Dried flowers have made a major comeback in recent years, and it's easy to see why. They're sustainable, long-lasting, and bring a beautiful, nostalgic quality to any space. Whether you're buying dried arrangements or creating your own, here's everything you need to know. ## Why Choose Dried Flowers? **Longevity:** While fresh flowers last 7-10 days, dried arrangements can last months or even years with proper care. **Sustainability:** No water, no refrigeration, no weekly replacements—dried flowers have a much lower environmental impact. **Value:** Though the initial cost may be similar to fresh, the longevity makes dried flowers excellent value. **Aesthetic:** There's something timeless and romantic about dried flowers. They work beautifully in modern, rustic, and vintage-inspired interiors. ## Popular Dried Flowers **Pampas Grass:** The Instagram favourite. These tall, feathery plumes make a dramatic statement. **Lavender:** Retains its beautiful colour and calming scent when dried. **Cotton Stems:** These add wonderful texture and a soft, natural feel. **Eucalyptus:** Available in various varieties, dried eucalyptus is fragrant and versatile. **Hydrangeas:** These large blooms dry beautifully, retaining their shape and colour. **Wheat & Grasses:** Perfect for adding height and movement to arrangements. ## How to Dry Flowers at Home ### Air Drying (The Traditional Method) 1. Choose flowers at their peak, just before full bloom 2. Remove excess foliage 3. Bundle stems together (small bunches work best) 4. Hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark place 5. Wait 2-3 weeks until completely dry **Best for:** Lavender, roses, hydrangeas, statice, strawflowers ### Pressing 1. Place flowers between sheets of absorbent paper 2. Layer with heavy books or use a flower press 3. Wait 2-4 weeks 4. Carefully remove and seal if desired **Best for:** Delicate flowers, leaves, creating art pieces ### Silica Gel 1. Bury flowers completely in silica gel crystals 2. Seal in an airtight container 3. Wait 1-2 weeks 4. Gently brush off gel **Best for:** Preserving colour and shape, thicker flowers ## Caring for Dried Flowers - Keep away from direct sunlight (prevents fading) - Avoid humidity (can cause mould) - Dust gently with a soft brush or hairdryer on cool - Handle carefully—they're more fragile than fresh ## Styling with Dried Flowers **Minimalist:** A single pampas grass stem in a tall, narrow vase. **Bohemian:** Mixed arrangement in a vintage ceramic vessel. **Modern:** Structured bouquet in a geometric vase. **Rustic:** Wild, unstructured arrangement in a basket or terracotta pot. ## Our Dried Flower Collection At Kearney's Gardens, we offer: - Ready-made dried arrangements - Individual dried stems for DIY projects - Dried flower workshops - Custom dried wedding bouquets Visit us to explore our current selection—we're always happy to help you find the perfect everlasting blooms.