Download Everlasting Garden Moluccella laevis

Everlasting Garden
Bells of Ireland – Moluccella laevis
Grows to a height of 18”. Cut the stems after the leaves have fallen, late summer
or early fall. Stand the stems in tall container, in 2” of water. When water
evaporates, hand upside down, individually. Bells are great for fresh cuts, but
they are geo-tropic responding to the effects of gravity, meaning whether they
are arranged diagonally or vertically, the tips of the flowers will curve upwards.
Artemesia – A.albula, A.absinthium Compositae
This genus includes the herbs tarragon and wormwood. Silver King and Silver
Queen are the most available varieties. It is an extremely hardy perennial. This
attractive spire is great for arrangements, and excellent for wreath base. Pick in
late August, strip off only the bottom soiled leaves, hang to air dry.
Amaranthus - Amaranthus caudatus, A.tricolor
The very look of this plant speaks of Victorian gardens and parlors. It is a tropical
plant and should be started inside, but also does well planting seeds after danger
of frost. Pick the stalks when about half the blossoms are open and half are still
tightly closed and hand to dry. Dry in a vase for curved shapes.
Celosia – C.argentea var. cristata, plumosa: Amaranthaceae
Coxcomb variety is a great focal flower. Plumosa varieties are tall and feathery.
Both types are tender annuals and can be grown from seeds; start early indoors.
Cut the stem when they are just coming into full bloom. Do not strip off leaves.
Stand alone or in uncrowded bunches in a container with no water, when the
stems are no longer moist, hang upside down. It is important to see that the
stems are completely free of moisture before hanging or the damp will damage
the blooms.
Everlasting Sand Flower, Winged everlasting, or Amobium – Amobium alatum
Grows to 18” to 24”. Stems are stiff, flowers are silvery white, often with yellow
center, blooms profusely from July to October. Flowers must be picked before
the yellow centers are visible, but after the buds have started to open. Immature
buds do not open. These flowers are excellent for glue work. They can be used as
fresh cuts.
Gomphrena – G.globosa: Amaranthacea
Also known as Globe Amaranth resembles a brilliant purple, pink, orange or red
clover. Dry well on natural stems, but sometimes need to be wired for support.
Gypsophilia – G. paniculata; Caryophyllaceae
Pretty plant – in the garden, bouquets and arrangements. Bristol Fairy is one of
the most familiar varieties. Easily air dries upside down or in a vase. This is a
perennial and needs lots of room in the garden and adds a soft airy feel.
Helichrysum – H.bracteatum; Compositae
Strawflower, probably the best-known of the everlastings. It easy to grow from
seed, but not grown for it’s beauty in the garden. The strawflower is great for
“glue work” using only the heads. Many sizes and colors. Leaves must be
removed and hung in bunches to dry. Stems in most cases are strong enough to
be used, but some florists like to wire before drying for extra support.
Larkspur – Consolida ambigua, C.regalis, C. orientalis
Air dries very well, either hanging or standing if picked when about half of florets
are fully open.
Limonium – L.sinuatum, L. suworowii, L.latifolium; Plumbaginaceae
Many different types – perennial varieties; German Statice, Caspia, Sea Lavender,
annual statice. All are easy to grow and are a must for designing with
everlastings. Perennial varieties should be cut and hung when flowers are fully
open. Statice sinuatum harvest when most of the blooms are at least three
quarters open. Hang upside down until stems are dry.
Love in a Mist – Nigella damascene
Beautiful old fashioned garden annual. Name is derived from the appearance of
the delicate flower surrounded by the mist of the fine-cut filmy foliage. The
flower, usually blue or white, is an intricate composition of petals, stamens and
styles, followed by an even more wonderful inflated pod. The pods of the dark
blue flowers are often streaked with red or purple. Pick when capsules have
started to open at the top and scatter seeds freely. Grows best when self-sown.
Salvia – S.superba, S. farinaceae
With over 700 species of salvia to choose from, it’s hard to pick the best for
drying. There are annuals, bienniels and perennials. Most are great to air dry. A
favorite is Salvia Victoria.
Solidago – S. Canadensis
Commonly known as Goldenrod. Excellent for wreath bases. Air dry when one
third of the flowers are open, the rest will open while drying. Remove all leaves.
Yarrow – Achillea filipendulina
Achillea filipendulina is the best yellow yarrow. Also varieties now with reds,
purples and rose pinks. Great for drying and use as focal flowers. Great as fresh
cuts.