How to Make a Herbarium: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a herbarium is a delightful way to preserve and study plant specimens. Follow these steps to start your own collection:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You will need a plant press (or thick cardboard and absorbent paper), scissors, newspaper, and a journal for notes. Optional items include a magnifying glass, tweezers, and labels for identification.

Step 2: Collect Specimens
Choose a variety of plants from your local environment. Look for healthy specimens and collect them in the morning when they’re fresh. Always check local regulations to ensure you’re allowed to collect plants, especially in protected areas.

Step 3: Prepare Your Press
Lay down a sheet of absorbent paper in your plant press. Place your plant specimen flat on the paper, ensuring it’s arranged neatly and all parts of the plant are visible. Use additional sheets of paper to separate multiple specimens.

Step 4: Compress the Plants
Close your plant press or place the specimens between heavy books to apply pressure. This will help flatten the plants and dry them out more effectively. Leave them for several weeks until they are completely dry.

Step 5: Create Labels
While the plants are drying, prepare labels that include important information: the plant’s scientific name, date of collection, location, and any observations about its habitat or characteristics.

Step 6: Assemble Your Herbarium
Once dried, carefully remove the specimens from the press. Mount them on sturdy cardstock using glue or tape, ensuring they remain flat. Attach your labels next to each specimen for easy identification.

Step 7: Store and Organise
Store your completed herbarium in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from humidity and pests. Organise the specimens in a way that suits you – whether by type, colour, or habitat – to make future reference easier.

By following these steps, you’ll not only create a beautiful collection but also contribute to your understanding of the botanical world. Enjoy the journey of exploration and learning!