As I expand my knowledge of sustainable floristry practices, it makes my heart flutter knowing there’s been a surge in appreciation and love for dried florals. Once misunderstood, now weddings and stylings dedicate their entire design vision on making dried flowers, foliage and grasses the main focus. From the boho installations of pampas grass, to the subtle Ikebana inspired gatherings of branches and tiny stems, or blended with lush fresh flowers. There is such beauty in intentionally honoring every stage of a bloom.
Every natural form of a bloom tells a different story of its life; a different look, a different purpose. In fact, there are certain flowers and foliage I find more beautiful and intriguing once they’ve dried. Their colors faded into a rich depth, their structure frozen in time. But they also require more patience and care from us. Dried blooms are more fragile as petals can easily fall, even if preserved well. They move only in the direction this later stage of life has set for them, so creating natural movement that isn’t stiff, requires an open mind, and patience.
With Autumn on the horizon, we’re welcoming the transition from sunny and bright to subtle and moody. Reflected here in these designs, my approach is always the same…simple and carefree.
Hydrangeas are one of those flowers I appreciate and enjoy styling more when they have dried. They naturally become antique, possessing an heirloom and vintage aura. In time, they gracefully mature into a beautiful marbling of colors that celebrate the seasonal transition from Summer to Autumn. Every soft hue of green, hazel, brown, sepia, caramel, beige, pink, mauve and burgundy — all a delight to gaze upon, even more so to create with.
With a delicate hand, the first floral inspiration is a grand arrangement perfect for displaying atop your table all throughout the season of Autumn. Or lovely for a September wedding, welcoming an aisle or surrounding the ends of your guest tables. Using a floral frog, secured into a handmade Portuguese barro {terra cotta ceramics} vessel, I began creating the shape of this larger piece, starting with the highest stems. Once the structure is firmly secure, begin filling spaces within the center, and then draping slightly down from the vessel onto the table.
One can create this arrangement with less volume for a more minimalist look. And you may need to rearrange stems as you go depending on the evolving shape of your design, as well as accommodating the security of your structure…..
Our second styling veers more minimalist. But when grouped together along a tabletop it becomes an intriguing modern approach to a lush Autumn design. Smoked glass, first introduced in the 70s, has found its footing within the design world once more. Its a favorite of mine to work with. I find its delicate moodiness to be sexy, romantic and easily adaptable.
Here we gathered small bud vases and versatile drinking glasses, like coupes. Adding longer stems for height, I then pulled apart small bundles of flowers that were nestled within. The dainty flower petals atop the table were a natural effect made simply from working with the dried stems. And yet it makes the look more intimate and inviting. With vintage candlelight flickering in the late summer sun, its wax beautifully dripping — it all exudes a modern romance.
No water is required when working with dried florals such as these. It makes the upkeep of dried creations effortless and sustainable, as they last all season long without creating waste.
I hope these arrangements inspire you to expand your approach to floral design and transitional seasonal design, while also learning and appreciating the beauty of the natural world, in its all forms…..
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