Dried Flower Lecture

My experience at the Pick Tennessee Conference & Teaching about Dried Florals

Connecting with Fellow Growers at Pick TN

The Pick TN Conference was an enlightening experience while stepping into the world of Agriculture and learning about a wide variety of topics! Stepping into a room filled with fellow farmers, growers, and flower lovers reminded me why I love being part of this community. There’s something special about connecting with people who share a passion for growing, creating, and educating.

This year, I had the honor of giving a lecture on the best blooms to grow for dried florals,  which is a topic that has become a huge part of my cut flower-growing journey. From resilient staples like Strawflower to seed pod textural elements that bring dried arrangements to life, I shared my top picks and tips for growing, harvesting, and storing these flowers.

I also had the chance to chat with so many wonderful people—some just starting their dried flower journey, others seasoned growers looking to refine their techniques. The energy in the room was inspiring, and I walked away even more excited about the future of dried florals in the cut flower industry!

What I Shared in My Lecture on Dried Flowers

Dried flowers are more than just a trend—they are a timeless way to extend the beauty of blooms well beyond their fresh-cut stage. During my talk, I broke down the best blooms to grow for drying into three key categories:

1. Everlasting Staples: The Must-Haves for Every Dried Flower Grower

These are the flowers that consistently perform well when dried, retaining their color, shape, and beauty. Some of my favorites include:

• Strawflower – A true drying staple with its papery petals that hold up beautifully.
• Statice – One of the best flowers for vibrant, long-lasting dried arrangements.
• Celosia – The unique textures of cockscomb and plume varieties make this a standout.

2. Textural Elements: Adding Depth and Interest

These flowers and plant materials bring movement and variety to dried arrangements. I shared how elements like these below can really bring character to a dried flower bouquet:

• Airy Spikes  – Bunny tail grass, Sea Holly and Astilbe provide height in an arrangement.
• Seed Pods - Nigella, Penstemon and Milkweed pods add rounded textures.
• Greenery - Eucalyptus and Evergreens – A go-to foliage that holds its shape and offers a lovely scent.

3. Workhorse Fillers: Bringing It All Together

Every dried arrangement needs strong supporting players. I covered a few of my favorites that blend well in bouquets and wreaths:

• Yarrow – The perfect filler with tiny blooms that dry effortlessly.
• Mountain Mint – Adds a delicate, light sage green touch to dried arrangements.
• Peonies - Add a large flower head to a space ensuring she will be an eye catcher in the dried arrangement. 

Harvesting, Storing & Using Dried Flowers

While I didn’t go in-depth on harvesting and storing in my talk, I did share some key takeaways. Timing is everything—harvesting at the right stage ensures the best color and form when dried. Proper drying techniques, like hanging flowers upside down in a dark, dry space, make a world of difference.

And of course, the fun part is using dried flowers! Whether for bouquets, wreaths, or pressed flower art, there are endless ways to enjoy them. I’ll be covering all of these topics in greater detail in my upcoming ebook on growing and using dried flowers—stay tuned!

A Conference to Remember

Beyond my lecture, one of the best parts of Pick TN was connecting with fellow flower farmers, educators, and industry experts. It’s always inspiring to hear how others are growing and innovating in the world of cut flowers. I left feeling encouraged and full of new ideas to bring back to my own farm.

Want to Learn More or Book Me to Speak?

If you’re as excited about dried flowers as I am, there’s more to come! My ebook on growing, drying, and designing with flowers will be available soon, so be sure to follow along for updates.

I also love teaching and speaking at events like Pick TN! If you’re organizing a conference, workshop, or event and would love to have me share about cut flower growing, dried florals, or floral design, I’d be honored to join. You can reach out to me through my contact form here to start the conversation.