The natural beauty that surrounds me in my garden has always been a source of inspiration.  Hesitant to leave it all behind at summer’s end, I began to press plants to study during the long winter months.  This became a lifelong pastime with each pressed plant offering new information and providing an opportunity to learn more about floral preservation. As the years passed, I was able to dedicate some serious time perfecting my “pressing skills”, creating pressed botanical art, and preserving flowers for keepsakes.  Now, I anxiously await each new garden season to discover what nature will wax lyrical.

My botanical art begins with pressed plants, but the art does not take shape until the colors of the plants and the background papers are finally matched. The true artistic quality of each work begins to form when the plant takes its natural shape and recreates its place in the garden on a background that complements its colors and textures.  Each plant, from wildflowers and ferns to prized roses and hydrangeas, possesses that unique artistic quality (so perfectly captured in Georgia O’Keefe’s single flower masterpieces) that is truly inspirational.  The entire process (growing plants, pressing for 2-3 weeks, and creating art) is a long one, but the pressed botanical art that is created can be enjoyed in any season for many years to come.

The art of pressing flowers flourished in Victorian times and is still very popular today, especially in England.  Heavy books were used in the past and are still used, however, flower presses are more reliable than books since the flower press maintains even pressure.  The plants are placed on acid-free, lignin-free paper and layered between cardboard in the press - see the first image below.  Without chemicals, the flowers dry naturally and slowly - most maintaining their original colors.  The second image shows the pressed flowers after they have been removed from the press. Roses and several cleome flowers are featured here. 

Pressed flowers and ferns will last a long time, but their colors may soften with age.  Brighter flower colors & delicate ferns need the most protection from sunlight - some are more resilient than others.  Preserved botanicals will age gracefully if the care and display directions (provided with each purchase) are followed.  Humidity, sunlight, and direct indoor light will damage any artwork, so avoiding placement in these areas will keep preserved flowers and ferns happy and bright!   All botanical art is guaranteed when displayed and cared for as directed.  Art prints of original works that appear in the online Gallery are also available.     Pauline Elizabeth Bergassi

       Layered cardboard & paper in a flower press                      Pressed  Cleome & Knock-Out Rose                          

                           Cleome - Artwork # 8-26                      Ave Maria Rose Artwork # 8-11