The Dried Flower Phenomenon

Gone are the days of freshly picked bouquets with their heady scents, vivid colours and hay fever inducing pollen puffs. Instead, in 2020, many of us flocked to their mature, cooler cousin, sporting a more subdued and classic look. Now in 2021, the reign of dehydrated blossoms continues from the musical poppy seed head to wispy pampas grass. Dried flowers offer a wide selection, proving to be a practical yet pretty option for any homemaker, and they have a deceivingly rich history.

The simple method of drying your blooms stemmed from the ancient Egyptians, utilising them for floral perfumes. The Middle Ages saw a more medicinal take, whilst the Japanese transformed them into beautiful pieces of art.

It is the latter path that the majority of us have now chosen to venture down, and quite understandably so. I challenge you not to find at least one example of a carefully set arrangement whilst scrolling through your feeds. If you are not entirely convinced of the attraction these simple yet deceivingly beautiful decor pieces can offer, read on.

1) They last for years

A regular flower bouquet can last up to ten days. They ultimately prove to be quite high maintenance, with browning leaves needing tending and water demanding to be changed to avoid foul odours. After this window, your lovely blooms start to wither sadly, and the process repeats once more. Dried flowers provide a little luxury regarding time. No water is required here, or natural sunlight for that matter, making for easy furnishing companions. A serious elevation to your standard fake flowers, of which a lot of us shirk away from, deeming them undesirable and even tacky. The dried flower marks a prudent middle ground, or even beyond to a sense of decided elegance. Be wary however, they do not last forever and will need to be replaced every one to three years (depending on the type of flower), lest you find yourself waking up to mouldy fleurs. 2) They can carry their original scent

Don’t be fooled; dried flowers can retain their original scent but in a more subtle form, without conjuring up sneezing fit after sneezing fit. Cast away hayfever blues and opt for this nose friendly choice.

3) There is a wide variety

Just like your regular floral options, preserved flowers have countless types for you to choose from, providing the opportunity to arrange and design to your heart’s content. The names themselves can provide an element of sweet humour, from Pink Bunny Tails to Cloud Grass and the much loved Billy Buttons. Whether you’re a pastel princess, a beach toned colour lover, or possess an appreciation for a darker alternative, the dried flower can accommodate your own personal tastes. Even then, if you can’t quite unearth your desired colour palette, you can paint over existing petals to achieve your desired look. The evident breadth and diversity can add unique character to your home and lift a space in unsuspecting ways.

4) They are suitable for almost all occasions

Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries — a dried flower arrangement can introduce an element of refinement and beauty to any special occasion.

The dried flower phenomenon happened quite suddenly, but it is definitely here to stay and I am all for it. If anything, take it from an expert: “Dried flower bouquets are an easy way of adding a little bit of texture to your home – while avoiding the guilt of constantly buying fresh flowers - Lyndsey Goodger, Director of Rose & Grey (Livingetc. Modern Home Design and Style).

So, what do you say? Are you a fan or a critic of the dried flower phenomenon?

Photography by Vojtech Bartonicek, professional lifestyle photographer based in London and owner of imagesvb.