Are we all getting bored of winter yet? One of the things I don’t like about this season is the dark; it makes blogging original content so much more difficult as there is such a short window of light during which I can take half way decent photographs (I find this difficult enough without having so little natural light). Saying that, I took all of the photos below on a really dark day so they have been photo-shopped within an inch of their lives!
Another thing I find difficult about winter is the lack of colour outside. I miss beautiful spring blooms, wild flowers and blossoming trees. I also miss some of my favourite flowers at the florist and can find it really difficult to find what I like without having to spend a small fortune. I can’t just grab a hydrangea stem from the balcony or a handful of wild flowers from the roof terrace so buying cut flowers every week can be pretty pricey.
This winter I have found a great solution to this problem, which is a lovely selection of dried flowers from The Great British Florist. I used to have this idea that dried flowers were ‘grannyish’ and were all very earthy, dull tones. However, I have bought beautiful bright bunches of dried flowers that have really brightened up my home and have cost me nothing much at all compared to weekly fresh flowers.
I love this little display on one of my Ikea picture ledges including dried Gypsophila, Eucalyptus, Peonies and Nigella.
The vivid pink of this Larkspur injects some much needed colour at this time of year.
Who knew that you could dry Peonies? They are so pretty.
One bunch of Larkspur that costs £4.50 has filled three vases in my home.
Did you see my hallway makeover? This vase from Petersham Nurseries usually lives on my new hallway table with yellow flowers to tie in with this cushion. I was finding it so difficult to find tall yellow flowers so these Achilleas are perfect! I had to bring it all into my home office to photograph because there was not enough light in the hallway.
If you, too, need an inexpensive boost of colour to your home during these dark days then check out the selection at The Great British Florist.
Katy x
Ohh I rather like the achilleas dried, thank you for putting me on to The Great Brtish Florist having a burst of brights that last and last is a good thing in my book. Jane x
The Achilleas are beautiful, aren’t they? I love the deep yellow x
I’m a huge fan of dried flowers, as you can see from my styling the seasons post this month. I’ve not heard of this firm, off to check. Those peonies are stunning!!!!
Lou x
LOVE the peonies and had absolutely no idea that they can be dried – did you? I also love all the dried flowers around your beautiful home, Lou xx
thanks for the g.r.e.a.t tip off. gorgeous post as ever. am skipping off inspired to look at The Great British Florist. olivia X
Oh good! So glad you’ve been inspired xx
What a great idea, I love how the roses have kept their colour, usually when I try and dry them they go brown and horrible. I do love craspedia (those yellow bobbly ones) though. x
They’re actually Peonies, Cate, not roses. They are a really pretty colour xx
Love the Achilleas and Larkspur, such great colours. I’ve been so surprised how well my Eucalyptus has lasted. I bought some for last months Styling the Seasons, so have had it for more than a month now, and it has dried beautifully. X
I dried some Eucalyptus, too, and I love it. I like the pale silvery colour – so pretty xx
Love all of these & such a fab idea! Still using your one bunch spread out tip at the mo. but this a great alternative x
Thanks, Sarah-Lou! I’m so glad you are still using the one bunch spread out tip but I’m trying to save my pennies at the mo so even one bunch is a bit of an extravagance now I don’t get a salary 😉
I’m amazed at how colourful some of them are! I have dried lavender in our bathroom and some dried gypsophilia left over from our wedding 2 years ago, I don’t think they look too grannyish yet but might need to add some colour to them to make sure 🙂
and yes to winter being over please
I love dried Gypsophila! How lovely that it is left o we from your wedding. Definitely not grannyish!! X
So lovely to see your take on this Katy…I’m also a fan of dried flowers around the home, but worry that others might find them a little morbid or ‘old fashioned’!? I’ve discovered drying them in water {leaving them in a vase with just a drop of water in the bottom} somehow allows them to retain their colour. Can’t wait to try it with peonies in summer!
Lovely pictures, despite the grey days x
That’s exactly what I thought, Jessica, but I really like these ones and don’t feel old fashioned at all. Do you think the drying in water technique would work for peonies? I just wonder how you can stop them shedding their petals xx
These look lovely and modern! I really want some dried peonies now 🙂
Thank you, Angelique! The peonies cost £4.50 for a bunch and so far I’ve had mine for nearly three months and they look perfect still. Treat yourself! x