Twiggy stems make a backbone for floristry
Woody stems such as Birch and Pussy Willow take a little longer to dry than delicate flower stems but are worth it. The thicker the stem the longer it takes to fully desiccate. Foraging in the forest (with permission) for dead branches is one way to source larger branches, or pet shops often have a good supply for terrariums.
Pussy Willow branches
Pussy Willow (see top image) has the botanical name Salix caprea. The cute fluffy bobbles add textural interest to an arrangement, or simply display an odd number in a tall narrow vase. These arrive in the spring and you can find them fresh in florists and supermarkets after Christmas until Easter. We dry them every year at daisyshopUK which takes about ten days in a warm room. Because of their seasonality, they are often used in spring, Easter and Mothers Day bouquets. Buy Pussy Willow.
Birch twigs
Birch has the botanical name Betula and the simple mid brown twigs can be straight or lightly branched. Use them to add woody interest to a bouquet, or hang gifts and ornaments. Buy birch twigs for floristry.
Woody Cotton Pod dried flower stems
Cotton Pods have the botanical name Gossypium and are an exotic dried flowers twig from warmer climes with large fluffy white cotton bolls. Again display a few in a tall vase to add textural interest to a room.
Bulrush stalks
Bulrushes are also known as Cattails or Reedmace and have the botanical name Typha. In nature they prefer riversides and damp areas and bear tactile velvety architectural heads in shades of brown.
Teasels on woody branches
Teasels have the botanical name Dipsacus. They are a UK wildflower popular with bees – if foraging them rather than buying, do make sure you have the landowners permission. They grow like weeds where they’re happy and we have a lot here near the seaside in Sussex.
Proteas dried flowers
These are another exotic flower, being native to South Africa. The woody flowers make an eye-catching alternative bouquet.
Wooden picks
Picks are items attached to a stick, often used to add interest to a bouquet. At Christmas, pine cones or bundles of cinnamon sticks are prime options for this treatment. Other decorative items might be cedar roses, which give a similar effect to Proteas above. I’ve seen mini blackboards on sticks, wicker hearts and even cuddly Easter bunnies! They’re a great inexpensive way to mark a special occasion which can be easily removed to extend the life of the bouquet or arrangement.