and greenery to create monochromatic arrangements or add texture to eclectic spaces. Green preserved broom in combination with white limonium, eucalyptus and white gypsophila make for simple, yet elegant bouquets.
Broom Bloom and Aromatherapy
One lesser known fact about broom bloom is its aromatherapy properties. Fresh broom bloom has a mild and pleasant scent, often described as earthy and calming. But during the preservation process the natural scent fades away and what’s left is a subtle scent. To enhance the sensory experience some designers add essential oils or scented sprays to arrangements featuring preserved broom bloom.
Although preserved broom bloom doesn’t retain its original scent, its visual presence, especially in shades like green, still creates a calming environment. The sight of natural elements like preserved botanicals has been proven to reduce stress and improve mood so preserved broom bloom is a great addition to spaces for relaxation and serenity.
Creative Ways to Use Dried Broom Bloom Beyond Floral Arrangements
Preserved broom bloom’s versatility goes beyond floral arrangements. Its flexible stems and delicate flowers make it a great material for many craft projects. Here are some ideas:
- Wreaths and Garlands: Use preserved broom bloom to create seasonal wreaths or garlands. Its fine branches can be shaped into circles or woven into larger installations and placed on doors, mantels or tablescapes.
- Botanical Artwork: Add preserved broom bloom to resin art or framed botanical displays. The texture of the blooms adds dimension to any piece of art.
- Fashion Accessories: Use broom bloom to create floral crowns, hairpins or boutonnieres, a long lasting alternative to fresh flowers for weddings and special occasions.
How to Care for Preserved Broom Blooms
Preserved broom blooms are a delicate and natural product, requiring little care to maintain their beauty and longevity. To ensure that they remain as stunning as the day you got them, follow these simple care tips.
- Avoid exposing your preserved broom blooms to direct sunlight. Just like any natural product, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the vibrant colours to fade and the delicate petals to become brittle. Instead, display your blooms in a shaded area where they can be admired without the risk of damage.
- Storage is another crucial aspect of care. Keep your preserved broom blooms in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and humidity. Excessive moisture can lead to discolouration and damage, compromising the integrity of the blooms. A well-ventilated room with stable temperature conditions is ideal.
- When handling your preserved broom blooms, be gentle. The stems and flowers can be fragile, and rough handling may cause breakage. It’s also wise to avoid touching the blooms excessively, as oils from your skin can transfer to the petals and foliage, potentially causing damage over time.
- To keep your preserved broom blooms looking their best, gently brush off any dust or debris with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid using water or any cleaning solutions, as these can cause the blooms to become damaged or discoloured. If you want to add an extra layer of protection, consider using a floral spray or sealant to shield them from dust and moisture.
- When arranging preserved broom blooms with other flowers or fillers, handle them with care to avoid damaging the stems. By following these care instructions, you can enjoy their unique beauty and grace for a long time, making them a lasting addition to your home decor.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Preserved Broom
Preserved broom is an eco friendly alternative to fresh or artificial plants. Fresh plants require a lot of water and energy to grow, harvest and transport. The preserved plant has a much smaller environmental footprint as it requires no water, minimal maintenance and lasts for years.
Plus the preservation process used for broom bloom is non toxic, so it’s a safer option for indoor spaces. By choosing preserved broom bloom you reduce waste and support sustainable floristry.
Real Life Examples of Preserved Broom Bloom
Preserved broom bloom has been used in many design projects from boutique hotels to high end retail stores. In one project a luxury spa used preserved broom bloom in their decor to create a calming natural environment. The fine texture of the plant matched the spa’s minimalist style and since it’s long lasting, the space stayed beautiful with no maintenance.
Florists also use preserved or dried broom bloom in bridal bouquets and event centre pieces. Its delicate beauty adds a touch of sophistication to arrangements and since it’s preserved it will look perfect throughout the event and can be kept as a keepsake for more than a year.
Myths and Misconceptions About Preserved Broom
Despite its popularity there are many myths surrounding preserved broom and dried broom. One of the most common is that preserved flowers look artificial. But high quality preserved broom bloom looks and feels like fresh flowers. Another is that preserved broom bloom is fragile and hard to work with. But the preservation process makes broom bloom more durable and easier to handle than fresh or dried broom.
Some people think preserved broom bloom has limited colour options. While it’s true that the preservation process does fade the flowers slightly, broom bloom can be dyed in many different shades so you have a wide range of colour options to suit your design style.
Broom Bloom in Different Mediums
Preserved and dried broom bloom has been used in various art forms beyond floral design. Artists use its delicate structure in resin art, encasing it in clear resin to create beautiful jewelry and decorative objects. In mixed media art, it adds texture and dimension to paintings and sculptures, a natural element against the traditional art materials.
Preserved broom bloom is more than a floral design element; it’s a botanical with history, science and creativity. Whether used in minimalist home decor, luxury event design or art, it brings nature that lasts. Low maintenance and sustainable it’s perfect for those who want to add natural elements to their space without the maintenance of fresh plants.
Browse our products and stock broom bloom now. We offer include a number of different colours; the minimum order quantity is per carton per colour.
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