Written by Amity Moore Joyce
Dried floral arrangements are cool again. While older generations may look down their noses at what some perceive as not-so-stylish décor from their grandparents’ era, younger decorators love the sustainability and look of today’s dried floral arrangements. And the truth is that dried flowers have been part of civilization for a Very. Long. Time. Historians have documented their use during the heyday of ancient Egypt, 5,000 years ago, when Egyptians used them as part of ceremonial traditions, burials, decoration, and in the making of different fragrances.
Fast-forward to the 16th century when the Japanese turned dried flowers into art. Known as Oshibana, the art of drying and pressing plants, requires careful arrangement of the botanicals on washi paper to create specific images. Often the depictions are of flowers in a vase, but sometimes they might be arranged in the form of a woman’s skirt or a bird on a branch.
English Victorians showed their love of dried florals in garlands, as special messages sent in notes, and jewelry. At the same time, Americans were picking up the fashion cues from overseas and were using dried flowers for home décor and as personal adornments.
Why has the tradition endured? Simply put, dried floral arrangements last far longer than their fresh counterparts. As local florists and floral designers know, they can be enjoyed in every season, when a favorite flower is no longer growing. They’re relatively easy to care for. And, for eco-minded flower-lovers and florists, like Golden-based Middlemist, dried arrangements and floral centerpieces are an easy, beautiful choice.
