Flowers Worth Keeping
I save a little space in my field each year for flowers that I intend to dry. Once harvested, I hang them upside down in a dark corner, and after a few weeks, they're usually ready to use. Not every flower looks the same after it's dried, and that's actually one of the things I like about them. Some colors soften and fade, while others deepen into richer shades. The textures can change, too, and sometimes a flower looks even more interesting dried than it did fresh!
Over the years, I've found a few favorites that I grow specifically with drying in mind. Celosia and strawflowers hold onto their color wonderfully, while feverfew adds smaller, delicate blooms. This year I tried drying larkspur, and their smoky lavender petals are just stunning in an arrangement. I also love the interesting shapes of nigella seed pods and dragon cress, along with ornamental grasses that bring a little movement and texture to the finished piece. I planted hydrangeas this year, and I'm already looking forward to adding those to the mix next year!
Having all these different materials to work with gives me plenty of options when it comes to arranging. I've seen people make some beautiful wreaths and seasonal porch pots using branches, seed pods, evergreens, and berries. Personally, I prefer creating unique vase arrangements. I enjoy mixing bright colors with delicate fillers, playing with textures and angles, and letting the grasses add a little movement and air. I don't necessarily want everything standing perfectly upright or looking too uniform, but I do want the arrangement to have an interesting shape and look good from different angles.
Another thing I appreciate about dried flowers is how little maintenance they require. There's no water to change or stems to trim, but a little care will help preserve their color and keep them looking their best. Just like fresh flowers, direct sunlight can cause fading, so I recommend keeping arrangements away from sunny windows. Humidity can also be a problem, which means the bathroom probably isn't the best place to display them. A dry spot with indirect light is ideal, and an occasional dusting with a gentle puff of compressed air or a hairdryer on its coolest, lowest setting will help keep them clean.
With proper care, dried flowers can last for months, sometimes even years. I like to enjoy each season for what it is, and when fresh flowers aren't in season, I love having dried arrangements around the house!
If you'd like to try creating your own dried flower arrangement, I'm partnering with Franklin of Stella J Designs for a workshop on November 4! Franklin will be demonstrating how to make a dried flower arrangement in a vase and sharing all his tips and tricks for creating your own piece of beauty. You'll get to work with dried flowers, play with different colors and textures, and take home an arrangement you've created yourself!
If you want to join us, sign up here! --> Autumnal Dried Floral Workshop Nov 4