EVERLASTINGS, finding beauty in the details

There is something about dried flowers that captures my attention. Maybe it’s more about getting a second chance. Finding beauty in the details and space to get creative. With everlastings there isn’t the pressure of time like cut flowers require. I also find more grace when designing.

To naturally preserve flowers all you need is time. I opt out of harmful drying techniques so that everlasting's can be composted. Instead of pesticides, I choose beneficial insects, crop rotation & cover crops, creating an ecosystem that invites pollinators & maintains a holistic apiary.

I have grown to realize that not all flower varieties are ideal for drying. Some hold their color better than others while others shatter & brown.

I encourage you to trial varieties for yourself. I would like to share a few of my favorite everlasting varieties. Each collection requires a different drying time. For example, a strawflower’s larger head requires more time than lavender.

Bunny tail/Lagurus Ovatus, Cress, Larkspur, Money Plant/Lunaria., Ranunculus, Safflower/Carthamus, Starflower/Scabiosa, Strawflower/cerochrysum bracteatum, Wings Everlasting/Ammobium, and Xeranthemum are a few of my favorites.

This season I am trialing Gomphrena, Billy Buttons & Safflower. As they dry, I study the pedal's hues evolving. I’m romanced by the beauty and realization that they can be repurposed and given a second chance.

My appreciation for preservation began many moons ago. It was likely a homecoming corsage from our local florist. I admit to holding onto it long after it had dried on my dresser as a keepsake. For years I have pressed flower heads for my stepmom. Karen is an accomplished artist and owner of Crystal Bouquet at Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market.

When harvesting flowers for drying, consider their bloom. I prefer a 2/3 bloom stage so that petals are open and dodge full pollination, hoping to avoid bud shattering. It is ideal if the morning dew dries before bunching so bundles can avoid spoiling.

With practice, I have discovered that I prefer to strip any leaves in the field and build bunches before hanging them to dry.

If I am not planning on immediately designing with them once the bunches are completely dry I have learned to store them properly in cardboard boxes. Label them with the variety name & date.

When brides trust the process this gives me creative space to take opportunities and weave dried flowers into fresh-cut flower arrangements when appropriate.

I have found joy in creating garlands, wreaths, elopement flower crowns, confetti, ornaments & tablescapes.

The muted colors & textures are understated and I appreciate the opportunity to give everlasting's space to be highlighted.

I see the beauty in each bloom down to the textures and pedals shades. I work hard rescuing every bloom so no pedal is wasted.

If this resonates with you you are in the right place. Consider an everlasting arrangement next time you need flowers in your life.

Thank you for following along, seeing beauty in my story, and joy in flowers. I look forward to sharing this journey to flowers with you.

Keep Flourishing Friends, kari

photo credit @mollyvadenphotography @KevinA.KreigPhotography