Tips for Foraged Flowers

By Sarah Whiton

Living in Maine means that spring and summer offer beautiful native plants and flowers to enjoy! The designers at Farmhouse Floral love going outside and cutting native plants to create arrangements, incorporate in our events work and design within our own homes.

Arranging native flowers is a fun way to get outside and appreciate our native surroundings, but we've got some tips on how to do so with consideration and respect.

1. Location - It's always best advised not to cut plants or flowers on property that you do not have permission to do so on! Stick to your own yard and/or friends' yards (with their permission!) Don't cut plants or flowers on State or National Parks land or in conservation areas.
2. Species - It is good to get familiar with poisonous and protected species that grow locally. (If you've ever suffered a poison ivy rash, you know just what I'm talking about!) A few protected plants include: Lady Slipper Orchids, Wild Columbine and any alpine plants - consider capturing these in a photograph to enjoy instead of picking!
3. Be Conservative - Pick flowers that are abundant and don't take more than you need. Never cut so much from a plant that it could kill it, and leave enough blooms for seeds to propagate.
4. Look out for Insects! - Bugs don't want to be transported from their environment any more than you want them to. It's always a good idea to check your cuttings over for any insects before bringing them in the house, and gently leave them outside.
5. Get Creative! - Don't rule out branches, pinecones, tree bark, grasses, etc. Our natural world is abundant in textures and colors which can be great additions to your floral arrangements!

For more information and advice about native plants in Maine, check out this helpful guide for species in our area and for further conservation considerations!