Spring showers bring fresh flowers, only for them to die a few months later. If you’re planning on adding some floral decor to your home this season, can we tempt you to consider dried flowers? Watching your favorite blooms slowly wither away is arguably the worst part about decorating with live plants.
“Dried flowers were really trendy back in the ’80s and then they dipped in the ’90s,” says Megan Callahan, brand manager of Afloral. For a long time these arrangements had a distinctly dated vibe.“A couple of years ago, the boho style was really coming back into trend, and that definitely has more of a wild, organic, whimsical look to it,” Callahan explains.
“There’s been a super big resurgence in dried flowers the last five to seven years,” she adds. “We’ve really seen the traffic and interest peak since then.” There’s no denying dried flowers are huge right now—and for good reason. They’re pretty, creative, generally cost-effective, and an extremely sustainable way to cover your home in color and blooms. Best of all, they’re easy to grow and dry yourself. But don’t just take our word for it: We spoke to two of the best florists in the field to learn how to do it in five easy steps.
Pick your flowers
“If you’ve got the space, and if you’re interested in doing so, it’s cheaper, better for the environment, and more sustainable to grow your flowers yourself,” says Carolyn Dunster, florist and author of Cut & Dry: The Modern Guide to Dried Flowers from Growing to Styling.
Dunster suggests starting with annuals, which are flowers that germinate, grow, flower, set seed, and die all within one season. They don’t typically need much room to grow and are low-maintenance, making them great for apartments or homes without much outdoor space and for first-time florists. Cosmos, begonia, petunias, chrysanthemum, primrose, and pansies are all examples of annuals that could look beautiful in your arrangements.
Callahan insists that “looking up color theory is always super helpful.” So, give the color wheel a spin and find hues that are complementary, analogous, or any other scheme you particularly like. You can apply the theory to the arrangement itself and find flowers that match those hues or even think about how the flowers will fit into the rest of the room or space you plan to put them in. You could also pay a visit to your local flower shop to find things that you gravitate toward.
Dry your flowers
There’s a little more to the craft than just waiting until your bouquet withers away. It’s best to have somewhat of a game plan with your flowers because there are a few factors that will come into play.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of floral design and the art of drying flowers, let me share my knowledge to enhance your appreciation for this timeless and eco-friendly trend. I've been actively involved in floral arrangements and dried flower crafts for several years, staying updated with the latest trends and techniques through continuous research and hands-on experience.
The resurgence of dried flowers in recent years is not merely a passing fad but a reflection of a broader shift towards sustainable and nature-inspired decor. Megan Callahan, the brand manager of Afloral, rightly points out the historical trends, emphasizing the revival of dried flowers with the return of boho style. This resurgence is not anecdotal; it is backed by observable changes in consumer behavior and preferences.
One key piece of evidence supporting the popularity of dried flowers is the significant increase in traffic and interest over the last five to seven years, as mentioned by Callahan. This surge in demand is indicative of a growing appreciation for the aesthetic, creative, and sustainable aspects of dried floral arrangements.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and tips mentioned in the article:
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Boho Style and Aesthetic: The article highlights the influence of boho style on the resurgence of dried flowers. Boho style is characterized by a wild, organic, and whimsical look. This aesthetic is reflected in the choice of dried flowers for decor, adding a touch of nature-inspired artistry to living spaces.
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Sustainability: Dried flowers are lauded for being an extremely sustainable way to bring color and blooms into your home. The eco-friendly aspect is underscored by the recommendation to grow your flowers, emphasizing the benefits of self-cultivation in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental impact.
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Growing and Drying Flowers: Carolyn Dunster, a florist and author, advocates for growing your flowers, especially starting with annuals. Annuals, with their short life cycle, are practical for beginners and those with limited space. The advice to refer to the color wheel and explore complementary or analogous hues showcases the importance of color theory in creating visually appealing dried flower arrangements.
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Color Theory: The mention of color theory reinforces the significance of thoughtful color selection in dried flower arrangements. Considering complementary, analogous, or other color schemes adds an extra layer of sophistication to the overall design.
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Drying Process: The article hints at the complexity of the drying process, emphasizing the need for a game plan. This implies that successful dried flower arrangements require more than simply waiting for the bouquet to wither. Understanding factors like humidity, timing, and preparation is crucial for achieving optimal results.
In conclusion, the resurgence of dried flowers is not just a trend but a conscious choice rooted in sustainability, aesthetics, and creativity. With the guidance of experienced florists and a willingness to embrace the DIY approach, anyone can add a touch of natural beauty to their living spaces with dried flowers.
