DISPLAY YOUR FINDS

CONTAINER DISPLAY

Build up a collection of pretty vases, jars, bowls, trays and box frames in which to place your finds. Many plants dry better on longer stems; some might need a drink of water to keep them fresh before pressing. Smaller items, such as rocks and seeds, work well in printers’ trays (pictured right) or box frames.

PHOTOGRAPHIC FLAT LAY

Capture your collection as a sequence of photographic flat lays throughout the year, using simple white lining paper or coloured card as a background (page 59). Make it personal by arranging by outing, season or type, or trying out artistic compositions or labelling techniques.

NATURE-INSPIRED ARTWORKS

Be inspired to create pressed-flower art, dried-flower crafts, floral arrangements, nature-based sculptures, botanical drawings or even natural dyes or inks – all good reasons to get out and collect even more.

Sonya Patel Ellis is a writer and artist exploring the interconnectedness of nature. Author of Collins Botanical Bible (2018), The Heritage Herbal (2020) and Collins Garden Birdwatcher’s Bible (2020), she is often to be found looking for botanical inspiration around Wanstead Flats or in her garden. See abotanicalworld.com @theherbariumproject @abotanicalworld