Definitions

Dip-dyed: A dip-dyed product is one in which dye and glycerin is added to the plant by immersion of the plant material in a solution. One of the results of this processing is that plant bark also takes up the dye as opposed to systemic processing that leaves the bark its natural color.

Dried: When we refer to a product as dried we mean that the water has been removed from the fresh product. No glycerin or dye has been added.

Glycerin: Glycerin is a glycol (substance similar to antifreeze but) it is not toxic and less volatile. Sometimes referred to as a sugar. It is often found in products such as hand cream, frosting, cough syrup, toothpaste etc.. Its effect on foliage is to keep it soft for a long period of time (as opposed to dried foliage, which is usually brittle). Glycerin has two interesting properties, first it is hydroscopic meaning it will absorb water from the air, and second it has a very low vapor pressure meaning it will not evaporate (antifreeze has a much higher vapor pressure and will slowly evaporate over time).

Preserved: When we refer to a product being preserved we mean that glycerin (and usually dye) has been added to the product. There are two methods by which we preserve (add glycerin to) foliage: systemically and by immersion (or dip-dye). While technically drying or freeze drying are methods of preserving foliage we refer to these products as being dried or freeze dried respectively. It should be noted that all of our preserved (glycerin added) products are also dried prior to final grading and packing.

Systemic: A method of preserving foliage by taking the solution up into the plant through the stem. Portions of the plant where water does not flow through (such as the bark and some flower peddles) do not take up the glycerin and dye. This allows the preserved plant material to look more natural.