Plants as Art, their longevity and how they're mounted

Plants as Art
Preserved plants as art will last when properly cared for.
Treat them as you would any piece of fine art:
- Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid rooms with high humidity.
- Frame only with acid-free mat board.
- Use a U.V. filtering glass.

Longevity
Preserved plants endure.
Among the early plant collectors were physicians, who kept plants for study and reference. Their books of preserved plants were sometimes carried with them and used to dispense dried herbs. Some of these books can be seen in all parts of the world, like the Cesalpine Herbarium in Florence, Italy, which has samples from the 1500s.

Lewis and Clark collected and carried many botanical specimens with them across the western half of the United States.The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelpha has these on display.

Mountings
To make certain these plant mountings will endure, all mounting materials used are acid free and archival quality. Often Botanists paper (11.5”x 16.6”) is used for smaller pieces. Because it is 100% cotton (made from unused cotton remnants), it is naturally acid free and requires no additional chemical treatment. 100% cotton board (made from linters, a by-product of the cotton textile industry) is also used. The board allows for the creation of large pieces.

The best glue for dried plants was created by botanists specifically for mounting plants. It's a white glue that dries clear. It will not yellow over time and maintains it's flexibility. It’s perfect.

Sometimes glue isn't enough. When working with woody pieces, like bark or branches, an additional adhesive is needed. In those cases, I sew. A cotton floss works best – it’s archival quality and very strong. It will last. To secure the thread, linen tape on the back of every piece protects the thread from accidental pulling.

Last Update 08/04
Brigid Greene






	Plants as Art Preserved plants as art will last when properly cared for. Treat them as you would any piece of fine art: - Keep out of direct sunlight. - Avoid rooms with high humidity. - Frame only with acid-free mat board. - Use a U.V. filtering glass. Longevity Preserved plants endure. Among the early plant collectors were physicians, who kept plants for study and reference. Their books of preserved plants were sometimes carried with them and used to dispense dried herbs. Some of these books can be seen in all parts of the world, like the Cesalpine Herbarium in Florence, Italy, which has samples from the 1500s. Lewis and Clark collected and carried many botanical specimens with them across the western half of the United States.The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelpha has these on display. Mountings To make certain these plant mountings will endure, all mounting materials used are acid free and archival quality. Often Botanists paper (11.5”x 16.6”) is used for smaller pieces. Because it is 100% cotton (made from unused cotton remnants), it is naturally acid free and requires no additional chemical treatment. 100% cotton board (made from linters, a by-product of the cotton textile industry) is also used. The board allows for the creation of large pieces. The best glue for dried plants was created by botanists specifically for mounting plants. It's a white glue that dries clear. It will not yellow over time and maintains it's flexibility. It’s perfect. Sometimes glue isn't enough. When working with woody pieces, like bark or branches, an additional adhesive is needed. In those cases, I sew. A cotton floss works best – it’s archival quality and very strong. It will last. To secure the thread, linen tape on the back of every piece protects the thread from accidental pulling. Last Update 08/04 Brigid Greene		Mexican Bush Sage (2003)