Forget the fleeting beauty of fresh blooms – there’s a charming, sustainable, and utterly delightful trend sweeping across Dutch farms: picking your own dried flowers! Yes, you read that right. Imagine a field awash with muted yet vibrant hues of everlasting flowers, just waiting for you to create your own everlasting bouquet.

The Joy of the Everlasting Harvest

Stepping onto a farm dedicated to dried flowers is a truly unique experience. It’s a treasure hunt for the eyes, a gentle rustle of papery petals in the breeze. Picture yourself wandering through rows of lavender, statice, helichrysum, and more, their forms perfectly preserved by nature’s own hand. There’s a certain meditative pleasure in carefully selecting each stem, admiring its colour, its texture, its unique twist or curl. It’s slower, more intentional than picking fresh flowers, a mindful connection to nature that yields a lasting reward.

Whether you’re going solo, enjoying a peaceful afternoon of creative inspiration, or making it a fun outing with friends and family, it’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours. Kids absolutely adore picking their own “forever flowers,” their eyes wide with wonder at the muted rainbow before them. You’ll leave with arms full of nature’s artistry, a proud smile on your face, and the satisfaction of having crafted something beautiful from scratch. No wilting worries, no rushed displays – just pure, enduring beauty.

Bringing the Everlasting Charm Home

Once you’re back, your bounty of dried flowers is ready to transform your living space into a haven of rustic elegance and timeless charm.

  • Effortless Elegance in Vases: Pop them into a vintage ceramic vase, a modern minimalist jug, or even a simple glass bottle. A single type of flower makes a striking statement, or mix and match for a bohemian, abundant feel.
  • Stunning Wall Decor: Create a beautiful dried flower wreath for your door or a wall hanging for a touch of natural artistry. Simply gather a selection, tie them with twine, and hang them proudly.
  • Thoughtful Table Centerpieces: Arrange smaller clusters in various containers for a charming tablescape. They’re perfect for everyday joy or special occasions, adding a touch of sustainable beauty.
  • Gift-Wrapping Magic: Tie a small sprig of dried flowers to a gift package for an extra special, personal touch that shows you care.
  • Bathroom Bliss: Even your bathroom can benefit from their serene presence. A small vase on a shelf or windowsill adds a spa-like tranquility.

Sip & Savor: The Floral Gin Fizz

While dried flowers are primarily for visual delight, certain varieties like dried rose petals or lavender can be used to infuse spirits or create beautiful garnishes. Let’s make a delightful cocktail that celebrates their subtle essence and stunning appearance!

The “Dutch Garden” Gin Fizz

This refreshing cocktail uses dried rose petals to infuse a simple syrup, lending a delicate floral note and beautiful blush color.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Gin
  • 25 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 25 ml Rose Petal Simple Syrup (recipe below)
  • 100 ml Soda Water
  • Ice
  • Garnish: A few dried rose petals or a small sprig of dried lavender/statice (from your pickings!)

Rose Petal Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dried Rose Petals (food-grade, if consuming)

Instructions for Rose Petal Simple Syrup:

  1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the dried rose petals.
  3. Let the mixture steep for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a more intense flavour.
  4. Strain out the rose petals using a fine-mesh sieve. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Instructions for the Cocktail:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and the rose petal simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Top with soda water.
  6. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried rose petals or a beautiful small sprig of dried flower from your harvest.

Enjoy the simple, enduring pleasure of your hand-picked dried flowers, both in your home and in your glass!